Homemade Mustard BBQ Sauce: South Carolina’s Liquid Gold

My first encounter with mustard BBQ sauce occurred ten years ago during a road trip through South Carolina. At a small roadside BBQ joint, the owner proudly served pulled pork with a golden sauce, unlike anything I’d tasted before. When I asked about this tangy yellow concoction, he smiled and said, “That’s Carolina gold, son—our German ancestors’ gift to barbecue.” That first bite changed my BBQ worldview forever. The sauce cut through the rich pork with a perfect tanginess and subtle sweetness balance that made traditional red sauces seem one-dimensional. Back home, I spent months experimenting to recreate that flavor until landing on this recipe. My secret upgrade? A splash of brandy that adds remarkable depth. When friends taste it at our cookouts, they inevitably ask for the recipe while reaching for seconds.

a bowl of mustard bbq sauce, carrot sticks, and wings on a platter

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why This Recipe Works

This mustard barbecue sauce stands out from traditional tomato-based versions thanks to its complex flavor profile that balances sharpness with subtle sweetness. The Dijon mustard provides a sophisticated base that’s more nuanced than plain yellow mustard, while white balsamic vinegar adds sweetness and acidity without the heaviness of regular balsamic. Adding brandy introduces depth and complexity through its caramelized fruit notes as it reduces. The butter enriches the sauce with a silky texture and richness that helps it cling to meat, while honey tempers the tanginess without making the sauce cloyingly sweet. Together, these ingredients create a harmonious sauce that enhances rather than overwhelms the natural flavor of grilled and smoked meats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce:

  • Brandy – Adds complex depth and subtle caramelized sweetness
  • Dijon mustard – Provides sophisticated mustard flavor and creamy texture
  • White balsamic vinegar – Contributes brightness and mild sweetness. Apple cider vinegar also works well
  • Honey – Balances the tang with natural sweetness
  • Lemon juice – Adds fresh citrus acidity
  • Butter – Creates silky texture and rich mouthfeel
  • Red pepper flakes – Provide gentle heat and dimension
  • Black peppercorns – Black pepper adds aromatic spiciness and complexity
mustard bbq sauce ingredients

How to Make Mustard BBQ Sauce

  1. Reduce brandy by half in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Crush the black peppercorns and add them to the pan.
  3. Add the remaining ingredients to the pan.
    mustard bbq sauce ingredients in a pan
  4. Cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes.
a bowl of mustard bbq sauce on a plate with wings and carrot sticks
a bowl of mustard bbq sauce, carrot sticks, and wings on a platter

Brandy-Infused Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce: South Carolina’s Secret

This rich, tangy mustard BBQ sauce elevates the South Carolina tradition with brandy, Dijon, and white balsamic for perfect balance on pork ribs, chicken, and beef.
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate Add to Collection
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Mustard Barbeque Sauce, Mustard BBQ Sauce
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 116kcal

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup brandy
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1 cup Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup white balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Reduce brandy by half in a pan over medium heat.
  • Crush the peppercorns and add them to the pan.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients to the pan. Stir to combine them.
  • Cook the sauce over medium-low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Notes

For maximum flavor, toast the whole black peppercorns in a dry skillet before crushing them. Heat over medium for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, shaking the pan occasionally to prevent burning. When you can smell their aroma, they’re ready. The quality of your Dijon mustard matters – choose a good brand for the best flavor profile. This sauce develops even more complexity after resting overnight in the refrigerator, making it perfect for preparing ahead of your barbecue.

Nutrition

Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 399mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 415IU | Vitamin C: 1.9mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 0.9mg

Storage and Reheating

  • Store cooled sauce in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to one month
  • Never return used sauce to the storage container after basting to prevent contamination
  • Always pour the amount needed into a separate dish when using
  • Sauce may thicken when chilled; allow to come to room temperature before using
  • If needed, gently warm over low heat to restore original consistency
  • Not recommended for freezing due to potential separation of ingredients
  • Flavor develops and improves after 24 hours in the refrigerator

More BBQ Sauce Recipes

Love homemade sauces? Try these recipes!

Check out my easy sauce recipe and the best DIY recipes here on CopyKat!

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

REVEALED: Copycat Secrets for 2025

free email bonus

Yes, you CAN make it at home! I'll show you how.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Reader Interactions

Comments

5 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




homemade Olive Garden Asiago Torgelloni Alfredo with chicken on a plate

Copycat Recipe Secrets for 2025

REVEALED:

Yes, you CAN make it at home! 
I'll show you how.

FREE EMAIL BONUS