PS Seasoning and Jolly Good Soda—two Wisconsin companies known for inventive pantry staples—have joined forces to debut Mug Shot Root Beer BBQ Sauce, a limited-release condiment that merges classic soda-shop sweetness with smoky heat. Timed for July 4 grilling, the sauce layers Jolly Good’s root-beer syrup with molasses, warm spices, and a mild chipotle kick, targeting cooks who want a nostalgic twist on ribs, pulled pork, or wings.
The collaboration originated after both brands reached the finals of the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin competition, where Jolly Good took first place and PS Seasoning finished in the top five. Mutual admiration led to co-development sessions with PS Seasoning’s food-science team, which translated the soft drink’s vanilla-anise profile into a thick, caramelized glaze.
“Mug Shot is a pour of American flavor history,” said PS Seasoning chief executive Joe Hanni, noting the recipe’s nod to mid-century soda fountains. Krier Beverage senior vice president Zach Malin added that combining “two iconic American flavors” produced a sauce built for backyard cooks.
Market research firm Data Bridge predicts the global barbecue-sauce category will grow from roughly $1.84 billion this year to $2.46 billion by 2029, driven by rising interest in regional and novelty flavors. In the United States, about 70 percent of households own a grill or smoker, giving brands room to experiment with seasonal launches.
Mug Shot Root Beer BBQ Sauce is available immediately through PS Seasoning’s website and will roll out to select grocery and specialty retailers in the Midwest later this summer, priced at $7.99 for a 15-ounce bottle.