How To Make Southern Vinegar Hot Pepper Sauce with Tequila

I'm a hot sauce connoisseur and this tequila hot pepper sauce has the goods and is perfect for most green vegetables or fatty dishes.

It's so good and sexy. So sexy it creates legit concerns for emotional food infidelity.

Hot pepper sauce is a popular condiment in the South. It is typically made from hot peppers, vinegar, and other spices. Pepper sauce can be used to add flavor to food or to make it spicier and is usually served with everything from chicken and fish to rice and green vegetables.

Making hot pepper sauce is a Southern tradition. It's the perfect way to use up extra peppers from your garden, and it's a great way to add some heat to your food. This recipe is easy to make, and it yields a delicious sauce that is perfect for dipping or cooking. 

You can customize the spice level to suit your taste, and you can even add other ingredients like garlic or onion. I leveled up with some tequila and a few spice seeds.

WHAT IS PEPPER SAUCE?

People use hot sauce and pepper sauce interchangeably. Both Hot Sauce and Pepper Sauce are hot to some degree depending on the recipe, but I make the distinction between the two based on preparation or process.

Hot Sauce generally involves pureeing or crushing of the peppers used whereas with pepper sauce whole or sliced peppers are preserved in a vinegar base. I love them both and have many varieties in my refrigerator and pantry, both commercially bought and homemade.

MOOD MUSIC (beats to pair with pepper sauce)

This is spicy food no doubt! But this simple sauce is extraordinary in so many ways. Whether you make a mild batch or turn the heat all the way up the net flavorful sauce is/will be pure ecstasy.

Pairing the Ohio Players' song "Ecstasy" with hot pepper vinegar sauce creates an electrifying sensory experience that intertwines the soulful, vibrant notes of the music with the zesty, fiery essence of the sauce.

As the smooth melodies and energetic beats of "Ecstasy" fill the air, imagine indulging in a dish adorned with hot pepper vinegar sauce. The rhythmic music sets the mood for a lively dining experience, enhancing the flavors and amplifying the heat of the sauce.

Just as the song invokes feelings of passion and excitement, the hot pepper vinegar sauce adds a burst of fiery zest to your culinary journey. The fusion of the song's lively rhythm and the sauce's spicy kick creates an exhilarating combination, appealing to both your auditory senses and your taste buds. Whether it's the soulful tunes or the zesty flavors, this pairing embodies a dynamic and unforgettable moment to be savored.

PEPPER SAUCE RECIPE INGREDIENTS

• Fresh Hot Peppers Thai chili peppers
• Silver Tequila
• White Vinegar
• Kosher salt
• Black peppercorns

TEQUILA PEPPER SAUCE COOKING DIRECTIONS

There is no real cooking going on here, so no real steps to include.

Simply add the ingredients to a large glass mason jar or whatever you're using for your hot sauce bottle, shake it up, then add a lid and allow the tequila to mellow some over a week. I prefer to use empty glass bottles from liquor that's been used up.

WHAT TO PAIR WITH THIS SPICY SAUCE

Hot pepper sauce is a versatile condiment that can add a fiery kick and enhance the flavors of various dishes. Here are several foods and dishes that pair well with hot pepper sauce:

1. Tacos and Burritos:
   • Drizzle hot pepper sauce over tacos, burritos, or fajitas to add heat and a burst of flavor. It complements the spices and fillings typically found in Mexican-inspired dishes.
2. Grilled Meats:
   • Hot pepper sauce is a great accompaniment for grilled meats such as chicken, beef, pork, or seafood. Brush it on during grilling or serve it on the side for dipping.
3. Wings and Chicken Tenders:
   • Serve hot pepper sauce alongside chicken wings or tenders for a classic spicy dipping sauce that elevates the dish.
4. Rice and Grains:
   • Mix hot pepper sauce into cooked rice, quinoa, or other grains for a spicy side dish. It adds a zesty flavor and turns plain grains into a tasty accompaniment.
5. Fried Foods:
   • Serve hot pepper sauce with fried foods like fried chicken, fries, onion rings, or fried fish to elevate their flavors with spice.
6. Vegetables:
   • Drizzle hot pepper sauce over roasted or grilled vegetables to add some heat and depth of flavor to your veggie dishes. My favorite use is for leafy green vegetables like collard greens, turnip greens, or spinach. Green beans and cabbage are also great options.
7. Beans
   • I like to douse a little hot sauce on bean dishes like pinto beans, black eyed peas, or lima beans. The vinegar helps cut through the fattiness if using smoked fatty pork to season them.

HOMEMADE PEPPER SAUCE TIPS AND CONSIDERATIONS

Hot pepper sauce is common in African-American households. I kept this tequila version pretty streamlined but you will find repurposed used pickle jars filled with a mix of chili peppers, carrots, and garlic swimming in a combination of vinegar, water, pickle juice, etc.

Because the peppers tend to be on the larger side regular hot sauce bottles aren't necessarily a good fit. The top is generally too narrow to get the peppers inside or to remove them for cleaning the bottle.

Play around with the spices you choose to use. Green peppercorns are a great choice in place of traditional black peppercorns, as well as pink ones.

No oils like olive oil are used in this recipe. If you want to dilute the sauce you can add water or use less vinegar.

Smashed garlic cloves, as well as yellow onions, give pepper sauce even more character.

