Preheat oven to 350oF (180oC).
In a bowl, add sugar. Then sieve flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder into the same bowl. Whisk to combine.
Add vegetable oil, water, vanilla extract. Mix until no lumps.
Add red food coloring gel. Mix to combine.
Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Spray with non-stick cooking spray (optional). This will prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the paper. Fill cupcake liner to about 2/3 full.
Bake in preheated oven at 350oF (180oC) for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Rack middle position in oven.
Let cupcakes cool down in pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with powdered/icing sugar (optional).