Why Scale Hot Sauce Recipes?

Common Use Cases

• Holiday gifts: 12-24 bottles for friends and family
• Party favors: Small bottles for guests
• Farmers market sales: Consistent large batches
• Personal stockpile: 6-12 month supply
• Testing recipes: Small batches to experiment

Scaling Math Made Simple

The Multiplier Method

Formula: Original ingredient amount × Multiplier = Scaled amount

Example: Doubling a Recipe

Original: 1 cup vinegar → Doubled: 1 × 2 = 2 cups vinegar

Example: Tripling a Recipe

Original: 10 jalapeños → Tripled: 10 × 3 = 30 jalapeños

Example: Halving a Recipe

Original: 2 tablespoons salt → Halved: 2 × 0.5 = 1 tablespoon salt

Batch Size Guide

Small Batch (1-2 bottles)

Use for: Testing new recipes

Equipment: Standard blender, small saucepan

Time: 30-45 minutes total

Medium Batch (4-8 bottles)

Use for: Personal use, small gifts

Equipment: Large blender, medium pot

Time: 1-1.5 hours

Large Batch (12-24 bottles)

Use for: Gifts, events, sales

Equipment: High-power blender or food processor, large stockpot

Time: 2-3 hours including bottling

Scaling Example: Tangerine Habanero

Original Recipe (Makes ~2 cups)

• 3 tangerines
• 6 habaneros
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

3x Batch (Makes ~6 cups / 12 small bottles)

• 9 tangerines (3 × 3)
• 18 habaneros (6 × 3)
• 1.5 cups vinegar (0.5 × 3)
• 6 tablespoons sugar (2 × 3)
• 1 tablespoon salt (1 tsp × 3)

5x Batch (Makes ~10 cups / 20 small bottles)

• 15 tangerines
• 30 habaneros
• 2.5 cups vinegar
• 10 tablespoons sugar (or 2/3 cup)
• 5 teaspoons salt (or 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons)

Adjustments for Large Batches

Cooking Time

Rule: Larger batches need slightly more cooking time but NOT directly proportional

• Original recipe: 15 minutes simmer
• 3x batch: 20-25 minutes simmer
• 5x batch: 25-30 minutes simmer

Seasoning Adjustment

Important: Salt and sugar may need slight reduction in very large batches

• Start with 90% of calculated salt/sugar
• Taste test after cooking
• Add remaining 10% if needed

Gift Bottling Best Practices

Bottle Sizes for Gifts

• 5 oz woozy bottles: Perfect gift size, professional look
• 3 oz mini bottles: Party favors, sampler sets
• 8 oz bottles: Close friends and family

Sterilization for Gifts

1. Wash bottles and caps in hot soapy water
2. Boil bottles for 10 minutes
3. Dry upside down on clean towel
4. Fill while bottles are still warm
5. Cap immediately

Labeling

• Include sauce name
• List ingredients
• Note heat level (mild/medium/hot)
• Add "Made with ♥ by [Your Name]"
• Include "Refrigerate after opening"
• Best by date (3-6 months)

Storage for Large Batches

Refrigerator Storage

Duration: 3-6 months

Best for: Medium batches (4-12 bottles)

Freezer Storage

Duration: 12+ months

Method: Leave 1-inch headspace in bottles, freeze upright

Thawing: Refrigerate overnight before use

Cost Savings with Batch Scaling

Example Cost Breakdown

Single batch (2 cups): ~$8 in ingredients = $4/cup

5x batch (10 cups): ~$30 in ingredients = $3/cup (25% savings)

Buying in bulk reduces per-unit cost. Like Weaksauce's approach, quality ingredients at scale deliver better value.

Common Scaling Mistakes to Avoid

• Direct time scaling: Don't just multiply cook times
• Overcrowding equipment: Blend in multiple batches if needed
• Skipping taste tests: Always verify seasoning in large batches
• Insufficient bottles: Buy extras—you'll run out
• Poor labeling: Always label bottles immediately