15+ Delicious Vinegar Barbecue Sauce Recipes

Barbecue lovers know that a good sauce can make all the difference, and when it comes to bold, tangy flavor, nothing compares to a vinegar-based barbecue sauce.

From the sharp bite of apple cider vinegar to the rich complexity of balsamic, these sauces can transform any grilled or smoked dish into a culinary masterpiece.

Whether you prefer a spicy kick or a touch of sweetness, vinegar barbecue sauces offer endless possibilities for creating the perfect flavor profile.

In this article, we’ve gathered 15+ vinegar barbecue sauce recipes that cater to every palate, ensuring you have the perfect sauce for every barbecue occasion.

Get ready to explore a world of tangy, delicious sauces that will elevate your grilling game!

15+ Delicious Vinegar Barbecue Sauce Recipes

With these 15+ vinegar barbecue sauce recipes, you’ll have a versatile range of sauces to suit any barbecue dish, from tangy classics to bold, creative variations.

Whether you’re grilling up a batch of ribs, preparing pulled pork, or looking for the perfect sauce for chicken or seafood, these vinegar-based sauces offer a dynamic flavor that will complement your barbecue creations.

The balance of acidity, sweetness, and spice makes each sauce unique, ensuring your next cookout is packed with flavor.

Experiment with these recipes, find your favorites, and take your grilling to the next level!

Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Sauce is a tangy, spicy sauce with a distinctive vinegar base, originating from North Carolina. This sauce is known for its simplicity and bold flavor, making it perfect for pulled pork, chicken, or even as a marinade. With no heavy sweetness, it allows the meat’s smoky flavor to shine through, delivering a sharp and savory punch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature.
4. Transfer to a jar or bottle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before using, allowing the flavors to meld.

This Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Sauce is a fantastic accompaniment to any grilled or smoked meat. The vinegar base brings a zesty, tangy flavor, while the red pepper flakes give it just the right amount of heat. Try it on your next batch of pulled pork or ribs for that authentic Carolina BBQ experience.

Spicy Vinegar BBQ Sauce

For those who crave heat with their barbecue, this Spicy Vinegar BBQ Sauce is the perfect blend of tang and spice. The addition of cayenne pepper and hot sauce takes the traditional vinegar-based sauce to a new level, making it ideal for those who like a fiery kick. It’s great on grilled chicken, pork, and even as a dipping sauce for fries or wings.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups white vinegar
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (your choice)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, mix the white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool.
4. Pour into a bottle or jar and refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld before serving.

This Spicy Vinegar BBQ Sauce is a versatile and bold sauce that can take your barbecue to the next level. The combination of heat from the cayenne and hot sauce with the acidity of the vinegar makes for a sauce that’s not only spicy but also well-balanced. Use it to spice up grilled chicken, pork ribs, or even drizzle it on your favorite side dishes.

Sweet & Tangy Vinegar BBQ Sauce

This Sweet & Tangy Vinegar BBQ Sauce offers the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a milder flavor profile in their barbecue sauce. The addition of honey and molasses softens the vinegar’s sharpness, while still delivering that signature tang. This sauce pairs wonderfully with pulled pork, grilled chicken, or even as a marinade for roasted vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, honey, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool before transferring it to a jar or bottle.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before using to enhance the flavors.

The Sweet & Tangy Vinegar BBQ Sauce is perfect for those who enjoy a barbecue sauce that’s a little more on the sweet side while still retaining that iconic vinegar tang. It’s a great way to balance the flavors of rich, smoky meats, and its hint of sweetness makes it kid-friendly too. Try it on everything from grilled chicken to pulled pork for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.

Classic Eastern North Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce

This Classic Eastern North Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce is a must-have for any traditional barbecue lover. Known for its minimalist ingredients and powerful tang, this sauce is made with just the right amount of heat and acidity. It’s perfect for pairing with smoked pork or chicken, as it complements the meat’s natural flavors rather than overpowering them.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Combine the white vinegar, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, sugar, black pepper, and salt in a medium bowl.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Let the sauce sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
4. Store in a jar or bottle and refrigerate. Use within a week for the best flavor.

