HOT Sweet Rub
On April 24, 2023 (Updated May 10, 2024)
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Looking for a great all-purpose BBQ rub that packs a punch? This HOT sweet rub is a spicier version of my popular sweet rub for pork that will give your BBQ some much-needed heat!
Homemade Hot Sweet Rub
If you’re familiar with Hey Grill Hey, you know that our most popular BBQ rub is our Best Sweet Rub. The recipe post is one of the most popular here on the site, and our bottle of Hey Grill Hey Sweet Rub is a best-seller in the store.
This hot sweet rub is just like sweet rub, but with a spicy kick. The use of cayenne as the main source of heat provides a really sharp spiciness when you taste it right after mixing, but it mellows beautifully during the cooking process.
Additionally, the chipotle in this recipe creates a longer-lasting warmth in the back of your throat while also adding a hint of smokiness. And that dark brown sugar creates all of the balance to make a perfect BBQ rub with a kick. If you like your BBQ with a little heat, you’ll LOVE this hot sweet rub!
Ingredients for Hot Sweet Rub
Here’s what you’ll need to make this hot sweet rub:
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon coarse sea salt
- 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
How to Make Hot Sweet Rub
It’s very easy to make your own BBQ seasonings and rubs. In fact, I wrote a whole post on the subject of How to Make BBQ Rub that outlines basic ingredients, flavor profiles, and more. I highly recommend giving it a read!
Making this rub really only takes 2 steps:
- Combine ingredients. Snag a small mixing bowl and dump all the ingredients in. Use a fork to combine them and break up any clumps of brown sugar.
- Use or store. Once you’re done mixing the ingredients, you can use this seasoning immediately, or you can place it in an airtight container and use it at your leisure. I like to have a handful of empty glass spice jars in my pantry for all my homemade rubs and seasonings. They come in extremely handy.
Notes for Making Hot Sweet Rub
A few final notes on this seasoning before you dive into making and using it yourself.
- Store for later use! The mix can last for months, so no need to use it up right away. The only thing you might notice is the brown sugar clumping or drying out. You can always use a fork to break up the clumps as you see them (or whip up a fresh batch if it’s looking too old).
- Don’t forget to seal! Be sure to seal the rub tightly in an airtight jar to prevent clumping from the brown sugar.
- Try it on all your favorite BBQ. Use on anything that would benefit from a classic BBQ-style rub where you’d like more heat. My favorites include ribs, pork shoulders, and smoked chicken.
More Homemade Rub Recipes
Are you looking for more homemade rubs to add to your pantry? These are some major favorites from Hey Grill Hey worth trying today!
Hot Sweet Rub Recipe
Hey Grill Hey is here to ensure you master a BBQ recipe like a total pro. In fact, we hope each recipe and tutorial makes you feel like a backyard BBQ hero so you can feed the people you love.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to rate it 5 stars and leave us a comment below! You can also access this amazing smoked lamb shoulder recipe and over 500 other recipes on the Hey Grill Hey App.
HOT Sweet Rub
Ingredients
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon coarse sea salt
- 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoos smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
Instructions
- Mix ingredients. Combine all of the ingredients for the rub in a small bowl. Stir well to combine, using a fork to break up any clumps.
- Use or store. Store the hot sweet rub in an airtight container. This rub will last in your cupboard for up to a month.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The Hot sweet rub is phenomenal! We smoked 2 butts yesterday using this and the taste is great!Thanks!!!!
Your recipes are always great. My fav is your tri tip. Thanks!!!
This is my go to rub on ribs and many others. Made a double batch this morning! Thanks for sharing
Great recipes
This recipe looks great.. all your cooking is awesome and would love you to teach me to cook. Thanks for sharing.
Always looking for good riub, I’m making this now its grilling time. Well we actually grill all year round, even knee deep snow
These recipes look delicious!! Especially the dry rubs.
Great Rubs
Yum