Gather ingredients: ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper
Optional add-ins: hot sauce or cayenne pepper, liquid smoke, chili powder, smoked chipotle pepper
In a saucepan, combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard
Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper
Add optional hot sauce/cayenne, liquid smoke, or chili powder
Stir until smooth and bring to a simmer over medium heat
Reduce heat to low and simmer 15–30 minutes, stirring occasionally
Taste and adjust seasoning (more sugar for sweetness, more vinegar for tang, more heat for spice, more salt/pepper for balance)
For a smoother sauce, blend briefly or whisk thoroughly
Cool to room temperature
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2–3 weeks
Reheat gently before using