Sweet And Smoky BBQ Sauce is a type of barbecue sauce that combines a sweet flavour, typically from brown sugar and molasses, with a savory, smoky taste, often from liquid smoke, smoked paprika.
I made this delicious Sweet And Smoky BBQ Sauce because I wanted something homemade, full of deep flavour, and better than store bought versions.
I was inspired while watching a Southern style cooking show that highlighted traditional barbecue flavours. Now, I’ll walk through each step to show exactly how this sauce comes together from scratch.
Sweet And Smoky BBQ Sauce
The main speciality of this Sweet and Smoky BBQ Sauce lies in its perfect balance of bold flavours sweetness from honey and brown sugar, richness from molasses and rum, and a deep, smoky kick from liquid smoke and spices.
The blend of apple cider vinegar and mustard adds tang, while spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, and allspice create a complex, layered taste.
Ideal for grilling or dipping, this sauce elevates any dish with its signature sweet heat and authentic smoky Southern style flavour.
How To Prepare Sweet And Smoky BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: American (Southern BBQ)
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: About 5 cups
Main Kitchen Utensils
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight jars or containers for storage
Ingredients
- 4 cups ketchup
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons rum
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring
How To Make Sweet And Smoky BBQ Sauce?
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
Grab a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat. Pour in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, water, rum (if you’re using it), and yellow mustard.
2. Stir and Heat:
Give everything a good whisk until it’s all combined. Keep stirring now and then, and let it come to a gentle simmer.
3. Add the Spices:
Once it’s simmering, toss in the black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, smoked paprika, chili powder, allspice, and a dash of liquid smoke. Stir it all together.
4. Let It Simmer:
Turn the heat down low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir every so often—by the end, it should start to thicken a bit.
5. Cool It Down & Store:
Take the sauce off the heat and let it cool completely. Once it’s cool, pour it into jars or containers with a good seal. Keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks, or pop it in the freezer if you want to store it longer.
Note
If it gets too thin after cooling, I simmer a little longer or whisk in a cornstarch slurry.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Total Fat | 0.3g |
| Sodium | 410mg |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Sugars | 22g |
| Protein | 0.5g |
Tips And Variations
Tips:
➢ Use fresh spices to maximize flavor.
➢ Simmer the sauce slowly to develop a rich, thick texture.
➢ Taste and adjust sweetness or heat as you go to suit preferences.
Variations:
➢ Add chipotle peppers for a smoky, spicy twist.
➢ Incorporate orange juice for a citrusy brightness.
➢ Mix in bourbon instead of rum for a deeper, warmer flavor.
Health Benefits Of Sweet And Smoky BBQ Sauce:
➤ Rich in Antioxidants: Ingredients like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder contain antioxidants that help fight free radicals and support overall health.
➤ Boosts Metabolism: Spices such as cayenne pepper and chili powder can increase metabolism and aid digestion.
➤ Contains Natural Sweeteners: Honey and molasses provide natural energy without refined sugars.
➤ Supports Immunity: Garlic powder and mustard have immune-boosting properties.
➤ Heart Healthy Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar can help regulate blood sugar and improve heart health.
Usage Suggestions
1. Brush it on ribs or chicken during grilling for a flavorful glaze.
2. Use as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or chicken tenders.
3. Mix into pulled pork or shredded chicken for sandwiches.
4. Drizzle over roasted vegetables to add smoky sweetness.
5. Stir into baked beans for an extra layer of barbecue flavor.
Why This Sweet And Smoky BBQ Sauce Is A Must Try?
This Sweet and Smoky BBQ Sauce offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavours that enhance any dish.
Its rich and bold taste adds depth to grilled meats, vegetables, and more. The combination of natural ingredients creates a homemade sauce that is full of character and freshness.
This sauce brings a delicious, comforting quality to meals, making every bite memorable. Its unique flavour profile makes it an essential addition to your cooking repertoire.
How Do You Preserve?
To preserve Sweet and Smoky BBQ Sauce, first allow it to cool completely after cooking. Transfer the sauce into clean, airtight glass jars or containers to maintain freshness.
Store it in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to 3 to 4 weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce in freezer safe containers or bags, which keeps it fresh for several months.
Always use a clean spoon when serving to avoid contamination, and if you notice any off smells or mold, discard the sauce immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Possible To Make The Sauce Vegan?
Yes, swapping honey for maple syrup and skipping or replacing rum works well.
Does The Sauce Require Liquid Smoke?
Liquid smoke enhances the smoky flavour but isn’t essential.
Can The Heat Level Be Changed?
Adjust cayenne and chili powder to make it milder or spicier.
Is This Sauce Suitable For Marinades?
It works perfectly for both marinating and finishing dishes.
Conclusion
My Sweet and Smoky BBQ Sauce was an easy, enjoyable, and absolutely delicious success! I truly hope you feel inspired to try it yourself it’s simple to make and packed with bold, mouthwatering flavour.
Whether you’re grilling, dipping, or marinating, this sauce adds the perfect finishing touch. Give it a try soon, and once you’ve made it, let me know just how delicious it turned out for you. I’m sure you’ll love every bite!
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Sweet And Smoky BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight jars or containers for storage
Ingredients
- 4 cups ketchup
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons rum
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring
Instructions
Mix the Base Ingredients:
- Grab a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat. Pour in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, water, rum (if you’re using it), and yellow mustard.
Stir and Heat:
- Give everything a good whisk until it’s all combined. Keep stirring now and then, and let it come to a gentle simmer.
Add the Spices:
- Once it’s simmering, toss in the black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, smoked paprika, chili powder, allspice, and a dash of liquid smoke. Stir it all together.
Let It Simmer:
- Turn the heat down low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir every so often—by the end, it should start to thicken a bit.
Cool It Down & Store:
- Take the sauce off the heat and let it cool completely. Once it’s cool, pour it into jars or containers with a good seal. Keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks, or pop it in the freezer if you want to store it longer.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110 | Total Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 410mg | Carbohydrates: 27g | Sugars: 22g | Protein: 0.5g“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”