The Ultimate Spicy (not that kind of spicy) Christmas Gift Guide 2024

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Hot sauce makes me happy and I don’t care who knows it. I am that guy who finds an excuse to heat things up and it doesn’t matter if I’m dipping, drizzling or dunking…but you know those hard-to-buy-for people, well those people are my people.

Now, I’m not intentionally stubborn, although some may find that hard to believe, I’m just…particular. That said, you’re absolutely golden with anything chilli-related: socks, mugs, tees and, of course, lots of sauce and oils!

Although this is a very self-indulgent piece (and I consider myself to be something of a semi-pro chilli aficionado), I’m writing this for my wife and the countless confused others out there who find gift-giving season stressful from mouse click to paper rip for the spice lovers in their life.

So… buckle up, eyes down and refresh your palate for my 2024 Ultimate Spicy (not that kind of spicy) Gift Guide - complete with links to save on stress and googling!

Garden of Eva

Chili-Watermelon Jam by Garden of Eva

This zesty concoction, (£3.99, Garden of Eva) marries the sweetness of watermelon with a fiery kick of chilli, resulting in a jam that's both surprising and delightful. Perfectly paired with cheese or charcuterie, it brings a burst of summer to your festive board. The balance between the spicy and the sweet is sublime, making it a standout addition to any foodie’s pantry.

Founded by Eva Thorne, Garden of Eva brings the authentic flavours of the American South to the UK. This woman-owned business prides itself on creating premium condiments that are not only award-winning but also sustainable. You can find their elegant products in high-end stores like Selfridges and Whole Foods Market.

The Drinks Bureau

Spicy Margarita Party Box by The Drinks Bureau

Imagine a fiesta in a glass – that's what you get with The Drinks Bureau's Spicy Margarita (£28.00 for 1.5L 'Party Box' - 10 servings. The Drinks Bureau) Crafted with premium tequila, lime, chilli, and agave syrup, this cocktail is a refreshing and zingy delight with a subtle chilli kick that leaves you wanting more. Perfect for those Christmas get-togethers, it's like having a personal bartender on standby, ready to serve up bar-quality cocktails with minimal effort.

Founded by the innovative mixologist Frankie Snobel, The Drinks Bureau brings the joy of expertly crafted cocktails to your home. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and vibrant flavours, their ready-to-drink offerings come in fun, eye-catching formats. The Spicy Margarita, their best-seller, is a testament to their commitment to excellence, having won prestigious awards and the hearts of cocktail lovers across the UK.

The Cornish Smoke Squad

Cranberry Hot Sauce by The Cornish Smoke Squad

Elevate your Christmas feast with this festive Cranberry Hot Sauce from The Cornish Smoke Squad (£5, Farm Fetch) It's a deliciously spicy twist on the classic cranberry sauce, with a tangy kick that'll leave your taste buds tingling in delight. It's the perfect accompaniment to your holiday turkey or cheese platter, adding a zesty burst of flavour to your festive table.

The ‘Squad’ consists of four foodies with chef-led product development and creative know-how. The brand boasts an eight-strong portfolio and you can’t help by be intrigued by ‘The F’ing Hot One’ - it’s next on our list to try!

Brilliant Restaurant

Masala Dabba by Brilliant Restaurant

Packed with essential spices, this sari-wrapped Brilliant Masala Box (£35, Brilliant Restaurant) is a treasure trove for any curry enthusiast. Each tin contains turmeric, red chilli powder, cumin seeds, cumin powder, coriander powder, dried fenugreek leaves, and Brilliant’s homemade special garam masala. This vibrant collection is sure to transform your dishes, adding depth and authenticity to your curries and Punjabi creations. It's the perfect companion for your leftover turkey curry on Boxing Day.

Chef Dipna Anand, known as the "Curry Queen," brings her culinary heritage to life through her family-run Brilliant Restaurant. Established in Southall, the restaurant has been serving authentic Indian cuisine since the 1970s, with recipes passed down through generations. Dipna’s passion for Indian cuisine and her innovative approach have earned her accolades and expanded her culinary empire, making her a celebrated figure in the culinary world.

