- 2 cups ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ teaspoons liquid smoke
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard (preferably Colman’s)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, lemon zest and juice, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, mustard, onion powder, and pepper in a nonreactive saucepan and whisk to mix.
- Gradually bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and let simmer until thick and flavorful, 8 to 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning, adding more lemon juice if necessary. Transfer the sauce to a bowl or clean jars and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate the sauce, covered, until serving time; let it return to room temperature before using. The sauce can be refrigerated for several weeks.