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Somethin' To Cry About Sweet & Spicy BBQ Rub Hero
Somethin' To Cry About Sweet & Spicy BBQ Rub Hero
Sweet & Spicy BBQ Rub
Sweet & Spicy BBQ Rub
Sweet & Spicy BBQ Rub
Sweet & Spicy BBQ Rub
Somethin' To Cry About - Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Rub - 6 oz Bottle - -
Somethin' To Cry About - Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Rub - 6 oz Bottle - -
Somethin' To Cry About - Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Rub - 6 oz Bottle - -

Somethin' To Cry About

Sweet & Spicy BBQ Rub

Sale price $10.00 USD

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Somethin’ To Cry About - Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Rub

Somethin’ To Cry About is a sweet and spicy barbecue rub for people who like big flavor and a little danger. It hits sweet, salty, smoky, and savory up front, then the heat shows up a few seconds later and keeps building. That delayed punch is the point. Turbinado sugar helps set bark, smoked paprika adds depth, and a mix of guajillo, ancho, chipotle, and cayenne brings a layered chile flavor that doesn’t taste flat. Lastly, Carolina Reaper flake arrives to bring a real pepper bite, not to wreck your dinner.

This is your go-to BBQ seasoning for hot wings, ribs, pulled pork, and anything that needs sweet heat without tasting like straight cayenne. It also does work on shrimp, roasted vegetables, tofu, and even snacky stuff like fries and party crackers when you want a crowd-pleaser with an edge.


Flavor Profile

Sweet, smoky, and savory up front with a delayed heat kick that can come in waves and builds over time. Built for bark and ideal for low and slow.

Ingredients

Turbinado Sugar, Sea Salt, Chile Powder (Guajillo, Ancho, Chipotle, Cayenne), Smoked Paprika, Black Pepper, Carolina Reaper Chile Flake, Granulated Garlic, Cumin, Sumac, Oregano

Awards & Accolades

Suggested Uses

How to use it: For most meats, start around 1 to 2 tablespoons per pound. Let it sit 20 to 30 minutes before cooking so it sweats into the surface. Smoke it, grill it, air-fry it, or roast it. If you’re saucing, this rub plays especially well under classic sweet BBQ like Somethin’ Somethin’ Sauce or a tangy vinegar finish like The Magical Mop.

Proteins - Wings, ribs, pulled pork, pork shoulder, pork tenderloin, chicken thighs, drumsticks, burgers, shrimp, salmon

Plant-based - Roasted potatoes, sweet potato fries, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, tofu, chickpeas

Sauce Pairings - Best paired with Somethin’ Somethin’ Sauce for hot barbecue wings and pulled pork, or The Magical Mop when you want tangy vinegar heat.

Top Recipes for Sweet & Spicy BBQ Rub

Want proof it works? These are some of our most popular recipes tagged for this rub. See the full archive here: Somethin’ To Cry About Recipes.

Additional Details

  • All Natural
  • No MSG
  • No Seed Oils
  • No Fillers
  • Single Salt
  • No Corn Syrup
  • Gluten-free
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Made in Kentucky
  • Contains Carolina Reapers

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Somethin’ To Cry About?

It starts sweet and smoky, then the heat hits a few seconds later and can build in waves. It’s spicy, but it’s built to stay flavor-forward.

Does it really contain Carolina Reaper?

Yes. Carolina Reaper chile flake is part of the blend, bringing a real pepper bite and a delayed heat kick.

What’s the best way to use it on wings?

Coat wings with a little oil, season generously, and bake or air-fry hot. Want a proven method? Try our Spicy Baked Dry Rub Wings.

How much rub should I use per pound?

Start with 1 to 2 tablespoons per pound. For ribs and pulled pork, go heavier and let it sit 20 to 30 minutes before cooking.

Is it gluten-free and vegan-friendly?

Yes. It’s gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
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  • 5 stars: 11 (100%)
  • 4 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
D
Dunkaru
Cooking Staple

No exaggeration this is one of my favorite spice blends ever! It can be used on anything. I have used 3 bottles of this stuff and just ordered 2 more. Absolute masterpiece :)

J
James C Burford

Best seasoning I've ever used

H
H.S.
This is a staple in my spice drawer.

I absolutely adore “Something to Cry About.” I can’t go without this and I am starting on my third bottle. I sprinkle this on hashbrowns in the morning, tacos, I’ve added it to soups for flavor, etc. It’s smoky and sweet. Don’t let the name scare you. It’s honestly not too spicy. It’s a very high quality item that you’ll find yourself reaching for over and over again.

E
Eric J Love
I want to put this on everything.

Seeing Carolina Reaper on the list of ingredients gave me pause as while I do like it hot, I haven't been exposed to much of that fabled pepper. But I went for it anyway and I'm glad I did. The heat from the reaper and other chili peppers is an excellent complement to the rest of the flavors in this rub.

S
Silvia Martinez
Phenomenal spice

This may be my favorite B.T.Leigh's product. I love combining it with other spices to add a punch of spice, and it never disappoints. The spice lingers and creates a fabulous flavor.

S
Sam Shade
Awesome Heat.

I first tried this Rub on chicken wings an found that they turned out amazing. It was even better as a rub for a smoked pulled pork. I may have added it to some pimento cheese, and my friends could not stop eating it. There is no need to fear the reaper in the mix, because this has a perfect balance with heat and flavor!!!

J
John
Packs a punch

Love heat and this has a great level of it, I would get this one again.

J
Jennifer

Perfect amount of spice. I like this on Wings

T
Tim Perry
You'll cry when the Shaker is Empty

Used it on wings and shrimp it's got the right amount of heat. This rub is a winner for sure the flavor it imparts is balanced and flavorful. Can't wait to add it to a pot of chili.
Brian has another winner 🏆

D
Dirk Diggler
Endless Possibilities, Phenomenal Jerky Seasoning

Heard of its artwork flavoring on wings and ordered it right away, first thing i made with it though was some jerky in my dehydrator. The flavor was amazing. Wish i had used more. There is a definite heat to it and when used in more amounts causes a more intense heat that comes in two waves, both delivering a wonderful rush of flavor and heat. Cant wait to explore all the opportunities this "rub" has to offer. (P.S. its not just a rub, it can be used for literally anything you want it to.

Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

S
Suzette
So good!

We use this rub when we make pulled pork. Amazing flavor.

We appreciate you!

Recipes

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Lemon, Pepper & Herbs

May 26, 2026

Dairy Free / Gluten Free / Somethin' For Everything

Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
These tender, juicy, and incredibly crispy air fried chicken thighs are loaded with flavor that only lemon and Somethin' For Everything can provide.

Read more
Zesty Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

May 12, 2026

Gluten Free / Somethin' To Dill With / Vegetarian

Zesty Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Creamy, tangy, and loaded with that dill flavor only Somethin' To Dill With brings, this Zesty Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is the kind of side dish that can set the tone for sides at cookouts and backyard barbecues.

Read more
Mustard Maple BBQ Grilled Salmon

Apr 3, 2026

Dairy Free / Pescatarian / Somethin' For Rubbin' / The Clevelander

Grilled Maple Mustard BBQ Salmon
Barbecued Salmon is one of our favorite summertime proteins - its fast, delicious with very little clean up and always leaves our table satisfied. Add our award-winning mustard maple sauce and its the perfect way to cap off a busy week.

Read more