Chimmy’s

Chimichurri Trio Gift Box by Chimmy’s

This gift box is a flavour fiesta (£16.35, Chimmy’s), featuring three delicious versions of Chimmy's popular chimichurri sauces The Classic Chimichurri adds a zesty kick to any dish, the Smoky BBQ Chimichurri brings a rich, smoky sweetness, and the Spicy Chimichurri packs an extra heat to tickle your taste buds. Perfect for BBQ lovers and food enthusiasts, this trio is sure to elevate your recipes with its vibrant, all-natural, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly sauces.

Born from the passion of an Argentinian husband-and-wife team, Chimmy's brings the authentic taste of chimichurri to your table. Their sauces are crafted with love and a commitment to quality, making every meal a celebration of flavour. Ideal for those who love to entertain, Chimmy's sauces are designed to bring people together around the table.

Isle of Mull Seaweed

Spicy Seaweed Chutney by The Isle of Mull

This chutney from Isle of Mull (£5, Farm Fetch) brings a delicate flavour with a satisfying punch of spice. Made with wild kelp seaweed, sustainably harvested to protect local wildlife, this chutney combines tomatoes, onion, garlic, white wine vinegar, sugar, and secret spices for a unique taste experience. Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication and spice to your cheese board or festive spread.

Isle of Mull Seaweed is single-handedly taking on the crusade to make seaweed relevant again. It champions its versatility, longevity and superpowers. Try their chutney and join the crusade!

Simon Greenwood-Haigh

Chilli Crunch Chilli Oil & Tamarind Ketchup from The Woolf’s Kitchen

Founded by Dominique Woolf, an award-winning writer, former musician and foodpreneur bringing Asian cuisine with a kick and her new inclusions to her fab brand, The Woolf’s Kitchen are a great spice gift this year and available on Ocado!

Firstly - a crispy, crackly, Great Taste Award-winning chilli oil (£5.49, Ocado) that adds heat, texture, and umami goodness to any meal. Perfect for eggs, dim sum, ramen, pasta, noodles, rice, and more.

Second - a unique twist on traditional ketchup, offering a tangy and slightly sweet flavour profile (£4.99, Ocado)

Simon Greenwood-Haigh

Jalapeño Distillate by Diistil's

Diistil's Jalapeño Distillate (£35.00 for 70cl bottle, Diistils) is a bold and intense infusion that captures the essence of jalapeño peppers. Crafted through double vacuum distillation and a unique maceration technique, this distillate delivers a spicy, pungent, and green waxy flavour profile. Perfect for adding a fiery kick to cocktails like the El Diablo Margarita, Tommy’s Margarita, Collins Martini, or even a refreshing Mule on the Rocks.

Diistil is a London-based on-demand distillery that creates unique distillates and bespoke spirits. Their innovative approach and commitment to quality ensure that each product offers a new and exciting flavour experience. Whether you're a mixology enthusiast or just looking to spice up your drinks, Diistil's offerings are designed to elevate your cocktail game.

Sauce Shop

Buffalo Hot Sauce Flavour Mix by Sauce Shop

This limited-edition gift set (£25, Sauce Shop) features five unique Buffalo Hot Sauce flavours, each crafted with real aged Jalapeno and Habanero peppers. You'll find the classic Buffalo Hot Sauce, Smoky Maple, Truffalo, Gochujang, and Atomic. From sharp and rich to sweet, smoky, and intensely hot, this set offers a flavour explosion for any hot sauce lover. Perfect for wings, pizza, or just adding a kick to your meals, it's a must-have for spice enthusiasts.

Sauce Shop is known for its high-quality, all-natural hot sauces made in small batches. Their commitment to using real ingredients and avoiding anything artificial ensures that each sauce delivers robust and balanced heat. Whether you're a seasoned hot sauce fan or just looking to spice up your culinary repertoire, Sauce Shop has something to offer.

Banhoek Chilli Oil Co.

Banhoek Chilli Oil by Banhoek Chilli Oil Co.

This premium chilli oil (£12, Banhoak Chilli Oil Co.) is crafted with only the finest, 100% natural ingredients. Handmade in small batches and uniquely cooked using induction heating, Banhoek Chilli Oil ensures consistent heat levels that elevate any dish. Perfect for pizza, pasta, salads, marinades, and even chocolate-based desserts, it adds the perfect bite of flavour every time.

Banhoek Chilli Oil Co. is based in the beautiful Banhoek Valley in South Africa. Their commitment to sustainability and quality shines through in their products, which are FSSC-certified, non-GMO, halal, and kosher. The chilli oil has even won the prestigious Great Taste Award, making it a standout choice for spice lovers.