Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

August 13, 2025

Cherry Dr Pepper has a unique, bold sweetness that practically begs to be paired with smoky barbecue flavors. This sauce blends that signature cherry cola richness with tangy apple cider vinegar, savory spices, and the distinctive kick of Revolution Barbecue North Carolina BBQ Rub. The rub’s balance of paprika, mustard, and pepper complements the fruity depth of the soda, while a splash of maraschino cherry juice intensifies the cherry character. Red pepper flakes add a warm, lingering heat that makes the sauce stand out without overpowering the sweetness. Whether brushed over ribs, basted onto chicken, or served on the side for dipping, this sauce turns any backyard cookout into something special.

Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce with North Carolina BBQ Rub

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Cuisine

American

Author: Glenn Connaughton

Glenn Connaughton

Servings

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Calories

This Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce captures the best of sweet, tangy, and smoky in one easy-to-make condiment. Using Revolution Barbecue North Carolina BBQ Rub gives it a rich backbone of spice that plays beautifully with the soda’s caramel-cherry notes. Maraschino cherry juice takes the fruit flavor over the top, while red pepper flakes provide just the right amount of heat. It’s a versatile sauce that works as well on slow-smoked pork as it does on weeknight grilled chicken, adding a pop of color and flavor that keeps people coming back for more.

Cook Mode

Ingredients

1 can (12 ounces) Cherry Dr Pepper
1 cup ketchup
¼ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons Revolution Barbecue North Carolina BBQ Rub
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
½ teaspoon Colman’s mustard powder
½ teaspoon granulated garlic
½ teaspoon granulated onion
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

Combine the base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together Cherry Dr Pepper, ketchup, dark brown sugar, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, North Carolina BBQ Rub, maraschino cherry juice, Colman’s mustard powder, granulated garlic, granulated onion, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer and reduce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Adjust to taste: Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more brown sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
Cool and store: Remove from the heat and let cool completely before transferring to a clean bottle or jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks

Recipe Note

This Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce brings together the nostalgic sweetness of cherry cola and the bold, tangy flavor of Revolution Barbecue North Carolina BBQ Rub for a sauce that’s as versatile as it is delicious. The rub infuses the sauce with layers of spice, perfectly complementing the fruity depth of the soda and maraschino cherry juice. Try it brushed onto ribs during the last 15 minutes of cooking, drizzled over pulled pork, or served alongside grilled chicken for dipping. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy makes it a perfect match for summer cookouts or game-day spreads. Stock up on Revolution Barbecue seasonings to create this and other mouthwatering recipes by visiting our Revolution Barbecue shop today.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, and should only be used as an approximation

Serving Size 1 serving (40 grams)
Calories 42, Fat 0 grams, Polyunsaturated Fat 0 milligrams, Monounsaturated Fat 0 milligrams, Carbs 10 grams, Protein 0 grams, Potassium 102 milligrams, Fiber 0 grams, Sodium 163 milligrams, Sugar 8 grams, Iron 0 milligrams