Sonic Signature Sauce

I am recreating Sonic’s Signature Sauce’s creamy, tangy goodness today. This sauce perfectly blends honey mustard and barbecue flavours, offering a unique twist for various dishes.

In this recipe, I will provide the steps to recreate this popular sauce at home, providing you with a versatile dipping sauce that’s easy to make and delightful to savour.

What Is Sonic Signature Sauce?

Sonic Signature Sauce combines honey mustard’s tanginess with barbecue sauce’s smokiness, resulting in a creamy and flavourful condiment. This sauce has gained popularity for its versatility, making it a perfect accompaniment for many dishes.​

Origins and Popularity

Introduced by Sonic Drive-In, this signature sauce quickly became a fan favourite. Its distinct flavours provide a unique taste that distinguishes it from traditional dipping sauces.

Flavour Profile

The Sonic Signature Sauce is known for its creamy texture and balanced flavour profile. The mayonnaise base provides a rich and smooth consistency, while the honey adds a subtle sweetness.​

Versatility in Use

This sauce’s adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of foods. It pairs excellently with crispy chicken tenders, golden fries, and savoury onion rings. It can also be used as a spread for burgers and sandwiches. Its unique flavour makes it a great addition to grilled meats and roasted vegetables.

Multiple Chicken Tenders in plate with one hand dipping a chicken tender in Sonic Signature Sauce in small white bowl

Ingredients for Sonic Signature Sauce

To craft this delectable dipping sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Mayonnaise: ½ cup – Serves as the creamy base of the sauce.
  • Ketchup: 2 tablespoons – Adds a touch of sweetness and tang.
  • Yellow Mustard: 1 tablespoon – Provides a mild, tangy flavour.
  • Honey: 1 tablespoon – Introduces natural sweetness.
  • Barbecue Sauce: 1 tablespoon – Contributes a smoky depth.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon – Enhances umami richness.
  • Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon – Imparts a savoury aroma.
  • Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon – Adds a subtle smokiness.
  • Salt: ¼ teaspoon – Balances the flavours.
  • Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon – Provides a mild heat.​

How to Make Sonic Signature Sauce

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup
and yellow mustard​. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.​

Step 2: Add Sweetness and Smokiness

Add honey and barbecue sauce to the base and mix these ingredients into the sauce thoroughly.​

Step 3: Season the Sauce

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper​. Ensure all spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.​

Step 4: Refrigerate for Enhanced Flavour

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.​

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, your Sonic Signature Sauce is ready to be served. Use it as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, fries, and onion rings or a spread for burgers and sandwiches.

Tips for the Perfect Sonic Signature Sauce

Adjust Sweetness and Tanginess: You can customize the balance between sweet and tangy by varying the amounts of honey and mustard. Increase the honey for a sweeter sauce; add extra mustard for more tang. This flexibility allows you to tailor the sauce to your personal taste preferences.​

Incorporate Smoky Flavours: Add smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to enhance the depth of flavour. These ingredients introduce a subtle smokiness similar to traditional barbecue flavours, enriching the sauce’s overall taste.​

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavour. Fresh mayonnaise, for example, contributes a creamier texture and a more authentic taste than store-bought versions. Freshly squeezed lemon juice can also brighten the sauce’s flavour.​

Allow Time for Flavour Development: After preparing the sauce, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavours to meld together, resulting in a more harmonious and well-rounded taste.​

Recipe Variations for Sonic Signature Sauce

While the classic Sonic Signature Sauce is a delightful blend of honey mustard and barbecue flavours, experimenting with different ingredients can yield unique and personalized versions. Here are some variations to consider:

Spicy Jalapeño Sonic Signature Sauce: If you enjoy a bit of heat, adding finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can infuse the sauce with a spicy kick. This version pairs competently with chicken tenders or crispy fries.​

Smoky Chipotle Sonic Signature Sauce: Incorporating chipotle peppers in adobo sauce can introduce a smoky and slightly spicy flavour. This variation beautifully complements grilled meats and roasted vegetables.​

Vegan Sonic Signature Sauce: For a vegan alternative to this sauce, you can substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan mayo or cashew cream, to create a vegan-friendly version. Ensure that the barbecue sauce used is also vegan-certified.​

Honey-Free Sonic Signature Sauce: Replacing honey with agave nectar or maple syrup can maintain the sweetness while reducing sugar content for those who prefer a lower-sugar option.​

Herb-Infused Sonic Signature Sauce: Adding finely chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives can provide a fresh and aromatic twist to the sauce, making it a great accompaniment to seafood dishes.​

Feel free to experiment with these variations to find the perfect Sonic Signature Sauce that suits your palate.

