Killer Hogs Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe – Easy Homemade Carolina Style

When it comes to vinegar-based BBQ sauces, nothing quite matches the bold kick of Killer Hogs.

This tangy, flavorful sauce has earned a spot at the top for good reason – it’s a perfect companion for smoky, tender barbecue meats.

Killer Hogs Vinegar BBQ sauce isn’t just for dipping. It works wonders as a marinade, a brush-on glaze while grilling, or a finishing touch over pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and even grilled chicken.

I’ve always loved BBQ sauce, and for me, a bottle of Killer Hogs Vinegar BBQ Sauce is a must-have.

Most of the time, I grab it straight from the store. But sometimes I like to experiment with changing flavor – sometimes adding extra heat, sometimes leaning into a sweeter tang.

I tried to make the sauce at my home and after months of testing and trying, I finally made the same Killer Hogs Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe copycat version. It’s the same as store-bought and you can customize your flavor as you prefer.

These days, when I’m making beef ribs, I reach for this copycat version of the sauce. The vinegar brings out that smoky richness in the meat, creating a mouthwatering balance of tang and spice.

And when you’re planning to smoke a brisket, this Copycat Killer Hogs Vinegar BBQ Sauce just might become your new favorite vinegar BBQ sauce.

Why You’ll LOVE This Copycat Recipe

You will love this Hogs Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe because it is bright, bold, and easy to make.

I like a sauce that cuts through rich meat with tang and heat. This recipe gives that sharp vinegar punch with a little sweetness to balance it.

You can change the heat level fast – add more red pepper flakes if you want it hotter, or add a touch more brown sugar if you want it milder. You get the store taste but better.

When I make this sauce, I know exactly what goes into it. No weird chemicals or things I can’t say.

Just simple, real ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, you can make a big batch and keep it in your fridge for weeks.

What Is The Best Way To Apply Barbecue Sauce?

The best way to apply Killer Hogs Vinegar BBQ Sauce is simple and depends on the meat.

1. As a mop while smoking: Brush the sauce on every 25–30 minutes during the last hour of smoking. It keeps meat moist and adds layers of flavor.
2. As a marinade: Mix a cup of sauce with a little oil and use it to marinate chicken or pork for a few hours or overnight. The acid helps tenderize.
3. As a finishing glaze: Warm the sauce and brush it on right before serving. This gives a bright, fresh hit without cooking off the vinegar bite.

Killer Hogs Vinegar BBQ Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar – The main base of the sauce. White vinegar gives a clean, sharp taste that cuts through rich, fatty meats. Use regular white vinegar from any grocery store. Avoid cleaning vinegar, as it’s too strong for food.
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar – Adds a slightly sweet and fruity taste to balance the sharp white vinegar and gives the sauce a nice golden color. If unavailable, use all white vinegar, but the taste won’t be quite the same.
• 3 tablespoons hot sauce – Texas Pete Hot Sauce works well because it has the right amount of heat and vinegar taste. Any vinegar-based hot sauce can be used. For less spice, start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar – Dark brown sugar works best because it has more molasses flavor, balancing the tang of the vinegar. Light brown sugar works as well. White sugar can be used, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
• 2–3 tablespoons black pepper – Coarse ground black pepper adds visible specks and bursts of spice. Fine ground pepper works too. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more for extra spice.
• 2–3 tablespoons salt – Kosher salt dissolves well and provides balanced seasoning. Table salt works too, but use a bit less since it’s more concentrated. The salt helps bring out all other flavors.
• 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes – A key ingredient for a true Carolina-style sauce. Adds heat and gives the sauce a nice look with red specks. Use less for milder flavor, but don’t skip entirely.

Recommended Equipment

• Large mixing bowl – Glass or plastic works great. A 2-quart bowl gives you room to stir.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Get accurate amounts. Use liquid cups for vinegar, dry spoons for spices.
• Whisk or large spoon – Mix everything smoothly. Whisk dissolves sugar faster.
• Glass jar with tight lid – Store your sauce. Glass won’t absorb vinegar smell. Mason jars work great.
• Funnel – Pour into jars without spilling. Makes the job cleaner and easier.
• Basting brush – Apply sauce to meat. Silicone brushes clean easier than bristle ones.

How To Make Killer Hogs Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Step 1 | Add the White Vinegar

In a large mixing bowl, pour in 1 cup of distilled white vinegar first. The vinegar smell might be strong, but don’t worry – it gets much better when you add the other stuff.

Step 2 | Add the Apple Cider Vinegar

Pour 1 cup of apple cider vinegar into the same bowl. Now you have 2 cups of vinegar total. The apple cider vinegar will turn the color from clear to a light golden brown. Give it a quick stir to mix the vinegars together.

Step 3 | Add the Hot Sauce

Add 3 tablespoons of hot sauce to your vinegar mix. I pour it straight from the bottle, but you can measure it if you want to be exact. The hot sauce gives the mixture that nice reddish color, making it look like real BBQ sauce.

