Sassy Bourbon and Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce

Sassy Bourbon and Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce:

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons molasses 1/2 cup bourbon 1/2 cup ketchup 1/4 cup American-style chile sauce 1/4 cup apple-cider vinegar 1/8 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons Classic BBQ Rub, see recipe 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a large saucepan on the stove, add tomatoes, sugar, molasses, bourbon, ketchup, chile sauce, vinegars, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring after each additional ingredient to combine. Add the classic spice rub and simmer until the flavors have blended and the sauce has thickened somewhat, about 30 minutes.

Let the sauce cool for about 10 minutes or until it is warm but no longer "boiling" hot. Puree using an immersion or traditional blender. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt, about 1/2 teaspoon, and freshly ground pepper. Remember, the ribs will have plenty of spice rub on them, so don't over-season the sauce. Add the cocoa powder and mix well to combine. Let sit 5 minutes and stir again to make sure cocoa powder is well distributed. Let cool and pour into a clean glass jar for storing. The sauce can be made in advance and kept for 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Yield: 4 cups