What to Serve Sonic Signature Sauce With

Sonic’s Signature Sauce is a versatile condiment that complements many dishes. Here are some popular pairings:​

Chicken Dishes

Crispy Chicken Strips: The creamy and tangy flavour of the sauce enhances the crunchiness of the chicken strips.
Chicken Sandwiches: Spread on buns or used as a dipping sauce, it adds a delightful twist to any chicken sandwich.​

Fried Favorites

French Fries: Dip your fries into the sauce for an extra layer of flavour.
Tater Tots: The sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of tater tots.
Onion Rings: The sauce’s smoky undertones complement the onion rings’ sweetness.​

Burgers and Sandwiches

Beef or Chicken Burgers: Add a dollop of the sauce to your burger for a creamy and smoky kick.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Use as a dip to elevate the classic grilled cheese experience.​

Appetizers and Snacks

Mozzarella Sticks: The sauce adds a tangy contrast to the gooey cheese.
Soft Pretzels: Dip your pretzels into the sauce for a savoury snack.
Vegetable Sticks: Carrot and celery sticks become more enjoyable with a side of this sauce.​

Salads and Grilled Items

Grilled Chicken Salad: Use as a dressing or drizzle over the salad for added flavour.
Grilled Vegetables: The sauce complements the smoky flavours of grilled veggies.​

close-up shot of sonic signature sauce in a small bowl.

Sonice Signature Sauce

Antonio
Sonic Signature Sauce combines honey mustard's tanginess with barbecue sauce's smokiness, resulting in a creamy and flavorful condiment.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Refrigeration 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 100 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium Sized Bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon or Whisk
  • Plastic wrap or Lid

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 1 tablespoon Barbecue Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

  • In a medium-sized bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup and yellow mustard​. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.​
    ½ cup Mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Ketchup, 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard

Step 2: Add Sweetness and Smokiness

  • Add honey and barbecue sauce to the base and mix these ingredients into the sauce thoroughly.​
    1 tablespoon Honey, 1 tablespoon Barbecue Sauce

Step 3: Season the Sauce

  • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper​. Ensure all spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.​
    1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce, 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika, ¼ teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper

Step 4: Refrigerate for Enhanced Flavor

  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.​

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  • Once chilled, your Sonic Signature Sauce is ready to be served. Use it as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, fries, and onion rings or a spread for burgers and sandwiches.
Keyword Sonic Signature Sauce Recipe

Nutritional Information for Sonic Signature Sauce

Per Serving (approximately 1 ounce):

  • Calories: Approximately 100 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6 g (9% Daily Value)
    • Saturated Fat: 1 g (5% DV)
    • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg (2% DV)
  • Sodium: 280 mg (12% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10 g (4% DV)
    • Dietary Fiber: 0 g
    • Sugars: 8 g
  • Protein: 0 g

This nutritional profile indicates that Sonic’s Signature Sauce is relatively high in fat and sugar, with minimal protein content. It’s essential to consider these factors when incorporating the sauce into your meals, especially if you’re monitoring your intake of fats or sugars.

Sonic’s Signature Sauce is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavours that can elevate any meal. Whether dipping crispy fries, topping a juicy burger, or adding a zesty twist to grilled vegetables, this versatile sauce will surely impress.​

By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you can recreate this popular condiment in the comfort of your own kitchen. Feel free to experiment with the ingredient ratios to suit your taste preferences.​

If you try this recipe, let me know how it goes! You can follow me on Pinterest I share a lot of recipes there.