Dr Pepper Special Secret Sauce

Transform your dishes with the bold, tangy-sweet kick of Dr Pepper Special Secret Sauce, a one-of-a-kind homemade condiment that’s perfect for barbecue, burgers, or dipping delights. This irresistible sauce combines the iconic caramelized flavors of Dr Pepper soda with ketchup, brown sugar, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a rich, zesty base. A medley of pantry spices—like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder—adds depth and warmth, while optional cayenne pepper brings a subtle kick of heat. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and easy sauce delivers a balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that will elevate any meal. With its unique blend of ingredients and versatile uses, this secret sauce is bound to become a staple for backyard BBQs and weeknight meals alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dr Pepper soda
• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in 1 cup of Dr Pepper soda and place it over medium heat.

Step 2

Add 1/2 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.

Step 3

Incorporate 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, mixing thoroughly.

Step 4

Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine the spices evenly.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low to let it simmer. Allow the sauce to simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 6

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed (e.g., more soy sauce for saltiness or brown sugar for added sweetness).

Step 7

Once ready, remove from heat and let the sauce cool for a few minutes. Transfer to a jar or airtight container for storage.

Step 8

Use the sauce immediately as a glaze, dip, or drizzle, or store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(417.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	313.3

Total Fat 0.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 953.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 80.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.3g	0%
Total Sugars 66.5g
Protein 1.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 50.0mg	0%
Iron 1.7mg	0%
Potassium 262.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 0.8%

Protein: 1.7%

Carbs: 97.5%