Restless Chipotle

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
×
  • Overhead view of pickles in a white bowl
    Sweet Heat Refrigerator Pickles
  • A basket full of garlic breadsticks.
    How to Make Soft Garlic Breadsticks`
  • A peaches and cream icebox pie with a serving removed to show the layers.
    Peach Icebox Pie
  • A square of strawberry shortcut cake being served from a spatula.
    Strawberry Shortcut Cake
  • A cropped view of this recipe in a glass bowl for the feature image.
    Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
  • Closeup of fried chicken on a plate.
    Why Do Southerners Put Buttermilk in Everything?
  • Overhead view of finished crockpot chicken bog in the crockpot.
    Crockpot Chicken Bog
  • Overhead view of the finished grapefruit cake on a white cake plate.
    Texas Ruby Red Grapefruit Bundt Cake
  • Overhead view of skillet with finished cabbage in it. Feature image.
    Creamed Cabbage
  • Bright green cocktail in a clear glass.
    Hammered Hulk Cocktail – A Bold, Green Drink for St. Patrick’s Day
  • Closeup of pimento cheese balls for feature image.
    Crispy Fried Pimento Cheese Balls
  • A crunchy topped casserole with a serving spoon in it.
    Pineapple Casserole
Home » Recipes » Cooking Tips and Basic Techniques

Southern Hot Pepper Vinegar

Published: Apr 8, 2024 by Marye

Southern hot pepper vinegar is a simple recipe with just a couple of ingredients. It's used to add a burst of flavor to almost everything from collard greens to black-eyed peas. Makes about 2 cups of sauce.
Total time for the recipe to be finished.Total Time 2 days days 10 minutes minutes
Jump to Recipe
Close up of hot pepper vinegar in jars.
two jars of hot pepper vinegar with a text overlay for Pinterest.

A shaker bottle or cruet of hot "peppa sauce" is a tradition on Southern tables. This spicy condiment used to sit on our table right next to the salt & pepper!

It's perfect for adding a little spark of flavor to savory foods.

Finished bottles of hot pepper vinegar on a table.
Table of Contents
  • 🗝️ Key takeaways
  • 🧾 Ingredients
  • 📖 Variations
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 🥫 How to store southern "peppa sauce"
  • Marye's notes
  • 💭 Things to know
  • 👩‍🍳 FAQs
  • 📚 Related recipes
  • 🍽️ What to do with hot pepper vinegar...
  • 📞 The last word
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

🗝️ Key takeaways

This hot pepper sauce is about to become your new favorite condiment and kitchen table staple!

  • You only need three cheap, simple ingredients and no special equipment.
  • It brightens and enhances the flavor of meats and vegetables. From collard greens to pulled pork, fried chicken, potatoes, and more, hot pepper vinegar is a great way to kick up the flavor of your favorite Southern recipes.
  • If you've never made infused vinegars or oils before you're in for a treat! They add a ton of flavor and variety to your dishes. This is an easy recipe to start with because it doesn't require cooking and it's done in minutes!

Just add it to the table with salt and pepper at every meal. Everyone can use what they want.

🧾 Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Labeled ingredients for this recipe.

📖 Variations

  • White Vinegar: You can use another light variety, like white wine or apple cider vinegar. However, they'll make the flavor a little bit different.
  • Cider vinegar will change the color, too. I prefer white vinegar both for flavor and the look!
  • Hotter: Add extra heat by using a spicier variety of peppers, such as habaneros, cayenne peppers, or scotch bonnet peppers—whew! You could also use a mixture of peppers.
  • Milder: Poblanos, chipotles, and jalapeno chili peppers rank lower on the Scoville scale, in case your taste buds don't love super hot vinegar.
  • Other Flavor: Some people like to add a few garlic cloves, onion slices, or peppercorns to change the flavor a little. I don't usually add them, which keeps this hot pepper vinegar versatile for any dish!

🔪 Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Steps showing hot to make hot pepper vinegar.
  1. Wash the peppers and remove their caps and stems.
  2. Use a chopstick or skewer to push the peppers into a glass bottle.
  3. Using the funnel, fill the jars with vinegar...
  4. ...and top them off with a few drops of olive oil. Let sit for 1-2 days before enjoying.

