National Hot Sauce Day (January 22)
If you’re the type who keeps a bottle of hot sauce in your bag or puts it on everything from eggs to pizza, this day is for you.
National Hot Sauce Day on January 22 is a fun excuse to celebrate bold flavors and personal heat limits.
Whether you like a gentle kick or something that makes your eyes water, it’s all about enjoying spice your way.
When is the Holiday?
It is celebrated annually on January 22. It’s a perfect time to spice things up and explore different flavors from around the world.
Who Invented It?
The exact origins remain unclear, but the love for spicy condiments has been around for thousands of years.
It’s likely that hot sauce enthusiasts and spice companies popularized the idea to celebrate the diverse flavors and cultural significance of hot sauce.
The History of the Holiday
Hot sauce dates back thousands of years, with evidence suggesting that ancient Central and South American civilizations used chili peppers in their cooking as early as 6,000 years ago.
Over time, explorers like the Portuguese and Spanish introduced chili peppers to other parts of the world.
The first commercially sold hot sauce appeared in the United States in 1807, and Tabasco sauce became a household name in 1868, thanks to Edmund McIlhenny.
Today, hot sauce is enjoyed globally, with countless varieties and flavors.
Top 5 Facts About Hot Sauce
- The hottest chili pepper in the world, the Carolina Reaper, has a Scoville rating of over 2 million.
- Buffalo wings were invented in Buffalo, New York, in 1964 and are traditionally paired with hot sauce.
- Salsa surpassed ketchup as America’s favorite condiment in 1992.
- Sriracha, a popular hot sauce, originated from Thailand but gained fame in the U.S. in the 1980s.
- Different cultures prepare hot sauce using unique ingredients like vinegar, oil, or pureed vegetables.
Coloring Page
If you want a lighter activity, the free hot sauce coloring page below is a fun way to join in without turning up the heat.
Activities to Celebrate
- Try hot sauces from different regions, like smoky chipotle or peri-peri.
- Host a small tasting and see who handles the heat best.
- Make your own blend with fresh peppers and vinegar.
- Prepare your favorite dishes with an extra kick and test your spice tolerance.
- Post your favorite hot sauce recipes, spice levels, and cooking tips on social media to inspire others.
Related Recipes for the Holiday
- Simple Habanero Hot Sauce Recipe. This easy-to-make sauce packs a fiery punch with just six ingredients, delivering bold heat and flavor that’s perfect for drizzling over tacos or adding to marinades.
- Kebab Shop Chilli Sauce. A rich and flavorful sauce that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, kebabs, and wraps, adding a satisfying spicy kick.
- Fermented Hot Sauce Recipe. A homemade favorite that uses lacto-fermentation to create a tangy, probiotic-rich sauce with deep, complex flavors.
- Homemade Buffalo Sauce. A classic combination of butter and hot sauce that brings a rich, tangy flavor to wings, sandwiches, and dips.
- Sweet Chili Sauce. A perfect balance of sweetness and spice, this sauce is ideal for dipping or adding to stir-fries for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Homemade Schezwan Sauce. A spicy and garlicky condiment with bold flavors, perfect for stir-fries, noodles, and even as a dipping sauce.
- Guajillo Sauce Recipe. A smoky, slightly sweet Mexican-style sauce made from guajillo peppers, great for enchiladas, tacos, and more.
**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**
Links to Resources
- Hot Sauce Making Kit: This DIY kit includes a variety of chili peppers, spices, and bottles, allowing you to craft your own personalized hot sauces at home.
- Hot Sauce Sampler Set: Try 30 different hot sauces from around the world, perfect for discovering new flavors and heat levels.
- Original Truffle Hot Sauce from Truff: A luxurious blend of truffle and chili peppers for a gourmet experience.
Related Holidays
- International Hot and Spicy Food Day (January 16) is another spicy-food excuse, with recipe ideas.
- National Tortilla Chip Day (February 24) perfect pairing for salsa, queso, and hot sauce.
- National Garlic Day (April 19) garlic + heat is a classic flavor combo.
Pin it!
Share this post about hot sauce on Pinterest!
