Sweet Cherry Whiskey BBQ Sauce

Perfect with pork or chicken (or really anything you'd like to grill this summer), this sweet and tangy sauce can be made with either fresh or frozen cherries and gets a little extra kick from the addition of whiskey.

1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups fresh or frozen dark sweet cherries, pitted (about 10 oz)
1 1/2 cups ketchup
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup Nelson's Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey
3 teaspoons ground mustard
1 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
2 teaspoons smoked paprika

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add butter and sauté the onions until lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook for two minutes. Add the cherries and whiskey and stir for one minute to allow the alcohol to cook off before adding remaining ingredients and reducing heat to a low simmer. Cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Taste for seasoning and return to the saucepan to cook and thicken for about 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. Once prepared, this sauce will keep refrigerated for up to one month.