Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup (preferably without high-fructose corn syrup)
• ½ cup honey (adjust according to desired sweetness)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (adds tang and balances the sweetness)
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed (provides a rich, molasses-like depth)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds umami and a slightly savory note)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (gives a deep, smoky flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds savory depth)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (enhances flavor complexity)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (provides subtle heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt (balances flavors)
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional, but enhances tanginess)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)