Root Beer Glaze for Great Burgers

This was Created by Lafayette, LA resident, George Graham, for the Sutter Homes Build a Better Burger Contest. It was one of the finalists as a sauce to glaze the Bluesiana burger with zydeco sauce, Mardi Gras slaw and root beer glaze. See my separately posted recipes to put them all together for the best burger! Or, use like we do, on all beef going on the grill, about 5 minutes before removing from the grill brush with this zinger of a sauce. Wow!

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups  root beer
• 1  cup bottled chili sauce
• 1⁄4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3  tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1  tablespoon dark molasses
• 1  teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1  teaspoon  root beer extract
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1. Combine the root beer soda, chili sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, molasses, liquid smoke, root beer extract, ginger, garlic powder, and onion powder in a heavy, medium fire-proof saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until reduced to about 1 cup and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside (it will thicken slightly as it cools).
4. *If using for burgers, Just before the patties are done, brush with the glaze.