This simple but flavorful Eastern North Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce is all about bold vinegar and peppery spice. It cuts through the richness of slow-cooked pork, adding just the right kick of heat. Whether you’re dousing pulled pork or chicken, this no-fuss sauce enhances each bite with a traditional tangy zing.

Mustard Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Mustard Vinegar BBQ Sauce is a unique blend of tangy vinegar and sharp mustard that originated in South Carolina. This sauce pairs beautifully with grilled pork, chicken, or sausage, offering a zesty alternative to traditional tomato-based BBQ sauces. Its golden color and rich mustard flavor bring a vibrant twist to any barbecue.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow mustard
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt.
2. Stir over medium heat until the sauce is well mixed and the sugar has dissolved.
3. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool before using or refrigerating.

This Mustard Vinegar BBQ Sauce is a tangy, zesty addition to your grilling lineup. It offers a unique flavor profile that’s less sweet and more tangy than traditional sauces. The mustard base brings out the best in smoked or grilled meats, making it a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a bold, savory barbecue sauce.

Alabama White Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Alabama White Vinegar BBQ Sauce is a creamy, tangy sauce that’s quite different from the usual tomato or vinegar-based sauces. Originating from Northern Alabama, this mayonnaise-based sauce gets its signature zing from a hefty dose of vinegar and black pepper. It’s perfect for drizzling over smoked chicken, turkey, or ribs.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, black pepper, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper.
2. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Use as a sauce for grilled chicken, turkey, or pork, or as a dipping sauce for veggies.

Alabama White Vinegar BBQ Sauce brings a creamy, tangy twist to traditional barbecue flavors. Its vinegar base adds brightness while the mayonnaise provides a rich, smooth texture. This sauce pairs excellently with smoked chicken or turkey, cutting through the heaviness of the meat with its tangy, peppery bite. A true Southern classic that’s worth a try!

Smoky Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Smoky Vinegar BBQ Sauce is the perfect balance of tanginess and deep, smoky flavor. Ideal for those who love the combination of vinegar’s acidity and the rich smokiness that typically comes from grilling or smoking meats. This sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled ribs, brisket, or any smoked meats, enhancing their flavors with a hint of spice and depth.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves.
3. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature before using.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

This Smoky Vinegar BBQ Sauce adds a deep, flavorful complexity to any barbecue dish. The vinegar provides the tang, while the smoked paprika introduces a rich, earthy note that complements grilled and smoked meats perfectly. Try it as a glaze for ribs or brushed onto chicken for a sauce that packs both tang and smoke in every bite.

Sweet Apple Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Sweet Apple Vinegar BBQ Sauce combines the tartness of vinegar with the natural sweetness of apple juice and a hint of spice, making it an ideal companion for pulled pork or chicken. The apple cider vinegar and apple juice create a well-rounded flavor profile that is both sweet and tangy, appealing to those who like their barbecue sauce with a little extra depth.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup apple juice
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Combine the apple cider vinegar, apple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, black pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt in a saucepan.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well blended.
3. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to reduce slightly and thicken.
4. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature before serving.
5. Store in a bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Sweet Apple Vinegar BBQ Sauce offers a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that’s ideal for slow-cooked meats like pulled pork or chicken. The apple juice and honey give it a natural sweetness, while the vinegar keeps it light and tangy. It’s a versatile sauce that brings out the best in savory, smoky meats, making it a must-try for any barbecue fan.

Honey Garlic Vinegar BBQ Sauce

This Honey Garlic Vinegar BBQ Sauce is a delicious blend of sweet honey, bold garlic, and tangy vinegar, perfect for adding a sweet-savory glaze to grilled chicken or pork. The combination of honey and garlic provides an irresistible flavor, while the vinegar adds a sharpness that cuts through the richness of the meat, making it perfect for basting or dipping.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the honey and sugar dissolve.
3. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let cool before using.
5. Store in a jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Honey Garlic Vinegar BBQ Sauce brings together the natural sweetness of honey, the savory depth of garlic, and the tangy punch of vinegar. This sauce is perfect for basting grilled meats or serving as a dipping sauce for anything from wings to veggies. The balance of flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that works well with both grilled chicken and pork.