I tend to go with whatever chili peppers I have on hand. I grow ghost peppers, habanero peppers, and scotch bonnet peppers. These are all pretty high on the Scoville scale which rates heat level of different chilis. Thai chilies are great for both their flavor and thin size which makes it easier to add them to any bottle shape. Type of peppers do matter as flavor and heat level will vary depending on the peppers you use. Definitely go with fresh peppers

For more medium heat level use tabasco peppers or cayenne peppers. It's not always about choosing the hottest pepper, but really it's the flavor of the peppers used. Feel free to mix and match a combination of peppers as we did growing up.

Use simple ingredients. No need to overcomplicate this one as the peppers, vinegar, and tequila will do the trick.

Make sure you add enough vinegar to the bottle. Tequila depending on the brand used can have a strong taste and dominate. I prefer to skew more on the vinegar side.

Save all unused spicy peppers and throw them in your pepper sauce jar and just continue adding to it over time.

These pepper sauce mixtures would be used on green vegetables and soul food staples like chitlins', neckbones, or pigs feet. Green beans, collard greens, and spinach are all perfect, as are fatty foods like pork neck bones or smoked ham hocks.

BEST HOT PEPPERS FOR MAKING SOUTHERN HOT PEPPER SAUCE

My favorites are the skinny red and green Thai chilis. Red cayenne peppers are my alternate peppers. However, it's really a preference thing. Selecting the right chili peppers for your hot pepper sauce largely depends on the level of heat and flavor you desire. Here are some popular chili peppers known for their spiciness and excellent flavor, making them great choices for hot pepper sauce:

1. Habanero Peppers:
   • Habanero peppers are one of the hottest chili peppers widely available. They have a fruity, citrusy flavor alongside intense heat, making them a classic choice for fiery hot sauces.
2. Scotch Bonnet Peppers:
   • Scotch bonnets are similar in heat and flavor to habaneros, featuring a fruity taste and a high level of spiciness. They are popular in Caribbean cuisine and lend a distinct flavor to hot sauces.
3. Serrano Peppers:
   • Serrano peppers have a moderate to high level of heat, making them versatile for different spice preferences. They offer a bright, crisp flavor and are widely used in Mexican cuisine.
4. Jalapeño Peppers:
   • Jalapeños are a milder option, making them suitable for those who enjoy some heat without an overwhelming spiciness. They have a distinct flavor that can be enhanced by combining them with other peppers.
5. Tabasco Peppers:
   • Tabasco peppers are used to make the famous Tabasco sauce. They provide a medium heat level and a unique tangy, vinegary flavor that adds depth to the sauce.

When making hot pepper sauce, you can also experiment with combinations of these peppers to achieve the desired level of spiciness and flavor. Remember to handle these peppers with care, using gloves and proper precautions due to their heat. Adjust the number of peppers according to your heat tolerance and taste preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Making Homemade Hot Sauce

What Type Of Vinegar Is Best For Pepper Sauce?

I prefer to use plain distilled white vinegar for my pepper sauce. White vinegar is the Southern way. You can mix things up some by adding apple cider vinegar if you need something a little sweeter to balance against the bunch of hot peppers.

Creating a flavorful hot pepper sauce involves choosing the right type of vinegar to complement the heat and flavors of the peppers. Here are some popular types of vinegar that work well for making hot pepper sauce:

1. White Distilled Vinegar:
   • White distilled vinegar is a common choice for hot pepper sauce. It has a neutral flavor that allows the heat and flavors of the peppers to shine through. It provides a sharp, tangy taste without altering the color of the sauce.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar:
   • Apple cider vinegar adds a slightly fruity and milder tang to the sauce. It complements the natural sweetness of peppers and can enhance the overall flavor profile of the hot sauce.
3. White Wine Vinegar:
   • White wine vinegar offers a mild and slightly fruity flavor, which pairs well with the heat from the peppers. It can add a subtle complexity to the sauce.
4. Rice Vinegar:
   • Rice vinegar has a milder flavor compared to other types of vinegar. It brings a delicate, slightly sweet taste that can complement the spice of the hot peppers without overpowering them.
5. Red Wine Vinegar:
   • Red wine vinegar adds a deeper, robust flavor to hot pepper sauce. It works particularly well with red or darker-colored peppers, enhancing the overall taste and providing a rich, tangy note.
6. Malt Vinegar:
   • Malt vinegar has a slightly malty, nutty flavor that can add a unique dimension to the hot sauce. It's a popular choice for those seeking a distinct taste in their sauce.
7. Champagne Vinegar:
   • Champagne vinegar is known for its light and delicate flavor. It can provide a subtle tanginess to the sauce, allowing the pepper flavors to come to the forefront.
8. Balsamic Vinegar (in moderation):
   • Balsamic vinegar is rich and sweet, and while not a traditional choice, a small amount can add depth and a touch of sweetness to balance the heat in the hot pepper sauce.

The best vinegar for your hot pepper sauce will depend on your personal preference and the type of peppers you're using. Experimenting with different vinegars will help you find the perfect balance and flavor that you desire for your hot sauce.

How Long Can You Store Pepper Sauce?

Hot pepper sauce is basically pickled peppers. Given this, you can refrigerate pepper sauce for a while. I use my tasty bottle of peppers a few times a week and I can We used our own hot sauce mixtures for months. The lids would be a bit rusty lol.

MORE SAUCE RECIPES

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Zhoug Sauce

Jerk BBQ Sauce

West African Peanut Sauce

Haitian Pikliz Hot Sauce

MAKE THIS HOT PEPPER VINEGAR RECIPE

If you’re looking for a delicious and unique way to spice up your food, look no further than this Southern hot pepper sauce recipe. It’s easy to make and will add a flavorful kick of spicy flavors to anything you put it on. So why not give it a try? We think you’ll love it!

If you make this tequila hot sauce recipe or any other from the site, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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