---
title: "3 Reasons to Create Your Own Barbecue Spices and Sauces"
description: "One of the fun things about barbecuing your own food is the chance to experiment with different spices and sauces. Some ingredients compliment the flavor of whatever you're grilling, and some don't, but through a little trial and error, you can zero in on some specific combinations. The same goes for creating your own sauce. With so many kits available, it's easy to add a dash of this with a little dash of that, and create your own secret sauce recipe. Before you give it a try, here are a few other tips on creating barbecue sauces, and a selection of kits that will get you started."
date: "2020-12-01"
modified: "2020-12-01"
authors:
  - name: "The Editors"
    link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/the-editors/"
url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/create-your-own-barbecue-spices-and-sauces/"
categories:
  - "Gear"
tags:
  - "Evergreen"
  - "Gear Reviews"
---

# 3 Reasons to Create Your Own Barbecue Spices and Sauces

![](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/12/6QHRX26ADJVR23PKI2XTVDHYPI.jpg>)

For the grill master who seemingly has everything, there is always something else he or she wants: another type of smoking wood, beefier tongs, a [4-channel Wi-Fi/Bluetooth BBQ Alarm Thermometer](<https://www.thermoworks.com/Signals?gclid=CjwKCAjwk93rBRBLEiwAcMapUQzc3IwqQxmtuHee3fuCUj2I1Otay1l3wRB30AG8q_KpDzRJGjHFARoCazsQAvD_BwE/>). If you are scratching your head over what to bestow upon the pit master in your family (even if that’s you), take a look at some of the spice and sauce samplers intended to get the most out of your next barbecue or tailgate party.

Great grilling means great spices. But sometimes we get stuck in a rut, shaking and massaging the same old dry rub on every cut of meat. A smoking sampler pack is the perfect way to spark creativity at the grill and find new combinations that will broaden the repertoire of any outdoor chef.

Even though real BBQ magic happens over hot coals, a gift pack of hot sauces can perk up any recipe or add a nice touch of variety to serving and presentation. Scratch cooks and DIYers will appreciate a [sauce lab of their own](<https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QA8BPT6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=camdenxodl-20&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&linkId=35b541a29b13ca1574847ade822073bc&language=en_US%2F>), complete with pepper blends, sauce bottles, instructions, and even a sciencey-looking funnel.

What is the best kind of barbecue sauce? That depends on what state you are standing in when you ask. But there is no doubt that Kansas City-style sauce, which is known for its sweet and tangy combination of molasses, tomato sauce, and vinegar, is among the most revered and emulated. Want to experiment and stir up a sauce of your own? Get creative with a little [smoke in a bottle](<https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H5WG6IG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?tag=camdenxodl-20&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&linkId=3362ff2ba6d84e5304e948526bb239c9&language=en_US%2F>) in any of four woody flavors. Liquid Smoke is great for everything from sauces to jerky brines.