Gather Your Ingredients: Ensure you have all the ingredients measured and ready to go.

Combine Mustard and Vinegar: In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the yellow mustard and apple cider vinegar over medium heat until well combined.

Add Sweetness: Stir in the brown sugar, ketchup, and molasses. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.

Enhance Flavor: Add Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors.

Simmer and Season: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.

Adjust Consistency: If you desire a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a bit longer. If it's too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.

Cool and Store: Once the sauce has reached your desired flavor and consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. You can transfer it to an airtight container or a glass jar with a lid for storage.

Refrigerate: Store the Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld even further.

Serve: Use your homemade Copycat Trader Joe's Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce as a marinade, basting sauce, dipping sauce, or condiment for grilled or smoked meats and vegetables.