Bourbon Mint Barbecue Sauce

Yield: About 1-1/2 cups

1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup chili sauce
1/3 cup mint jelly
1/4 cup bourbon
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar, or to taste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Combine the ketchup, chili sauce, mint jelly, bourbon, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke in a heavy saucepan. Slowly bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking often. Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently simmer the sauce until thick and richly flavored, 8 to 10 minutes, whisking from time to time. Correct the seasoning, adding a little more vinegar for tartness, sugar for sweetness, and salt and pepper to taste.