My Georgia Mustard Recipe
Georgia Mustard BBQ Sauce isn鈥檛 just another condiment鈥攊t鈥檚 a Southern classic with roots in the Appalachian and Southeastern U.S. While most barbecue sauces rely on ketchup or vinegar, Georgia Mustard brings a bold, tangy twist that pairs perfectly with pork, chicken, and smoked meats.
This sauce goes especially well with grilled sausages, pulled pork, ribs, and even as a glaze for ham. If you love bold flavors, you might also be interested in my Spicy Southwest BBQ Rub recipe鈥攁nother must-have for grilling season.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking to add some Southern flair to your meals, this homemade Georgia Mustard recipe will be your new go-to. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a rich, sweet, and spicy sauce that will leave your guests begging for more.
This versatile, tangy, and mouth-watering sauce is the ideal companion to elevate your next cookout or BBQ. Follow my step-by-step guide to create a flavor explosion that’ll leave your guests begging for more.
Ingredients for Georgia Mustard
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (I use Gringo Bandito Hot Sauce)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Combine the Base Ingredients
In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the yellow mustard and apple cider vinegar. This creates the tangy base for my Georgia Mustard BBQ sauce.
2. Add Sweetness and Spice
Add the honey, brown sugar, and ketchup to the saucepan, stirring until fully combined. This will provide a perfect balance of sweetness to counter the tanginess of the mustard and vinegar.
3. Enhance the Flavor Profile
Now, mix in the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and salt. This will elevate the flavor complexity of your Georgia Mustard BBQ sauce.
4. Simmer and Thicken
Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired thickness. This process will help meld the flavors together and create a smoother, more cohesive sauce.
5. Cool and Serve
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, transfer your Georgia Mustard BBQ sauce to a serving bowl or airtight container. The sauce can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Pairing Suggestions
My Georgia Mustard BBQ sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various dishes. Here are some suggestions to make the most of this flavor-packed sauce:
- Grilled or smoked pork
- Chicken wings or drumsticks
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Beef brisket
- Burgers and hot dogs
- Grilled vegetables
- Grilled meatballs
Customizing Your Georgia Mustard BBQ Sauce
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make the sauce your own. You can adjust the sweetness by using maple syrup or molasses instead of honey, add more heat with cayenne pepper, or introduce a smoky flavor with smoked paprika.

Like I said, it goes well with a lot of BBQ, especially pork. I usually use it as a finishing baste and dipping sauce for hot links and as a wet rub & finishing sauce for pork butts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this sauce lasts up to two weeks. Shake or stir before using, as ingredients may settle over time.
Yes! Swap out the brown sugar and honey for maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar version.
Both are mustard-based BBQ sauces, but Carolina Mustard Sauce (aka “South Carolina Gold”) is more vinegary and less sweet. Georgia Mustard has a smoother, more balanced flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Last Updated: 3/16/2025