Salamander’s Most Frequently Asked Questions
Why did you start Salamander Sauce?
I couldn't find the kind of hot sauce I actually wanted to use. Most were too vinegary, too fermented, or all burn and no flavor. I wanted something fresher, brighter—something that worked with food, not against it. So I started experimenting in my kitchen. Years (and many scorched taste buds) later, Salamander Sauce was born.
What makes your sauces different from Tabasco, Sriracha, or Frank's RedHot?
Honestly? I like them. That's where it starts. I wanted something I'd actually reach for—something that makes food better, not just hotter. Sure, we're definitely hotter than those mainstream brands, but what sets Salamander apart is the fresher quality and layers of flavor. No harsh vinegar blast like Tabasco. No one-note heat like some srirachas. Every bottle is built with flavor in mind: clean ingredients, real balance, and heat that respects the dish.
Are Salamander Sauces all-natural?
Yes, completely natural. No artificial preservatives, no artificial colors, no weird chemicals you can't pronounce. Just real peppers, real spices, and ingredients that actually belong in food. That's why they taste fresh—because they are.
How do you come up with your flavors?
A lot of it's instinct and experience. I cook, I eat, and I pay attention to what works—and what surprises me. Sometimes a good idea comes from a meal or a weird combo I've tried, and that's kind of how I build flavors too.
What does "artisanal" or "craft hot sauce" even mean?
I don't love those words; they've been used so much they don't mean a whole lot anymore. But if we're talking about what they should mean? It's about care, not cutting corners, and staying close to the process. I may not be stirring every pot anymore, but I still taste every recipe. That's what matters more than buzzwords.
How long does Salamander Sauce last once opened?
In the fridge, you're looking at 6-12 months for best flavor—maybe longer, but why risk it? These aren't vinegar bombs loaded with preservatives. That means you get depth and brightness, but maybe not five years in the cupboard. If it's bubbling, hissing, or smells like straight vinegar all of a sudden, it's probably gone off. When in doubt, trust your senses.
How should I store Salamander Sauce?
Unopened, a cool, dark spot works just fine. Once it's open, keep it in the fridge. It helps preserve the flavor—especially with sauces like these that aren't loaded with preservatives.
What foods pair best with Salamander Sauce?
Anything you want to make better. Eggs and breakfast dishes are classics—the sauce brightens everything up. Tacos, wings, and pizza are obvious winners. But don't sleep on pasta, chowders, grilled vegetables, or even vanilla ice cream if you're feeling adventurous. It also plays well in cocktails or mixed into dressings and marinades. New to hot sauce? Start with our Tropical—it's the most approachable—then try the Whiskey or Original. Start where it makes sense, then get weird. That's how favorites happen.
Why "Salamander"?
Honestly? Salamanders are cool. Then I found out about the mythology—creatures born in fire, not destroyed by it. That stuck. Just like the sauces, they don't run from heat—they come through it with something to show for it.
Are your sauces vegan and gluten-free?
Yep. All of them. No animal products. No gluten. No weird hidden stuff. Just real ingredients and flavor that stands up.
Are your sauces nut-free?
We don't use nuts in our recipes; however, our sauces are made in a facility that also processes nuts for other products. They take precautions by producing those items late in the day followed by a thorough cleaning, but we cannot guarantee there is no cross-contamination.
Where can I buy Salamander Sauce besides online?
Right now, online is really your best bet. We're still a small operation, so we're focused on getting great sauce directly to you without the middleman markup. I'd love to get into local shops and maybe hit some markets down the line, but for now it's just me making sure every bottle that goes out is exactly what it should be.
Do you offer gift options or hot sauce bundles?
Not proper gift boxes yet—custom packaging is expensive when you're small-scale, and I'd rather put the money into better ingredients. But honestly? Ordering one of each flavor makes a pretty great gift anyway. People love trying the whole range, and the bottles themselves look good lined up. Proper gift sets are definitely on the roadmap as we grow.
Do you make limited editions or seasonal flavors?
Not yet, but never say never. I'm always experimenting with new combinations and seasonal ingredients. If something really excites me—and I mean really excites me—it might make its way into a small batch. Sign up for our newsletter if you want first dibs on anything special.
Can I use Salamander Sauce in cooking?
Absolutely. Mix it into dressings, swirl it through a soup, or blend it into a glaze. It holds up to heat and brings flavor wherever it goes. I love adding the Whiskey sauce to pasta sauce—it adds a lot of flavor and a real kick. Those times when you don't have time to make a proper sauce? Sauté some onions and garlic, toss in some powdered or minced spices, add some Whiskey sauce, and suddenly you have a pretty good sauce. It's a game-changer for quick weeknight dinners.
What ingredients are in Salamander Sauce?
We keep it simple: habanero and jalapeño peppers, carrot, vinegar, and salt. The peppers come from farms in the Hudson River Valley—I love the fruity, almost smoky quality of habaneros. The carrot adds sweetness and body without any weird additives. That's it. Real ingredients that actually belong in food.
Where do you source your peppers?
Our peppers come from farms in the Hudson River Valley, sourced through our co-packer who works directly with local growers upstate. Keeping it regional means fresher peppers and supporting the farms doing great work in our backyard. It's one of those things that just makes sense.
What's your return or refund policy?
Since these are food products, we can't accept returns once they leave our kitchen—safety first. But if your order arrives damaged in transit, we've got you covered. Just email us at info@salamandersauce.com within 7 days with photos of the damage, your order number, and delivery info. We'll get a replacement out to you right away.