In a medium saucepan, add the ketchup, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, ground mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
If you’re using bourbon, add it along with the Worcestershire sauce. Stir again to incorporate everything. Allow the sauce to simmer for 15-20 minutes, until it thickens to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can cook it a little longer, stirring frequently.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you like a little more sweetness, you can add extra maple syrup. For more tanginess, add a splash of vinegar.
Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, remove from heat. Let it cool slightly before transferring it to a jar or bottle for storage.
Use the sauce to baste grilled meats, burgers, or as a dip for fries and other snacks.