North Carolina (Western or Lexington Style) Barbecue Sauce

This eastern NC style barbecue sauce is a thin and spicy vinegar-based sauce, popular in western North Carolina, It's best on pork, but great as a marinade on other meats and seafood as well, and can be applied thoughout the cooking process for a savory melt in your mouth experience.

1/4 cup water
3/4 cup ketchup
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
ground black pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon salt

In a large bowl, mix together all ingredient in a medium sized pot and heat over a medium flame. Heat until sauce reaches a simmer stiring until salt and brown sugar have dissolved completely (about 5 minutes). Cover, cool before using as a basting sauce and or serving on meat.