National Hot Sauce Day (January 22)

ByClare Brown Posted on Updated on

National Hot Sauce Day, celebrated every year on January 22, is the perfect excuse to add a little spice to your life.

Whether you enjoy it mild or prefer the fiery kick of the hottest peppers, this day is all about exploring flavors and heat levels.

From classic brands like Tabasco to homemade blends, there’s a hot sauce for everyone.

Discover the history, fun facts, and ways to celebrate this weird January holiday.

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.

2 bottles of red hot sauce surrounded by chillis

Top 5 Facts About Hot Sauce

  1. The hottest chili pepper in the world, the Carolina Reaper, has a Scoville rating of over 2 million.
  2. Buffalo wings were invented in Buffalo, New York, in 1964 and are traditionally paired with hot sauce.
  3. Salsa surpassed ketchup as America’s favorite condiment in 1992.
  4. Sriracha, a popular hot sauce, originated from Thailand but gained fame in the U.S. in the 1980s.
  5. Different cultures prepare hot sauce using unique ingredients like vinegar, oil, or pureed vegetables.

Activities to Celebrate

  • Take your taste buds on a trip by trying hot sauces from different regions, such as smoky chipotle from Mexico or fiery peri-peri from Africa.
  • Invite friends and family to a hot sauce tasting competition and see who can handle the heat.
  • Experiment with fresh ingredients like habaneros, garlic, and vinegar to craft a unique homemade hot sauce.
  • Prepare your favorite dishes with an extra kick, from buffalo wings to spicy pasta, 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.

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