Sweet, tangy, and fire-kissed—perfect for grilling in the Charlie Oven

Nothing beats sticky, smoky wings, and this apple & Irish whiskey BBQ sauce brings the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and boozy warmth. Made with fresh apples, rich whiskey, and a hint of spice, this sauce caramelises beautifully over fire, making it ideal for Charlie Oven wings.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Makes: About 500ml

Ingredients

• 2 apples (peeled, cored, and grated)
• 200g ketchup
• 75g brown sugar
• 50ml Irish whiskey (Jameson, Bushmills, or Redbreast work well)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1 – Cook the Apples

• In a saucepan, cook the grated apples over medium heat until they soften and release their juices (about 5 minutes).

Step 2 – Build the Sauce

• Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, whiskey, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3 – Simmer & Thicken

• Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy.
• For a smoother texture, blend with a hand blender or leave it chunky for a more rustic feel.

Step 4 – Cool & Store

• Let it cool slightly, then transfer to a jar or bottle.
• Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

How to Use Your Apple & Whiskey BBQ Sauce on Wings

🔥 Glaze the wings while cooking in the Charlie Oven, letting the sauce caramelise over the fire.
🍗 Toss freshly grilled wings in warm BBQ sauce before serving.
🥃 Serve as a dipping sauce.