🥫 How to store southern "peppa sauce"

This simple sauce is easy to store, especially since it's already in a nice airtight container!

Keep the bottle of peppers and vinegar in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Stored at room temperature in the pantry, hot pepper vinegar lasts for months!

Generally, if you still have some left after about three months, it's best to pop it in the fridge. It'll keep just about forever (or until you use it up) that way.

*If it starts looking cloudy or smells bad throw it out.

Marye's notes

The olive oil trick is a well-known secret in the Southern states—it'll make your hot pepper vinegar taste even spicier! It also helps seal the vinegar and keep bacteria out.

💭 Things to know

  • Small peppers look innocent, but they pack a punch! Use a skewer or chopstick to handle them, otherwise, your fingers will start to burn.
  • After touching peppers, remember to wash your hands really well. Whatever you do, don't touch your face, the kids, or your pet!
  • Most of the heat of fresh chili peppers comes from the inner membrane or pith. So, it's important to remove the cap to let that good flavor out!
  • You can blend the mixture into a thicker texture, similar to Tabasco sauce. However, we like the versatility of hot, spice-infused vinegar.

👩‍🍳 FAQs

Help! I touched the peppers and now my hands burn!

Oops! It's best to prevent this in the first place by wearing gloves. However, if you do get that tingly, burning feeling on your fingers, wash them off with a little bit of rubbing alcohol—works every time.

Which are the spiciest type of peppers?

People used to say the hottest peppers were ghost peppers, but the answer is actually Carolina Reapers! Anything is fair game when it comes to hot pepper vinegar, but I'd recommend being very careful if you choose to go this spicy—don't let your kids or friends get into it without a warning (and, maybe a safety waver, too!)

Two bottles of hot pepper vinegar on a blue striped towel.

📚 Related recipes

Condiments are easy to make at home!

  • Two dishes of mustard on a table.
    Creole Mustard Substitutes
  • Side view of a jar full of the homemade sauce.
    Homemade Teriyaki Sauce with Honey
  • Overhead view of candied jalapenos in a jar.
    Candied Jalapenos (Cowboy Candy)
  • an easy to make barbecue sauce that is just right for almost everyone
    Damntastic Texas Barbecue Sauce

🍽️ What to do with hot pepper vinegar...

A sprinkle of this easy "peppa sauce" brings the flavor of most vegetables and meats to life!

  1. Collard Greens (and turnip greens) need a little hot pepper vinegar to cut through the bitterness and give them that classic Southern flavor.
  2. Black-Eyed Pea Soup is really good, but a finishing splash of spicy vinegar makes it over-the-top delicious.
  3. Crispy Fried Potatoes taste even better with some acidity—it's the elevated version of dipping your diner french fries in malt vinegar!
  4. Sprinkle on fried catfish for a tangy, spicy flavor that really hits the spot.
  5. Use it in any homemade vinaigrette.
  6. Use a couple of drops in your favorite Bloody Mary cocktail.
  7. Add a bit to your refrigerator okra pickles or dilly beans.

📞 The last word

This is such an easy recipe and it's a great way to save all of those end-of-summer hot peppers in the vegetable garden.

Plus, it makes a great gift!

We always had a big vegetable garden when I was growing up and peppers love the Texas climate! There were always big colanders of peppers around and the best way to store them, besides slice and freezing, was to make this infused vinegar.

We just about drank the stuff.

It used to be as essential to the dinner table as salt and pepper. Once you try it you'll never let yourself run out!

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Recipe

Close up of hot pepper vinegar in jars.

Southern Hot Pepper Vinegar

4 from 2 votes
Print Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved! Rate Recipe
Prevent your screen from going dark
Southern hot pepper vinegar is a simple recipe with just a couple of ingredients. It's used to add a burst of flavor to almost everything from collard greens to black-eyed peas. Makes about 2 cups of sauce.
Course Condiments and Spices
Cuisine American - Southern
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
2 days days
Total Time: 2 days days 10 minutes minutes
Servings:40
Calories:5
Author:Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces serrano chiles
  • 2 cups white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions

  • Wash peppers and pop the cap and stem off.
  • Pack into a clean, sterilized bottle or a pint jar.
  • Using the funnel add vinegar to within ¼ inch or so of the top of the bottle.
  • Add a layer of olive oil.
  • Cover and let stand for 24 to 48 hours before using. It gets more flavor as it stands.
  • No need to refrigerate.

