Tacos in any form make us happy. But tacos with a splash of fresh and colorful, homemade hot sauce? SAY NO MORE. Elevate dinnertime by learning four easy ways to make this beloved condiment from scratch.  

Some hot sauces make you want to aggressively chug a gallon of water, while others lend a subtle kick of flavor without lighting your mouth on fire. Whether you’re on team spicy or team mild, there’s one fact that everyone can agree on: making hot sauce from scratch is pretty darn easy. It takes five minutes max, and all you have to do is put everything in a blender or food processor and, well, blend.

Now is probably an appropriate time to resurrect the phrase awesome sauce.

1. Oregano Hot Sauce

This mild, herby hot sauce pairs perfectly with all things fish. (We’re looking at you, Tacos with Sole.)

Ingredients:

• 1 Roasted Red Pepper
• 3 Jalapeño Peppers
• 1 Red Chile Pepper
• 1/2 Onion
• 4 Basil Leaves
• 2 Cloves Garlic
• 2 Tablespoons Coconut Milk
• 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 Teaspoon Paprika
• 2 Teaspoons Dried Oregano
• 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth, adding more oil if too thick.

2. Garlic Hot Sauce

Your Smoky Chicken Tacos or Garden Quesadillas are practically begging for a splash of this garlicky dream-come-true. Be warned, though, this sauce is not for the faint of heart.

Ingredients:

• 10 Red Chile Peppers
• 2 Shallots
• 1 Head Roasted Garlic (about 12 cloves)
• 2 Tablespoons White Vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons Peanut or Sesame Oil
• 1 Teaspoon Sugar
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth, adding more oil if too thick.

3. Gentle Green Hot Sauce

This fresh, gentle green hot sauce + these Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos (or any fish tacos, for that matter) = pure bliss.

Ingredients:

• 6 Long Green Chile Peppers
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped
• 1 Bunch Parsley, coarsely chopped
• 1 Bunch Cilantro, coarsely chopped
• 5 Cloves Garlic
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1/2 Tablespoon Ground Cardamom
• 1 Tablespoon Cumin
• 1/2 Tablespoon Fennel
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons Salt

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth, adding more oil if too thick.

4. Habanero Hot Sauce

Another hot one, here, so we suggest adding just a teaspoon to your Smoky Beef Tacos.

Ingredients:

• 8 Habanero Chile Peppers
• 3 Ripe Tomatoes
• 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 Cloves Garlic
• 1 Shallot
• 1 Tablespoon Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Sunflower Oil
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth, adding more oil if too thick.

For more fiesta-worthy Cinco de Mayo recipes, head here. Oh! And while you’re at it, read up on one of our other favorite types of sauce: pesto (and cue the yummmmm).