Introducing Pumpkin Spice Barbecue Sauce: A Bold New Take on Fall Flavor
Introducing Pumpkin Spice Barbecue Sauce: A Bold New Take on Fall Flavor
As the leaves begin to turn and the crisp bite of autumn air settles in, one unmistakable flavor takes center stage: pumpkin spice. This comforting blend of warm spices has become the unofficial signal that fall has arrived. It shows up in everything from coffee to candles — but this year, it’s making its boldest appearance yet… in barbecue.
Croix Valley is proud to announce the world’s first Pumpkin Spice Barbecue Sauce — a limited-edition small-batch release launching on September 22, the first official day of fall. It’s the perfect collision of cozy and smoky, sweet and savory — and it’s here to change everything you thought you knew about barbecue.
The Centuries-Old History of Pumpkin Spice
Long before pumpkin spice lattes and autumn-inspired snacks filled store shelves, this iconic blend had a much older story. The origins of pumpkin spice date back to the 18th century in colonial America. Early American cooks developed a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to enhance their pumpkin pies and seasonal baked goods.
These spices weren’t chosen by accident — each offered warmth and depth to balance the earthiness of pumpkin. Imported through global trade routes, they were prized kitchen staples, reserved for special occasions and harvest celebrations.
Over the generations, pumpkin spice became part of the cultural fabric of fall. By the 20th century, spice companies began selling ready-made “pumpkin pie spice,” cementing its place in American kitchens. Fast forward to today, and pumpkin spice has become a full-blown seasonal phenomenon — symbolizing comfort, nostalgia, and cozy autumn vibes.
Why Pumpkin Spice Works in Savory Dishes
While many think of pumpkin spice as strictly sweet, its components are incredibly versatile. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth, ginger brings subtle heat, and clove offers deep aromatic richness. These flavors have long been used in savory dishes across global cuisines — from Moroccan tagines to Indian curries.
That’s exactly why it makes sense to marry pumpkin spice with barbecue. The natural smoky and savory notes of barbecue sauce provide a robust backbone, while the warm baking spices add layers of complexity that surprise and delight your taste buds.
Pushing Barbecue Boundaries: The Croix Valley Way
At Croix Valley, breaking flavor boundaries is what we do best. We’ve built our reputation on crafting sauces and seasonings that bring creativity and excitement to the grill.
Our fruit-forward sauces like Blue-B-Cue (blueberry BBQ) and Pineapple Habanero BBQ & Wing Sauce have shown how bright, fruity flavors can shine alongside smoky meats. Our lineup of bold wing sauces and dry rubs proves that innovation doesn’t have to mean sacrificing authenticity.
So when the idea of combining the world’s favorite fall flavor with barbecue sauce first came up in our kitchen, we knew it was time to push the envelope again. After months of testing and tasting, we created something entirely new — a sauce that’s unmistakably Croix Valley, yet unlike anything barbecue has ever seen before.
Introducing Pumpkin Spice Barbecue Sauce
Our Pumpkin Spice Barbecue Sauce is the world’s first — and it’s here for a very limited time. We’re only making a single batch, about 500 bottles, and when they’re gone, they’re gone.
This sauce starts with the familiar smoky, tangy base you expect from Croix Valley, then folds in a medley of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove, with subtle hints of allspice and brown sugar for warmth. The result is rich, aromatic, and perfectly balanced — a sauce that wraps your food (and your senses) in the essence of fall.
It’s not candy-sweet or gimmicky. It’s hearty, complex, and designed to elevate your grilling game while celebrating the flavors of the season.
How to Use Pumpkin Spice Barbecue Sauce
This isn’t just a novelty — it’s a workhorse in the kitchen and at the grill. Here are a few of our favorite ways to use it:
- Chicken and Turkey – Brush it on grilled or smoked chicken thighs, or baste a holiday turkey to add a warm autumnal glaze.
- Burgers and Brats – Slather it on juicy burgers or beer brats for a sweet-smoky contrast that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
- Pork and Ham – It’s magic on a glazed ham or pork tenderloin, where the sweetness and spice accentuate the meat’s richness.
- Potatoes and Veggies – Toss roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash in it, or drizzle it over grilled veggies for an unexpected twist.
- Dipping Sauce – Use it as a dip for chicken tenders, fries, or even pretzel bites for a seasonal snack that disappears fast.
Basically, if it’s coming off the grill or out of the oven, there’s a good chance it’ll be better with Pumpkin Spice Barbecue Sauce.
A Sauce Worth Savoring — Before It’s Gone
Part of what makes this sauce special is how fleeting it is. This isn’t a permanent addition to our lineup. It’s a one-batch wonder — about 500 bottles in total — made to celebrate the magic of fall while it lasts.
Once they’re gone, they’re gone. There won’t be another run until next autumn (if at all). That means if you want to be one of the first people on Earth to try pumpkin spice in barbecue form, this is your chance.
Be the First to Taste History
Barbecue has always been about tradition — but it’s also about innovation. The best pitmasters and sauce makers know how to respect the past while daring to create something new. With our Pumpkin Spice Barbecue Sauce, we’ve done exactly that.
We’ve taken an 18th-century spice blend, combined it with modern barbecue craft, and bottled up the spirit of fall. It’s cozy meets smoky. Familiar meets fearless.
And now, it’s ready for your table.
Available for Pre-Order — Launching September 22
Be part of barbecue history. Be the first to try something the world has never seen before. And bring a little autumn magic to every meal.
🍂 Pre-order your bottle of Pumpkin Spice Barbecue Sauce today — and taste fall like never before. 🍂
