Love a good hot sauce? Us too.

Us hot sauce enthusiasts around the world know that there is something irresistible about the fiery, zesty flavours of a good hot sauce.

Many of us have our favourites, and while new brands and flavours are constantly emerging, some classics have stood the test of time.

We’re going to look at three iconic hot sauces, my all-time favourites, which are: Frank's RedHot Original, Cholula, and Tabasco.

Frank's RedHot Original: The Birth of an American Classic

Frank's RedHot Original, a staple in many American households, boasts a history that dates back to 1918.

The sauce was developed by Jacob Frank and his business partner, Adam Estilette, in Louisiana. The duo perfected a secret blend of aged cayenne peppers, distilled vinegar, water, salt, and garlic powder. The result was a tangy, spicy, and versatile sauce that is still enjoyed today.

Frank's RedHot Original is widely regarded as the secret ingredient behind the famous Buffalo wings, a dish created in 1964 by Teressa Bellissimo at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. The sauce's popularity continued to grow, and today, it is used to add a zesty kick to a wide variety of dishes.

Cholula: Mexico's Flavourful Gift to the World

Cholula hot sauce, named after the Mexican city of Cholula, has a rich history that extends back generations. This flavourful sauce is crafted using a blend of arbol and piquin peppers, ground into a fine powder, and combined with vinegar, salt, and a mix of spices.

Cholula's distinctive wooden cap is a nod to its traditional roots, while the bottle is adorned with an image of a woman known as the "Cholula Lady," symbolising the matriarchal influence on the brand's history.

Cholula has become a favourite among hot sauce connoisseurs for its mild-to-medium heat and unique flavour profile, which lends itself well to a variety of dishes, from tacos and burritos to eggs and pizza, it’s also our recommended sauce for our make your own spicy meatballs recipe.

Tabasco: A Taste of Southern Tradition

Tabasco, perhaps the most iconic hot sauce in the world, has a history that dates back to 1868. It was created by Edmund McIlhenny on Avery Island, Louisiana, using tabasco peppers, vinegar, and salt. The peppers are aged in oak barrels for up to three years, giving the sauce its signature bold, spicy flavour.

The McIlhenny Company has remained a family-owned business for over 150 years, and Tabasco has become a global phenomenon, available in over 185 countries and territories. The sauce has spawned various spin-off flavours, such as the popular Green Jalapeño and Chipotle sauces, but the original Tabasco remains a beloved staple for those seeking a spicy kick.

Frank's RedHot Original, Cholula, and Tabasco are three hot sauces with unique histories, flavours, and cultural influences. While each of these hot sauces has its loyal following, they all share the power to elevate dishes and bring people together through a shared love of spice. No matter which you prefer, it's clear that these iconic hot sauces have left an indelible mark on the culinary world whilst also giving hot sauce addicts the hot sauce buzz.

Yummy scrummy in our tummy.