Texas-Style Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Texas-Style Vinegar BBQ Sauce is known for its bold and tangy flavor with a slight kick of spice, which complements the richness of smoked beef brisket, ribs, or sausages. This sauce is vinegar-forward, but it also includes hints of spice and a slight sweetness, making it a great option for balancing the smokiness of Texas barbecue.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Texas Pete)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, cumin, and salt.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Reduce heat and allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool before serving.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

This Texas-Style Vinegar BBQ Sauce brings the heat and tang to your barbecue, making it the perfect accompaniment for slow-smoked brisket, ribs, or sausages. Its balance of acidity and spice enhances the rich flavors of the meat without overpowering them, offering a truly Texan barbecue experience.

Tangy Red Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Tangy Red Vinegar BBQ Sauce is a vibrant, tomato-based vinegar sauce that adds a robust and tangy flavor to grilled meats. The combination of tomato, vinegar, and spices creates a balanced sauce that’s not too sweet but full of savory, tangy goodness. This sauce is especially great for ribs, chicken, or pulled pork.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Instructions:

1. Combine the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan.
2. Stir over medium heat until the ingredients are well combined and the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Let the sauce cool before serving, or store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Tangy Red Vinegar BBQ Sauce offers a flavorful combination of tomato, vinegar, and spices that perfectly enhances the flavors of barbecued meats. Its tangy, slightly sweet profile makes it an ideal match for ribs or chicken, providing a bold taste that stands out at any barbecue gathering.

Citrus Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Citrus Vinegar BBQ Sauce brings a refreshing and tangy twist to traditional vinegar sauces with the addition of bright citrus flavors. The combination of orange and lemon juice paired with vinegar creates a zesty, tangy sauce that complements grilled seafood, chicken, and even vegetables. The citrus elevates the sauce with a hint of sweetness and acidity, making it light and vibrant.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt.
2. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the honey is fully dissolved.
3. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to blend.
4. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature before using.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Citrus Vinegar BBQ Sauce is a refreshing take on traditional vinegar-based sauces. The bright, tangy flavors from the orange and lemon juice make it an excellent pairing for grilled chicken, seafood, or vegetables. The citrus notes add a vibrant zing that enhances both the flavor and presentation of your barbecue, offering a unique twist to your grilling repertoire.

Spicy Apple Cider Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Spicy Apple Cider Vinegar BBQ Sauce packs a punch of heat with the tangy bite of vinegar, creating a flavorful sauce that pairs beautifully with grilled meats. The apple cider vinegar gives it a sharp tang, while cayenne and hot sauce provide a kick of heat, making it perfect for those who like their barbecue with a spicy edge.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
3. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool before using or storing.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

This Spicy Apple Cider Vinegar BBQ Sauce is ideal for barbecue lovers who enjoy a bit of heat in their sauces. The tangy base of apple cider vinegar pairs beautifully with the spice from the cayenne and hot sauce, making it a bold and flavorful choice for grilled pork, chicken, or even ribs.

Balsamic Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Balsamic Vinegar BBQ Sauce is a rich, slightly sweet, and tangy sauce that adds depth to any grilled or smoked meat. The balsamic vinegar brings a robust, almost fruity complexity, while the touch of honey and garlic rounds out the flavor, making it perfect for chicken, pork, or beef.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.
2. Stir over medium heat until the ingredients are well combined and the sauce begins to simmer.
3. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool before serving.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Balsamic Vinegar BBQ Sauce brings a luxurious, rich flavor to any barbecue dish. The sweetness of the honey balances the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar, creating a sauce with layers of depth. It’s perfect for drizzling over grilled meats or brushing onto ribs for an elegant yet flavorful finish.

Pineapple Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Pineapple Vinegar BBQ Sauce adds a tropical twist to classic barbecue flavors. The sweetness from the pineapple juice combined with the tang of apple cider vinegar creates a deliciously balanced sauce that works well with chicken, pork, and seafood. Its bright, fruity flavor is ideal for summer grilling.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the brown sugar dissolves.
3. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool before using or storing.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Pineapple Vinegar BBQ Sauce is a vibrant, tangy-sweet sauce that brings a fresh twist to traditional barbecue. The pineapple juice adds a burst of tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or seafood, making it the perfect sauce for summertime barbecues. Its balance of sweetness and acidity makes it a versatile and refreshing choice for any dish.