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One of the secrets of world-class barbecue is consistent and conscientious basting while the meat is cooking. The traditional tool for basting is literally a kitchen mop, but more and more pit jockeys are using spray bottles or misters. Here’s a simple baste that’s short on preparation time but long on flavor. The recipe was inspired by a Memphis-based barbecue team I met a few years back called Crispy Critters.

Makes: about 1 quart, enough for 4 pounds of meat

2 cups apple cider
3/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup bourbon, rum, or orange juice
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon Best of Barbecue All-Purpose Barbecue Rub

Combine the ingredients for the squirt sauce in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and gently simmer the sauce for 5 minutes. Let cool to room temperature. Transfer the squirt to a spray bottle and use right away or refrigerate. Use within 1 to 2 days. Use this mixture for basting baby back ribs or spare ribs.

To Make a Great Sauce Even Better

Apply the mop sauce with our Best of Barbecue Sauce Mop. Start mopping after 30 minutes of cooking and mop every 15 minutes. The mop sauce keeps the meat moist while adding an extra layer of flavor. Also great on pork chops and pork shoulders.

For more great recipes, check out the whole line of Steven’s barbecue books, published by Workman Publishing and available in our Barbecue Store or wherever books are sold.