Step 1

Stir the vinegar, molasses, soy sauce, sugar, mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, cloves, and salt together in a small saucepan and set it over medium heat.

Step 2

Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring as it heats up to dissolve the sugar.

Step 3

Once the mixture comes to a simmer, lower the heat to keep it at a low simmer. Let it cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

While the sauce simmers, stir the cold water and cornstarch together in a small container, until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.

Step 5

After the sauce has simmered for four minutes, stir in the cornstarch mixture. Let the sauce simmer for another 30 seconds or so. It should thicken very slightly.

Step 6

Remove the pot from heat and let the sauce cool.

Step 7

Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.