– 5 drops tabasco sauce

Tabasco sauce is a fermented hot pepper condiment originating from Louisiana, United States, traditionally made from Capsicum frutescens peppers (commonly called tabasco peppers). The sauce is produced through a process of mashing aged red peppers with salt, fermenting the mixture in oak barrels for three years, and then mixing the resulting paste with vinegar and additional salt. The characteristic bright red color and sharp, vinegary heat reflect the extended fermentation process that develops complex, peppery notes beneath the initial burn. While the original red version remains most common, variations include green (made from unripe peppers, sharper and fresher) and habanero-based versions with different flavor profiles.

Tabasco sauce serves as a versatile table condiment and cooking ingredient across numerous cuisines, particularly in American and Creole cooking. It is commonly used to add heat to soups, stews, seafood dishes, eggs, and cocktails—notably the Bloody Mary. Small quantities can be incorporated into marinades, dressings, and sauces, where its vinegary nature provides both spice and acidity. The sauce's thin consistency and potent heat mean that just a few drops significantly season a dish, making it economical and suitable for gradual adjustment of spice levels during cooking.