Best Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
One of the best things to do in the summer is to share a barbecue meal with friends or family. I searched through my Grandpa’s recipe book for the Best Barbecue Sauce and came across his recipe. He was a master of making sauces. I hope you agree after you try this recipe!
What Ingredients Will I Need?
- Brown Sugar
- Ketchup
- Dry Sherry
- Cider Vinegar
- Onion
- Tomato Sauce
- Corn Syrup
- Molasses
- Tomato Paste
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Garlic
- Pepper
- Liquid Smoke
- Mustard
- Onion Salt
- Celery Salt
- Olive Oil

Helpful Tips
- Measure out as many ingredients as you can ahead of time so you can add them quickly.
- Have jars or bottles ready for storage when finished.
- Make a day or two ahead of time to allow flavors to blend and sauce to thicken.
- This recipe does not need to be exact. You can add more or less of the ingredients to make it just right for your tastebuds.
Variations
- Use water or half and half in place of dry sherry
- Use wine vinegar in place of cider vinegar
- Omit liquid smoke

Other Recipes You Might Like
My Easy Tartar Sauce Recipe is a homemade tartar sauce from my grandpa’s cookbook that you may enjoy. Alabama White Sauce from Southern Kissed is another great option for adding flavor to your meat. You can use these sauces on BBQ Pork Chops, Smoked Pork Butt , or Smoked Prime Rib. Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits or Cottage Cheese Bread would be great to have with your meal. For dessert, you may enjoy Old-Fashioned Pecan Cake Bars or Strawberry Angel Food Delight.
Final Thoughts on the Best Barbecue Sauce
My whole family liked the flavor of this barbecue sauce. We had it with brisket and we’ve had the extra with bratwurst, hot dogs, and little Smokies. It was not spicy so the kids enjoyed it too. I will definitely be making this again!
What do you like barbecue sauce with? What other sauces do you enjoy with your food? Let me know!

Best Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Brown Sugar Packed
- 2 Cups Ketchup
- 1 Cup Dry Sherry
- 1 Cup Cider Vinegar
- 1 Cup Onion Chopped
- 1 Can Tomato Sauce 8 ounces
- 1 Cup Corn Syrup
- 1 Cup Molasses
- 1 Can Tomato Paste 6 ounces
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic
- 1 Dash Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Liquid Smoke
- 1 Tablespoon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Onion Salt
- 1 teaspoon Celery Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, sauté onion with olive oil until tender and transparent.
- Combine the rest of the ingredients.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes or until the flavors are blended.
- Remove from heat; cool.
- Store in refrigerator in airtight container for up to 1 month.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.


Ooh, this BBQ sauce sounds so delicious; so full of flavours and deliciousness!
Thank you! It is really yummy!
Ooh this looks so delicious! I know my mum’s rather partial to barbecue sauce – she has it with everything – so I might try making this for her. Thank you so much for sharing x
I bet your mom would love it, then! 🙂
Love this recipe. Never thought of making my own BBQ sauce. Love the ingredients you use. It looks better than the store bought ones with all the preservatives. Will be pinning this for futher reference.
Thank you so much, Kevin! I do hope you enjoy it. It’s my grandpa’s recipe and we’ve always loved it. 🙂
Oh my this one sounds very delicious it made me very hungry lol! I will definitely try this recipe at a barbecue night! Thank you so mucu for sharing x Penny |
I’m glad it made you hungry! That is a compliment! 🙂
Omfg this looks absolutely delicious! I’m a proper sauce girl so making this homemade barbeque sauce is defiantly up my street! I’ll for sure be giving it a go. It looks so thick and scrummy. Thank you so much for sharing with us lovely. I’m obsessed! Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
Thank you for the kind words! If you make it, I’m sure you’ll love it! 🙂
OOh, i’ really into making my own sauces at the moment – not yet attempted BBQ but this looks pretty simple. Thanks!
https://thelifestylebloggeruk.com
If you like making your own sauce, you will love it!
Great recipe – love that it makes a big batch. And the liquid smoke adds a delicious flavor.
Thank you!
I never thought about making my own bbq sauce, but stumbled across this and knew I had to try. thanks so much for this recipe!
I’m glad you liked it!
This homemade BBQ sauce comes out so flavorful! And making it myself means no weird stuff so I feel better about giving it to the kids.
Yes, it is nice knowing what is in your food!
I made this last week and it was delicious. I love making a big batch and having it on hand all week!
It’s definitely nice to have on hand.
Yes, yes! We love this recipe, and eat it on everything!
It is so good!