Well-executed hot sauces are more than just hot — they deliver heat from their chili components and the unique characters of the peppers — and opinions on various brand choices can be just as complex. Known for her spicy chicken sandwiches, wings, and scrambled eggs, celebrity chef “Pioneer Woman” Ree Drummond said on her website that she prefers Cholula hot sauces.

Brought to the U.S. from Mexico by the Jose Cuervo family in 1989 as part of a tequila chaser, you'll likely recognize Cholula, with its signature wooden cap and the woman on the label, the Cuervo family cook known as "La Chila." Cholula grew in popularity in the U.S. until it was bought for $800 million in 2020 by American seasonings company McCormick.

Cholula is a medium-heat hot sauce, which translates to 1,000 Scoville units, with a short ingredient list of just water, vinegar, spices, and arbol and pequin peppers. Additionally, it comes in six flavors, has just the right texture to be poured onto food without running off, and won't overpower your dish.