Step 4 | Add the Brown Sugar

Pour in 1/4 cup of dark brown sugar. Don’t worry if it looks clumpy at first – the sugar will dissolve as you stir. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl so no sugar gets stuck.

Step 5 | Add the Black Pepper

Sprinkle in 2 to 3 tablespoons of coarse black pepper. I usually start with 2 tablespoons and taste it later to see if I want more. You should see the black pepper pieces floating around like little specks.

Step 6 | Add the Salt

Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of kosher salt. Just like the pepper, start with less and add more if you need it. Stir well so the salt starts to dissolve – this might take a minute or two.

Step 7 | Add the Red Pepper Flakes

Add 2 tablespoons of red pepper flakes. These give the sauce its signature kick and make it look great with all those red pieces floating around.

Step 8 | Mix Everything Together

Stir the sauce really well for at least 2 minutes to make sure the sugar and salt dissolve completely. The sauce should now be reddish-brown with little specks of pepper and red flakes throughout.

Step 9 | Store the Sauce

Pour your finished sauce into a clean glass jar or container with a tight lid. Use a funnel to make this step easier and less messy.

Step 10 | Let the Flavors Blend

Put the lid on tight and give the jar a good shake. Store it in the fridge for at least 2 days before using so the flavors mix together. You can use it right away if you’re in a hurry, but waiting makes it taste so much better.

Tips for the Best Vinegar BBQ Sauce

• Shake the jar: Shake the jar daily while it chills to keep the flavors even.
• Use fresh spices: Use fresh spices for the strongest taste; old ones lose their punch.
• Taste and adjust: Taste after mixing and adjust the heat or sweetness before chilling.
• Store in glass: Store in glass, not plastic, to avoid any weird tastes.
• Warm before using: Let it warm to room temperature before using for better flow.

What To Serve With Killer Hogs Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Killer Hogs Vinegar BBQ Sauce goes with many meats and sides. I like it best with pulled pork. The bright vinegar cuts the fat and adds zip.

Slather it on pulled pork sandwiches for a classic taste. It also works well on ribs. Brush it on ribs a few times in the last hour of cooking for a tangy glaze.

Use this sauce with grilled chicken or lamb recipe too. It pairs with roasted vegetables to add salt and heat.

I also drizzle it over coleslaw to wake up the salad.

For sides, I like cornbread recipe and baked beans alongside the sauce. The sauce is great with fries and onion rings. Keep a jar on the table for dipping and mopping.

Make a Large Batch

If you love BBQ as much as I do, making a single jar of this sauce might not be enough.

Doubling or tripling the recipe is easy – just keep the ratios the same. I make a big batch when I know I’ll be grilling all weekend or smoking a lot of meat.

Stored in the fridge, it stays fresh and the flavor gets even better over time.

How To Store Killer Hogs Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Store your Killer Hogs Vinegar BBQ Sauce in the fridge in a sealed jar. It will last for 3 to 4 weeks chilled. The vinegar helps preserve it, but keep it cold and clean.

If you make a very large batch, you can freeze some. Put sauce in freezer-safe jars or bags, leaving room for expansion.

Freeze in small portions (1/2 or 1 cup) so you can thaw only what you need. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Warm slightly before using to restore texture.

Toss it if you see any mold, strange smell, or off color. If it smells sour in a way that vinegar does not explain, throw it out.

Also discard if bubbles form in the jar without shaking – that can mean fermentation or spoilage.

Killer Hogs Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe FAQs

1. Is there a way to make it thicker?

To thicken Killer Hogs Vinegar BBQ Sauce, simmer it on low heat for 10-15 minutes. Stir often so it doesn’t burn. The sugar will caramelize a bit and reduce liquid. I add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water if needed. Whisk it in while hot.

Or blend in some tomato paste for body and color. Keep the vinegar base, but this tweak makes it cling better to meats. Cool before storing.

2. Is Killer Hogs BBQ rub spicy?

Killer Hogs BBQ rub has some spice, but it’s not over the top hot. It mixes salt, sugar, paprika, garlic, and peppers for balanced heat. I use it on meats before sauce, and the kick builds nice.

The rub’s spice comes from black pepper and chili, but it’s mild enough for most. If you like fire, add extra cayenne.

3. Why does my sauce separate?

Separation is completely normal with vinegar-based sauces since oil and water-based ingredients don’t naturally mix. The pepper flakes, salt, and sugar will settle to the bottom over time.

Just shake or stir before using and your sauce will look uniform again.

4. Why wait 2 days before using?

Waiting lets the peppers and spices infuse the vinegar. Rushing means weaker flavor. Patience pays!

This Killer Hogs Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe is simple, bold, and perfect for real barbecue lovers. Once you try making it at home, you’ll see how easy it is to adjust it for your taste.

Give this recipe a try on your next batch of ribs or pulled pork – you won’t regret it!