Notes

Storage:
Keep the bottle of peppers and vinegar in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Stored at room temperature in the pantry, hot pepper vinegar lasts for months!
Generally, if you still have some left after about three months, it's best to pop it in the fridge. It'll keep just about forever (or until you use it up) that way.
*If it starts looking cloudy or smells bad throw it out.
Tips:
  • The olive oil trick is a well-known secret in the Southern states—it'll make your hot pepper vinegar taste even spicier! It also helps seal the vinegar and keep bacteria out.
  • Small peppers look innocent, but they pack a punch! Use a skewer or chopstick to handle them, otherwise, your fingers will start to burn.
  • After touching peppers, remember to wash your hands really well. Whatever you do, don't touch your face, the kids, or your pet!
  • Most of the heat of fresh chili peppers comes from the inner membrane or pith. So, it's important to remove the cap to let that good flavor out!
  • You can blend the mixture into a thicker texture, similar to Tabasco sauce. However, we like the versatility of hot, spice-infused vinegar.
You'll find more helpful tips and variations in the body of the post.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 5kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.03g | Saturated Fat: 0.004g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 30mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 53IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.

More Basic Kitchen Skills and Recipes

  • A collage of 3 images - pizza, French fries, and hamburgers.
    How to Reheat Food in the Air Fryer
  • Close up of fried onions on a platter.
    Copycat French's Fried Onions Recipe from Scratch
  • closeup of someone brushing a cast iron skillet with oil.
    10 Kitchen Tools Every Southern Cook Swears By
  • A jar filled with mock clotted cream.
    Mock Devonshire Cream

Love it? Share it!

128 shares
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard

About Marye

Meet Marye Audet, a wizard in the kitchen and a storyteller at heart. Marye is like your eccentric but fun aunt who knows all the secret recipes and isn't afraid to spill them.

Comments

No Comments

4 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Love it? Give it 5 stars!




Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

Hey Y'all, I'm Marye

Welcome to my kitchen! ☕

NY Times bestselling author. 10 cookbooks. Mom of 8 kids. Homeschooling mom for 22 years. Addicted to Hallmark Christmas Movies. Collector of old cookbooks.

Find out more

🍉 Memorial Day

  • Overhead view of potato salad in a glass bowl
    Mom's Homemade Potato Salad

  • Overhead view of the finished watermelon basket filled with an assortment of fruit.
    How to Make a Watermelon Basket

  • Closeup of a finished hamburger in a bun.
    Retro Lipton Onion Soup Burger (Vintage Recipe)

  • Closeup of a star shaped cake covered in white chocolate with red and blue sprinkles.
    Zebra Cake Recipe: Little Debbie Copycat

🧢 Father's Day

  • Close up of chicken breast that's been grilled.
    Awesome Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast Wrapped in Bacon

  • Closeup image of sausage cheese dip.
    Rotel Sausage Dip

  • Closeup overhead view of the macaroni salad in a bowl with a spoon in it for serving.
    BBQ Macaroni Salad Texas Style

  • Close up of a piece of cake.
    Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

👑 Reader Favorites

  • Square overhead of chicken for feature image.
    Slow Cooker Angel Chicken

  • Close up of the sauce showing the creamy texture.
    Copycat Red Robin Campfire Sauce Recipe

  • Wooden spatula removing fried potatoes out of iron skillet.
    Crispy Pan Fried Potatoes

  • Blue cocktail with a red and white straw.
    Sex in the Driveway Cocktail

  • A sliced loaf of english muffin bread.
    Easy English Muffin Bread Recipe – Perfect for Toasting (No Kneading!)

  • Two finished loaves of Amish white bread cooling on a table.
    No-Fail Amish White Bread

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • About Marye Audet-White
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Contact
MaryeAudet Whiteandherchildren Dec

Featured In:

Places Restless Chipotle has been featured

We improve our products and advertising by using Microsoft Clarity to see how you use our website. By using our site, you agree that we and Microsoft can collect and use this data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright ©2006 - 2025 Restless Chipotle Media, LLC

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.