Georgia’s barbecue culture has been influenced by those of the Carolinas, Kansas, and Texas. Whereas most barbecue sauces have one primary base (mustard, tomato, or vinegar), Georgia’s barbecue sauces tend to incorporate all three. If you love BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or hot BBQ sauce, try these ten regional sauces.
1. Atlanta’s Burning Hot Sauce
This Chipotle-based hot sauce has a kick that won’t leave you panting for ten minutes while you wait for your mouth to cool down. It’s a staple in Atlanta hot sauce variety and gift packs.
2. Braswell’s Molasses BBQ Sauce
Jams, jellies, preserves, and sauces are Braswell’s Food Company’s signature offerings. The Statesboro operation makes more than two dozen barbecue and hot sauces, ideal for marinading meats and topping pulled pork, sausages, burgers, and more. The company’s Molasses BBQ Sauce is especially popular.
3. Fox Bros Bar-B-Q
Jonathan and Justin Fox grew up in Texas, but their signature BBQ sauce was first concocted in Georgia’s capital city. Fox Bros’ sauce is all about balance. It’s neither too sweet nor too spicy, too thick nor too thin. Enjoy this barbecue sauce at one of the brothers’ two Atlanta restaurants, or pick up some of the sauce and make our own barbecue. The original restaurant is a short drive from AMLI’s Intown Lofts. Their fast Que-osk is a seven-minute drive from the Buckhead apartments at AMLI Lindbergh.
4. Georgia on My Mind Hot Sauce
A blend of cayenne and chipotle peppers give this hot sauce its bold flavor and not-so-subtle kick. Shake a few drops onto anything you want to make spicy.
5. Georgia’s Spicy Hot BBQ Sauce
Scott Galt, the brains behind Georgia’s beloved sauces, has placed near the top of every competition he’s entered his sauces in. Georgia’s Spicy Hot BBQ Sauce is great for this list because it’s a BBQ and hot sauce in one. Georgia’s Gourmet (original) BBQ and Vinegar BBQ sauces are also worth a taste.
6. Holy Smokes BBQ
Holy Smokes is another Georgia-based BBQ operation that’s well acquainted with awards. Visit their Dublin food truck to experience the magic of Holy Smokes’ sauce for yourself.
7. Hotlanta Hot Sauce
Habaneros, onions, and peaches combine to give this Georgia hot sauce its sweet-and-spicy flavor. Check it out for a uniquely Georgian taste experience.
8. Midland Ghost Pepper Sauces
The widely feared ghost pepper, native to India, grows well in hot and humid Atlanta. And Columbus-based company Midland Ghost does an impressive job of incorporating its homegrown ghost chiles into pepper sauces. Only try Midland’s Ghost Red Pepper Sauce if you’re a hardcore spice fiend.
9. Mrs. Griffin’s Barbecue Sauce
The first batch of Mrs. Griffin’s bomb barbecue sauce was mixed in a Macon kitchen 82 years ago. The company now produces 1,600 gallons of barbecue sauce a week, available throughout Georgia and South Carolina. If you’re looking for old-fashioned, Georgia-style barbecue sauce, Mrs. Griffin’s is a foolproof pick.
10. Sweet Georgia Soul
Sandy beaches and historic lighthouses aren’t the only reasons to visit St. Simon’s Island. This barrier island is home to Southern Soul BBQ, maker of award-winning sauces Sweet Georgia Soul and Hot Georgia Soul. If you’re unable to make the trip to the Golden Isles, you can always order Southern Soul’s signature sauces online.
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst