1/2 cup finely diced red onion (about 1/2 small onion)
2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup bourbon
2 tablespoons dark or robust molasses (not blackstrap)
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground mustard
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Place the bacon in a skillet over low heat and cook until crisp, about 15 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and pat dry. Remove skillet from heat. Finely chop the cooked bacon and set aside. Again, over low heat, add the onion to the skillet and cook in the bacon fat, stirring occasionally, until softened -- about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds.
Now over medium heat, whisk in the remaining measured ingredients and season with a strong pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir in the reserved bacon and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and holds a line on the back of a wooden spoon when you drag a finger through it, about 25 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Transfer mixture to a blender and blend on high until smooth.
Recipe by The Bacon Hunter at https://thebaconhunter.com/?p=1312