It's officially grilling season, that time of year when we can envision burgers dripping with greasy fat, chicken sizzling in the heat, and meaty steaks cooked to a perfect medium. If that's on your mind, the next thought should be sauces. There's something miraculous about sauces - what they can add to a dish, and if you're a less-than-perfect cook, what they can cover. But before mindlessly grabbing the big-name brand off the shelf, consider adding some local flavors to your grill this year by trying one of these locally made sauces, which are available at area grocery stores. Note that there are other sauces made in the Rochester area that are available at smaller, independent grocery stores, or at individual restaurants, so keep searching for more local sauce options even after you've slathered your way through this list.

Bill Gray's

Bill Gray's has been a local fixture for more than 60 years, which is plenty of time to gain a following. Not only does the regional chain claim to serve the world's greatest cheeseburgers, it also makes a pretty fiery hot sauce. While the color of the sauce is a little unsettling, you'll soon forget all about it while desperately trying to find the nearest beverage. A hot sauce with bite, consider going beyond just using it with meat. Instead, use it as a dipping sauce for cheese sticks or french fries. (billgrays.com)

Boss Sauce

Created in 1983, Boss Sauce is one of the more recognizable upstate sauces, yet this was a first taste for me. Surprisingly thin, yet still robust in flavor, this didn't have the expected kick that goes with the word "hot." It is also has an odd orange tint, although it didn't detract from the sweet-and-sour taste. I found this to be excellent drizzled over tortilla chips, or you could go the traditional route and slather it over fish or meat. Like the tagline says, no Boss, your loss. (bosssauce.com)

Coach Tony's Meat Sauce

Rochesterians love their meat sauce, and Tony Perry was encouraged to bottle up his version of the signature condiment years ago. I would highly recommend following the label's directions to "heat and eat," as at first glance this sauce doesn't look appetizing at all. The smell redeems it, as it was like sniffing your favorite after-drinking plate. Heated up, this was quite tasty, the mild variety having enough spice to make it snap. Made with more than 50 percent meat, this sauce could even make a great base for a late-night pizza - topping it with home fries and macaroni, of course. (cthotsauce.com)

Country Sweet Sauce

If you like sweet-slathered anything, Country Sweet has your ticket. Like the name implies, this sauce is sweet - almost candied. Mustard-colored and thick, this not only belongs on wings, but could really work wonders on a roast to sugar up a tough cut of meat. Country Sweet has long been known as a college-crowd favorite, and this sauce won't disappoint, even if it isn't 3 a.m. Did I mention this sauce is sweet?

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

While not technically a Rochester sauce - it's made and bottled in Syracuse, where the regional chain was founded - the Dinosaur is so beloved here that we just had to include it. Dinosaur has a great smoky, smooth taste that makes it an obvious companion to ribs or chicken. This deeply colored sauce encourages you to be creative, like adding it to soups and casseroles. And of course, since it is Dinosaur, this sauce is "biker approved." (dinosaurbarbque.com)

Miss Betty's Slammin' Sauce

Sauce has always factored into Miss Betty's life, from creating sauces to help her children eat their vegetables, to bottling up these "slammin'" sauces for everyone to enjoy. Sweet and savory like the label says, this sauce will appeal to those who shy away from overdone, bold flavors. Miss Betty (who is actually a real person, not some marketing creation) also donates a portion of the proceeds to the local Hillside Work Scholarship Connection. (missbettyssauce.com)

Sal's Sassy Sauce

Anything with "sassy" in its name has to have potential. Sal's makes this honey-mustard sauce in mild or hot varieties, and it works perfectly as a marinade for anything that might be grilled out. The first whiff gives off a distinct vinegar smell, and the taste is quite tangy, even if the color is oddly amber. The flecks of red pepper splash the sauce with taste and color, and one of the label's recommendations is to throw it over macaroni, which sounds like a perfect summer salad to me. (salsbirdland.com/sassysauce.html)

Snuffy's Gourmet Sauce

When Snuffy's sauce says "hot," don't be too concerned. This sauce has a good mix of flavors without any one of them overpowering the others. The sweet taste is more prevalent, with a small kick near the end, but it's still acceptable for those that shy away from heat. You'll taste tomato, you'll taste a bit of citrus, you'll get a bit of sour. All in all, a gentle sauce that would top just about anything.

Uncle Ralph's Magic Sauce

With its psychedelic packaging, Uncle Ralph's Magic Sauce may provide flashbacks for some, even after you taste it. "Uncle" Ralph Bushey has been creating magic since 1996 with his special sauce that he brings to bars around Rochester. This thick and delicious mixture is full of seasonings, and the kind of sauce I could see eating right out of the bottle. I envision this topping, well, anything - this sauce is magic indeed. (uncleralphsmagicsauce.com)

Zweigle's Hot Dog Sauce

Zweigle's dogs may be well known, at least in our parts. But did you know that the company also makes a sauce to dress those hots? This rich, red sauce is thick and chunky, with a nice mix of ketchup, onion, and relish. If you're not a fan of hot dogs, other ways to enjoy this concoction include mixing it with mayo and mustard to make a sandwich spread, or toss it in some potato salad for some extra zing. Either way, this sauce is sure to please. (zweigles.com)