As temps start to freeze, we have a favorite way to heat things up — with locally-made hot sauces.
Here are a few hot sauces straight from the heart of central Indiana that will make you reach for that glass of water (or add another drizzle to your dish).
St. Elmo Cocktail Sauce | No introduction needed. This world-famous sauce takes any seafood dish from simple to seriously spicy in a matter of seconds.
Pup & The Pepper | From mild to wild, this company’s collection of five unique flavors has all your hot sauce needs covered. Bonus: A portion of profits goes toward supporting animal charities and rescues.
Acapulco Joe’s | Originally opened in 1960 by Jose Guadalupe Robles Rangel, Indy institution Acapulco Joe’s went through decades of name + location changes before shuttering for renovations in 2019 and never reopening. Luckily for us, its iconic hot sauce recipe was saved and remains in production — thanks to the Farmer family. It’s known for its perfectly sweet flavor and slight kick.
Guy’s Cooking Creation | “The guys” represent the definition of hot sauce moguls, with a whopping 17 varieties of sauces for sale. Keep an eye on the group’s Instagram to find pop ups at local markets across the city nearly every week.
South’s BBQ | The product of another former Indy restaurant that first opened its doors in 1992, this sauce selection has been kept alive by the South family themselves. Its hot sauce pairs perfectly with its signature dry rub to elevate any backyard BBQ.
Midwest Fresh | This company makes just about every condiment you could ever need, including its signature Hoosier 101 Hot Sauce. If you’re a bacon lover, make sure you pick up a jar of the award-winning Spicy Bacon Jam too.
Wondering where you can pick up a sauce stat? You can order directly from all of these companies online, or find many of them at local shops including:
- A Taste of Indiana | 5016 E. 62nd St., Indianapolis
- Goose the Market | 2503 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis
- Tasteful Times | 11677 Olio Rd., Fishers
- The Indiana Store | 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
- Mercantile 37 | 25625 IN-37, Noblesville
- Cork and Cracker | 2126 Broad Ripple Ave., Indianapolis
Did we miss your favorite sauce? Let us know.
