McDonald's Gold Sauce (Copycat Recipe)

This copycat McDonald’s Gold Sauce recipe captures the perfect balance of tangy mustard, sweet honey, smoky spice, and a subtle kick of heat. It’s bold, versatile, and pairs with everything from McDonald's chicken nuggets and French fries to burgers and chicken sandwiches. This sauce is only offered for a limited time, but with this quick and easy copycat recipe, you can make this legendary sauce at home anytime!

Why I Love This McDonald's Gold Sauce Recipe

I knew I had to recreate this sauce the moment I tried McDonald’s special edition Gold Sauce the other day. It was better than any other hot mustard sauce I've ever had, with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that kept me going back for more. Since it's only offered at McDonald's for a limited time, I had to try to recreate that one-of-a-kind flavor at home. After a few rounds of testing different ingredient combinations, I nailed this recipe.

The base of yellow mustard and apple cider vinegar gives it a bold tang, while honey and brown sugar add just the right sweetness to round it out. A touch of liquid smoke and smoked paprika adds a subtle, barbecue-style depth that makes it so addictive. I had my friend Adam try my copycat version and the one from McDonald's, and he said he liked mine better!

The flavor is so good, and the best part is how versatile it is—you can use it as a dipping sauce for garlic parmesan burger bombs, chicken nuggets and fries, spread it on sandwiches and burgers, or even brush it on grilled chicken as a glaze.

Another reason I love this recipe is that it actually tastes even better the next day. Letting the sauce rest in the fridge overnight allows the flavors to meld together, so I always make a little extra to keep a jar on hand. If you loved the McDonald’s Gold Sauce like I did, this homemade version will hit all the same notes—and maybe even top the original.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• ½ cup yellow mustard
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon (12 g) light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) ketchup (or 2 teaspoon tomato paste + 1 teaspoon water)
• ½ teaspoon vinegar-based hot sauce (like Texas Pete or Crystal)
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 6–8 drops hickory liquid smoke
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

How To Make McDonald’s Gold Sauce

Step 1: Build the Base

In a small saucepan (off the heat), whisk together mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and ketchup until smooth.

Step 2: Add Flavorings

Whisk in hot sauce, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.

Step 3: Heat Gently

Set saucepan over low heat. Cook 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture just begins to steam and the sugar dissolves. Do not boil.

Step 4: Cool and Rest

Remove from heat and let sauce cool 10–15 minutes. Transfer to a clean jar or squeeze bottle and refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight for best flavor).

 Expert Tips

• Use yellow mustard, not Dijon: Classic yellow mustard gives the sauce its sharp, familiar base. Dijon or spicy brown mustard will overpower the balance and alter the signature flavor.
• Don’t skip the honey and brown sugar combo: Honey adds floral sweetness while brown sugar adds depth and body. Using both creates a balanced sweetness that rounds out the vinegar tang. It might seem like a lot of sugar, but it's what makes the sauce so good. 
• Liquid smoke is my secret ingredient: Just a few drops of hickory liquid smoke deliver that subtle grilled flavor McDonald’s version is known for. Be careful not to overdo it—too much can make the sauce bitter.
• Heat low and slow: You only want to warm the sauce enough to dissolve the sugar and meld flavors. Boiling risks burning the sugars and breaking the sauce.
• Resting time is crucial: The sauce will taste sharper when first made. Letting it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight) allows the flavors to mellow and deepen, and the texture thickens to a dipping consistency.
• Make extra: You can store the sauce in a glass jar or squeeze bottle in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Trust me, you'll want to put this sauce on everything, and it's well worth doubling the recipe.

McDonald's Gold Sauce FAQs

Does McDonald’s still sell Gold Sauce?

Gold sauce is a limited-time McDonald’s item at participating locations. This copycat lets you enjoy it anytime at home.

Can I make this without liquid smoke?

Yes, but you’ll lose the signature smoky note. You can substitute ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor.

How long does homemade gold sauce last?

Stored in the fridge, it lasts up to 2 weeks. For best results, refrigerate overnight before using.

Can I freeze the sauce?

Not recommended—freezing can break the emulsion and affect texture.

Is this the same as Carolina gold sauce?

They’re similar, but Carolina gold sauce is a regional barbecue sauce made primarily from mustard and vinegar. McDonald’s Gold Sauce is sweeter, smokier, and thicker.

My Final Thoughts

This copycat McDonald’s Gold Sauce has a unique blend of flavors. It's similar to McDonald's hot mustard sauce with a touch of sweetness and smokiness that makes it even more addictive. With pantry staples and a few minutes on the stove, you can recreate this fast-food sauce at home, and it’s versatile enough to use on anything you're eating! Give it a try and leave a comment and review below to let me know what you think.

Copycat McDonald's Recipes To Make Next

• McDonald's breakfast sauce
• McDonald's tartar sauce
• McDonald's chicken snack wraps
• McDonald's Big Mac
• McDonald's spicy chicken sandwich