This tangy Georgia Mustard BBQ sauce is not just a family favorite- it is the BBQ sauce we swear by! It is pure perfection on pulled pork and barbecue chicken.
What is it about barbecue sauce that is so polarizing? I maintain that grilled meat is the universal thread that connects all the cultures of the world to one another, but that sauce? That's another thing altogether.
Some like it full of vinegar, some like it sweet, some even like it creamy, but around our house, we like it mustardy. Is that even a word? It is now!
In our family, this sauce is the absolute king of sauces. Though we refer to it as "Bud's BBQ Sauce" (if you're new here, Bud/Buddy is my dad), it's actually a recipe he and my Uncle David got long before I was born from a woman who ran a local BBQ joint in their hometown of Columbus, Georgia.
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How to Make Georgia Mustard BBQ Sauce
When you look at the quantities for this recipe, the first thing you're going to think is "whoa... that's a lot of barbecue sauce!" Well, the only way I can explain that is... we really love this sauce. We make it in large quantities and keep it around the house at all times.
If you're going to make a large amount as well, here's what we do... Get a jar or jug with a firmly fitting cap, pour in your apple cider vinegar, mustard, ketchup, worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and optional hot sauce. Then, put that cap on and shake it to your heart's content!
Of course, if you're making a smaller amount you can totally just stir it up in a bowl until the ingredients are well combined.
Bud's helpful hints
I asked my dad what our readers should know about this BBQ sauce recipe and here's what he had to say:
- This sauce is not recommended for basting- It is made to be served with cooked barbecue.
- If you prefer your sauce a little sweeter, add some brown sugar to it.
- For best results, use cheap, generic ingredients- No name brand stuff over here!
- This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What do I serve with this BBQ sauce?
Our favorite way to use this sauce is on Smoked Boston Butt but it's also great on ribs and Smoked Chicken Thighs. We especially love it on these Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
If you're looking for side dishes for the barbecue, you can't go wrong with mac and cheese or baked beans and we just so happen to have 2 recipes of each- 1 to be cooked in the smoker and 1 baked in the oven the old fashioned way.
If you prefer a ketchup based sauce, try the BBQ sauce we use on our Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger. We also have an incredible Alabama White Sauce that would be great at your next barbecue.
Still looking for more ideas? We have you covered with a whole blog post with a backyard BBQ menu and ideas/tips for your cookout.
Please note: This recipe was modified in August, 2025, to reduce the amount of apple cider vinegar.
📖 Recipe
Georgia Mustard Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups mustard
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- hot sauce to taste
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Notes
Nutrition
Bring on the meats!
Aunt Susan says
I always enjoy this barbecue sauce- It takes me back home! Everyone is prejudiced about the barbecue they grew up on as the best but you need to try this! It has a flavor not found anywhere else.
Pam says
It's so true! Thanks for commenting and leaving us a star rating!
Ava M. says
Indeed seems a lot of sauce there ^^ But as you can see, it stores well in the refrigerator so give it a try because I just made it and it's delicious!
Gloria says
Homemade sauces are the best. I have never tried this version. Looks like I need to head into the kitchen an whip up a batch.
Michelle says
Mustard barbecue is my favorite! This version is perfect
Pam says
Thanks so much Michelle!
Beth says
This sauce sounds amazing. I've actually never had mustard BBQ sauce before, so I can't wait to make this.
gLENDA says
We love a good mustard barbecue sauce. And this is one of the best! It was great for dipping sweet potato fries and also in our sloppy pork sandwiches.
Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Vance says
This is almost ALWAYS referred to as South Carolina Mustard BBQ sauce. I live in Atlanta and have never heard anyone call it Georgia Mustard BBQ sauce!
Pam says
Funny, because we live in the Atlanta area too, and we just call it "BBQ Sauce"! However, Google says that 1,500 people per month search for either "Georgia Mustard BBQ Sauce" or just "Mustard BBQ Sauce" so we are trying to help them find the recipe they're looking for. Thanks for stopping by, Vance.
Lynn says
South Carolina BBQ sauce almost always has honey and brown sugar in it. They aren't the same
Lynn says
also called Carolina Gold
pw says
Are you using yellow mustard?
Pam says
Yes. And, it's best to use generic store-brand.
Jeni says
I'm also from Columbus. My Grandaddy swore by Chicken Comer's Georgia Gold! This feels very similar to that. Thank you so much for sharing. This takes me way back.
Pam says
It would be very similar, Jeni. Been to Chicken Comer's many times.
Ivory Jackson says
I can't believe it. This is my first time making barbecue sauce, so I typed in Georgia bbq sauce recipes and low and behold the first one I see is from right here in Columbus Georgia. Thanks cause this actually exactly, and I mean exactly what I was looking for.
Pam says
That's so awesome Ivory!
Andi says
This is a great Carolina Gold barbecue sauce!
Pam says
Haha Thanks Andi! Nothing inspires regiuonal loyalty like bbq, does it?
S says
Excellent !
Name Brands???? I buy what's on sale, this recipe turned out great...
ps: a touch of Dark Brown Sugar hit the spot....