Warm the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds, just until the spices smell aromatic. Be careful not to let them burn.

Add the mixed berries, ketchup, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well until everything is fully combined and the brown sugar has dissolved into the mixture.

Lower the heat and allow the sauce to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir every few minutes while the berries soften and break down. If the sauce starts to get too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of water until it reaches the consistency you like.

Take the saucepan off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender, or carefully pour it into a regular blender. If you’d like an extra smooth finish, pass the sauce through a fine mesh strainer. Stir in the liquid smoke if you’re using it, and then season with salt and black pepper to your taste.

Let the sauce cool completely, and then transfer it to a clean jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least an hour so the flavors have time to come together. Enjoy it as a glaze for grilled meats, a dipping sauce, a burger spread, or a flavorful marinade for vegetables and barbecue favorites.