Somethin' To Cry About - Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Rub
Unit price$1.67 per oz
Shipping calculated at checkout
94 in stock
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.
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.
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
Suggested Pairings
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 Featuring Somethin’ To Cry About
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
FAQ
- 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.
Recipes
Cuban-Inspired Black Beans
Read more
Crock Pot Barbecue Meatballs
Read more
Nov 3, 2025
Cranberry Orange Brandy Snickerdoodle Cookies
Read more
