Rooted in Flavor: The Origin of Barbaro Mojo

Discover the captivating story behind Barbaro Mojo Company, where passion and tradition blend to create our renowned hot sauce blends. From our humble beginnings to the vibrant kitchens of today, join us on a journey celebrating the essence of authentic Cuban taste.

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    Add a kick of flavor with our authentic Cuban hot sauce! Available now in stores and online.

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    Explore Unique Flavors

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  • Thumbs up for Cuban Hot Sauce

    Raving Reviews

    Customers love our hot sauce! Find out why it's a must-have for every kitchen.

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  • Barbaro Mojo hot sauce heat indicator 5 Stars

    Misty Mustelier

    Barbaro Mojo Jalabao is absolutely my favorite! A bottle of it doesn’t last long in my house. Can’t wait to try the hotter sauces.

  • Barbaro Mojo hot sauce heat indicator 5 Stars

    Tom Kavan

    I love hot sauce. At any given time I have 5+ different flavors and styles in the fridge. Barbaro Mojo make some of my favorite sauces. Mild to wild, they will have something you like.

  • Barbaro Mojo hot sauce heat indicator 5 Stars

    Miguel Corteguera

    Love Barbaro Mojo! Great favors with just the right kick of spice. Jalabao (the green one) is my go to one so far.

FAQ

What makes the hot sauces small-batch?

At Barbaro Mojo, we take pride in crafting our hot sauces exclusively in small batches. As the makers behind each fiery creation, we embrace our beginnings in the industry, handcrafting our sauces with care in shared kitchens or co-packing spaces. Unlike mass-produced options found in grocery stores (no disrespect to Tabasco sauce!), our approach allows us to prioritize quality with responsibly-sourced ingredients like garlic, jalapeno, vinegar, habanero pepper, carrot, cilantro, and more.

What is your hottest hot sauce?

Our hottest sauce is Matanza

Where can I find the best hot sauce recipes?

Stay tuned for updates on hot sauce pairings, homemade hot sauce recipes and more by signing up for our newsletter below.

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What foods pair best with Barbaro Mojo Cuban Hot Sauce?

Pork (lechón, pulled pork sandwiches), grilled chicken, seafood tacos, black beans & rice, and breakfast eggs are house favorites. The citrus bite also brightens up salads and roasted veggies. See Recipes

Can I use Barbaro Mojo Hot Sauce as a marinade or cooking ingredient?

Yes—because every sauce starts as mojo criollo, they already contain citrus, garlic and salt. Use ¼ cup per pound of protein, marinate 30 min (fish) to overnight (pork), then grill or roast. The sugars in Piñazo and Best Day Ever caramelize beautifully.

What is mojo sauce and how is it related to Barbaro Mojo hot sauce?

Mojo is a centuries-old Cuban marinade made with sour orange (or a citrus blend), garlic, onion, cumin, oregano and olive oil. Barbaro Mojo takes that same base, folds in peppers ranging from jalapeños to Carolina Reapers, and bottles it as a ready-to-pour hot sauce essentially turning the classic marinade into a condiment you can use every day see Recipes

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What's the difference between your Cuban Hot Sauces Jalabáo, Piñazo and El Havanero?

Jalabáo– Green, medium-heat jalapeño-based sauce with bright citrus.


Piñazo™– Sweet-heat pineapple sauce with Fresno, habanero & Reaper; fruity punch and medium-hot finish.


El Havanero– Classic red habanero sauce; tomato-forward, garlicy and hotter than Jalabáo but below Best Day Ever.

Are Barbaro Mojo Hot sauces gluten-free / vegan / allergen-free?

All current core flavors are gluten-free and vegan; they contain no dairy, eggs or wheat only vegetables, fruit, spices, citrus and vinegar. Always check the ingredient list in case of new releases.

Is Barbaro Mojo hot sauce actually made in Cuba?

No. While the recipes celebrate Cuban flavors and the founders are Cuban-American, every bottle is produced in the United States (currently in Miami) with a Copakcer to ensure FDA-compliant food safety and faster U.S. shipping.

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How can I use Barbaro Mojo Hot Sauce in traditional Cuban dishes?

  • Lechón asado: brush Jalabáo on crispy pork skin at the end of roasting.
  • Ropa vieja: stir 1–2 tsp of El Havanero into the tomato broth.
  • Tostones: drizzle Piñazo over twice-fried plantains.
  • Cuban sandwich: replace yellow mustard with a thin layer of Best Day Ever for a sweet-heat kick.

