If sweet tomato-based sauces rule the backyard cookouts up north, down here in the Carolinas, Carolina Gold reigns supreme. This tangy mustard-based BBQ sauce was born in South Carolina and pairs beautifully with pulled pork, smoked chicken, or even drizzled over grilled sausages. It’s the kind of sauce that slaps your taste buds with a mix of sweet, heat, and tang — the golden trifecta of southern flavor.
What makes Carolina Gold shine is its simplicity. A handful of pantry staples come together to create that signature zingy bite with just enough sweetness to mellow the mustard’s edge. Whether brushed on your ribs or served on the side for dipping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any smoke session.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup yellow mustard
- 0.25 cup honey
- 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 6 dashes hot sauce
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine mustard, honey, vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, garlic powder, liquid smoke, and hot sauce.
- Bring to a light simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce heat and let it cook for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool. The sauce will continue to thicken as it rests.
- Store in a sealed jar and refrigerate for up to two weeks.
Serving Notes
This golden sauce shines brightest on pulled pork, but don’t stop there — drizzle it over smoked wings or use it as a sandwich spread. If you like it sweeter, bump up the honey; if you want more kick, add another dash or two of hot sauce.