This original creation from Dawson's combines the naturally fruity sweetness of dates with the deep aromas of Turkish-style coffee, enhanced by pomegranate molasses, smoked lime, and a touch of habanero pepper.

At around 1,800 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), Coffee Date relies more on the richness of its flavors than on excessive heat. An ideal hot sauce for lovers of original recipes who want a condiment capable of transforming a dish without masking its ingredients.

Tasting notes

From the very first bite, Dawson's Coffee Date surprises with its particularly original aromatic profile. The date brings a fruity and lightly caramelized sweetness, while the roasted coffee develops deep, warm, and subtly bitter notes.

The pomegranate molasses adds a fruity and tangy touch that perfectly balances the richness of the coffee and date. In the background, the smoked lime brings freshness and a subtle smoky dimension. The habanero then gradually comes through to provide a moderate and lingering heat.

The result is a sweet, fruity, smoky, and caffeinated hot sauce, with a surprising balance between sweetness, acidity, and heat. Coffee Date is particularly interesting for those who want to step outside the classic chili, garlic, or tomato-based sauces.

What is the heat level of Dawson's Coffee Date hot sauce?

At around 1,800 SHU, Dawson's Coffee Date falls into the mild to moderate hot sauce category. It is noticeably more accessible than the very hot sauces featured in the final rounds of Hot Ones.

Its heat is intentionally kept secondary: the goal of Coffee Date is to offer a true taste experience, with enough warmth to enhance food without overpowering the coffee, date, and fruity notes.

Dawson's rates it a heat level of 3.5/10. It is therefore an excellent sauce for discovering original hot sauces or for accompanying everyday meals without seeking a chili explosion.

How to use Coffee Date sauce?

Dawson's Coffee Date hot sauce is particularly versatile. Its sweet, fruity, and roasted balance allows it to work just as well with savory dishes as with more indulgent pairings.

It is excellent:

• on crispy chicken wings or fried chicken;

• in a burger or a chicken sandwich;

• with tacos and grilled meats;

• on roasted or grilled vegetables;

• with cheese, especially a brie or a creamy soft cheese;

• in a mayonnaise sauce to make a spicy coffee aioli;

• on a charcuterie and cheese board;

• with eggs, bacon, or a savory brunch;

• in a marinade or a sauce to accompany grilled meat.

To fully enjoy its aromas, start with a few drops and gradually increase the amount. Coffee Date is a sauce to savor as much for its original flavor as for its heat.

Recipe: Coffee Date Crispy Chicken Sandwich

The crispy chicken sandwich is the perfect pairing to showcase this original hot sauce. The crispy chicken provides a generous texture while the Coffee Date sauce adds a particularly indulgent combination of sweetness, coffee, and chili.

Ingredients for 2 sandwiches

• 2 brioche buns

• 2 chicken fillets

• 1 egg

• 80 g of flour

• 80 g of breadcrumbs or panko

• 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise

• 1 to 2 tablespoons of Dawson's Coffee Date

• A few lettuce leaves

• A few pickle slices

• Salt and pepper

• Oil for cooking

Preparation

1. Lightly flatten the chicken fillets and season them with salt and pepper.

2. Coat the chicken in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs or panko.

3. Cook the fillets until you get a well-browned and crispy coating.

4. Mix the mayonnaise with the Dawson's Coffee Date hot sauce to create a creamy and spicy sauce.

5. Lightly toast the brioche buns.

6. Add the lettuce, crispy chicken, pickles, and a generous spoonful of Coffee Date mayonnaise.

7. Close the sandwich and enjoy immediately.

Gourmet tip: add a few strips of crispy bacon or a slice of cheddar to accentuate the contrast between the salty, smoky, creamy, and sweet notes of Coffee Date.

Dawson's: an essential Canadian hot sauce brand

Founded by Brodie Dawson in 2013, Dawson's Hot Sauce is a Canadian brand specializing in hot sauces that prioritize flavor as much as heat. The adventure began when Brodie Dawson was making his own homemade sauces to share with his loved ones, before turning this passion into a real business. His father, Bruce Dawson, later brought his culinary expertise to the development of the brand.

Dawson's has gradually made a name for itself in the world of hot sauces and has notably appeared on several seasons of Hot Ones. Coffee Date marks another appearance of the brand on the show, occupying the first position of season 28.