Ingredients

Makes about 1 3/4 cups

　　1 1/2 cups sugar

　　1/2 cup water

　　1/2 cup bourbon

　　3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter

　　

Step 1

In a dry 3-quart heavy kettle cook sugar over moderately low heat, stirring slowly with a fork (to help sugar melt evenly), until melted and pale golden. Cook caramel, without stirring, swirling kettle, until deep golden. Remove kettle from heat and carefully add water and bourbon down side of kettle (mixture will bubble and steam). Simmer mixture, stirring, until caramel is dissolved. Stir in butter until incorporated and cool sauce to warm.

　　

Step 2

Butterscotch bourbon sauce may be made 1 week ahead and chilled covered. Reheat sauce to warm before serving.