Tequila Hot Sauce

Chef Elizabeth Karmel of Hill Country Barbecue in New York City serves this infused tequila drizzled over everything from grilled fish to grilled peaches.

**Correction: August 22, 2011 An earlier version of this recipe did not include smoked black cardamom, as mentioned in Elizabeth Karmel's related article. 1 smoked black cardamom pod (optional) has been added to the ingredients list.

  • Serves

    makes 1 pint

Ingredients

  • 14 tsp. whole allspice
  • 14 tsp. black peppercorns
  • 14 tsp. cumin seeds
  • 1 pint tequila blanco
  • 3-5 fresh or dried red Thai chiles, smashed with side of a knife**
  • 1 smoked black cardamom pod (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Heat allspice, peppercorns, and cumin in an 8″ skillet over medium heat and cook, swirling skillet, until toasted and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat; set aside. Take a swig of tequila, or pour off an inch of the spirit to make room for the other ingredients; add toasted spices, chiles, and optional black cardamom to bottle. Add pour spout or screw top to bottle; let hot sauce sit for 1 week before using.
  1. Heat allspice, peppercorns, and cumin in an 8″ skillet over medium heat and cook, swirling skillet, until toasted and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat; set aside. Take a swig of tequila, or pour off an inch of the spirit to make room for the other ingredients; add toasted spices, chiles, and optional black cardamom to bottle. Add pour spout or screw top to bottle; let hot sauce sit for 1 week before using.
Recipes

Tequila Hot Sauce

  • Serves

    makes 1 pint

TODD COLEMAN

Chef Elizabeth Karmel of Hill Country Barbecue in New York City serves this infused tequila drizzled over everything from grilled fish to grilled peaches.

Ingredients

  • 14 tsp. whole allspice
  • 14 tsp. black peppercorns
  • 14 tsp. cumin seeds
  • 1 pint tequila blanco
  • 3-5 fresh or dried red Thai chiles, smashed with side of a knife**
  • 1 smoked black cardamom pod (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Heat allspice, peppercorns, and cumin in an 8″ skillet over medium heat and cook, swirling skillet, until toasted and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat; set aside. Take a swig of tequila, or pour off an inch of the spirit to make room for the other ingredients; add toasted spices, chiles, and optional black cardamom to bottle. Add pour spout or screw top to bottle; let hot sauce sit for 1 week before using.
  1. Heat allspice, peppercorns, and cumin in an 8″ skillet over medium heat and cook, swirling skillet, until toasted and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat; set aside. Take a swig of tequila, or pour off an inch of the spirit to make room for the other ingredients; add toasted spices, chiles, and optional black cardamom to bottle. Add pour spout or screw top to bottle; let hot sauce sit for 1 week before using.

**Correction: August 22, 2011 An earlier version of this recipe did not include smoked black cardamom, as mentioned in Elizabeth Karmel's related article. 1 smoked black cardamom pod (optional) has been added to the ingredients list.

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