In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
Add the ketchup, brewed espresso, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, and Dijon mustard to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Taste the sauce and add salt as needed. Stir well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
Notes
Contains caffeine from the espresso, so consider this for those sensitive to caffeine.