See Recipes and Videos

What makes Cuban hot sauce different from other hot sauces?

Barbaro Mojo's sauces start with mojo criollo a sour-orange, garlic-heavy marinade that's the backbone of countless Cuban dishes. Combining that citrusy tang with fresh chiles and traditional island spices creates a flavor that's bright and zesty first, then spicy, instead of the vinegar-forward burn typical of many U.S.-style sauces. See Recipes and Videos

What awards has Barbaro Mojo won?

Barbaro Mojo
Award-Winning Hot Sauces

2024/2025 Awards

Scovie Awards (November 15, 2024)

Grand Prize for
Packaging for Barbaro Mojo
2nd Place in
Unique Mild/Medium category for Jalabáo & Piñazo
2nd Place in
World Beat Mild/Medium category for Jalabáo & Piñazo

Fiery Food Challenge – Golden Chile (May 24, 2024)

Jalabáo won
Best Mild Hot Sauce
Jalabáo won
Best Latin-Style Mild/Medium

ZestFest People's Choice (May 27, 2024)

Piñazo awarded
2nd place

International Flavor Awards (October 19, 2024)

El Havanero won
1st Place for Best Latin Hot Sauce

Old Boney Mountain Hot Summer Night (June 9, 2024)

El Havanero won
First Place for Best Cuban Hot Sauce
Jalabáo won
Third Place
Barbaro Mojo
recognized as the 19th Best Small-Batch Hot Sauce Company worldwide

Source:
Barbaro Mojo Awards Page

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Can I use Barbaro Mojo hot sauces in desserts or cocktails?

Yes! Our sauces are versatile and can add a unique twist to both sweet and savory dishes. For example, El Havanero™ can be used to spice up a Key Lime Pie, adding a delightful heat to the dessert. Additionally, a dash of our hot sauce can enhance cocktails like Bloody Marys or spicy margaritas.

See Recipes and Videos

Do you offer wholesale options for retailers or restaurants?

Yes, we welcome wholesale inquiries and partnerships. If you're interested in carrying Bárbaro Mojo in your store or restaurant, please reach out to us via our Contact Us page. We'd love to collaborate and bring authentic Cuban flavors to your customers

Is there a Cuban hot sauce?

Yes! Cuban hot sauce does exist—and it's unlike anything you'll find in typical Latin or American hot sauces. Cuban hot sauces, like those from Barbaro Mojo, are inspired by traditional island flavors, using ingredients such as garlic, sour orange (naranja agria), cumin, and chili peppers. Unlike vinegar-forward sauces, Cuban-style hot sauce balances zesty citrus, savory spices, and subtle heat, often drawing from mojo criollo, a beloved marinade in Cuban cooking.

If you're searching for a Cuban-style hot sauce that’s bold, flavorful, and rooted in heritage, Barbaro Mojo is the real deal.

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How spicy are Barbaro Mojo hot sauces?

Our hot sauces range in heat levels to cater to different preferences:

Jalabáo™: Mild heat with a fresh, tangy flavor.

Piñazo™ Medium heat with The Perfect Balance of Heat & Tropical Sweetness.


El Havanero™: Hotter, with a tomato-forward and garlicky profile.

Best Day Ever™: Sweet-heat with mango and habanero peppers.

Matanza: Our spiciest, featuring habaneros and Carolina Reaper peppers.

Each sauce is crafted to balance heat with flavor, ensuring a delightful experience.
Piñazo™

What is the origin of the name 'Barbaro Mojo'?

"Bárbaro" is a Cuban expression meaning "awesome" or "fantastic," and "Mojo" refers to the traditional Cuban marinade made with garlic, citrus, and spices. Together, "Bárbaro Mojo" embodies our commitment to delivering an authentic and exceptional Cuban flavor experience in every bottle. origin of the name 'Barbaro Mojo'?

Can I use Barbaro Mojo as a hot taco sauce?

Yes! Barbaro Mojo is an excellent choice if you're looking for a hot sauce for tacos that’s both spicy and flavorful. Whether you prefer your tacos with grilled meat, vegetables, or beans, our sauces add the perfect balance of heat, citrus, and garlic. Try Jalabáo™ for a medium kick, or El Havanero™ if you want a fiery hot taco sauce with depth. It’s not just hot—it’s Cuban hot.