Would You Try a 5-Hour Energy Hot Sauce?

If you’ve ever thought, “This taco is great, but it could use a little more chaos,” you’re in luck. 

Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, the energy shot that keeps you semi-functional through conference calls is now doing something a little… spicier. Indiana-based 5-Hour Energy just dropped a limited-edition Mango Habanero hot sauce — a collaboration with Taco John’s, the fast food chain known for “West-Mex” staples like softshell tacos and potato Olés. The idea? Combine the sweet-heat of mango and habanero with a little extra energy boost, in a format that’s portable, spicy, and — technically speaking — caffeinated.

And if caffeinated hot sauce sounds a little too out there, just know it’s not 5-Hour Energy’s first time playing with fire. 

Last summer, the brand released a limited-edition Energizing BBQ Sauce in partnership with The National Food Lab. The sauce, which featured the same peach-mango flavors as the original energy shots, was caffeinated (becaus, of course, it was) and delivered about 60 milligrams of caffeine per serving.

“After the huge success of last summer’s 5-Hour Energy-inspired Energizing barbecue Sauce, we knew we were onto something special,” said Leah Key, president and COO of Living Essentials, the company behind the energy shots. “Teaming up with Taco John’s for this ‘sequel’ has been an awesome opportunity to connect with our fans in a fresh, exciting way.”

The sauce, which contains 200 milligrams of caffeine, is designed to go anywhere — think two-ounce bottle, shot-sized, and purse-friendly. Which may come in handy, given that about one in four millennials and Gen Z diners bring their own hot sauce to restaurants. That statistic feels oddly specific, but also somehow correct.

“This portable sauce brings the vibrant, spice-filled flavors of Cinco de Mayo to life, no matter how or where you’re celebrating,” added Kevin Flaherty, CMO of Taco John’s. “This sauce isn’t just about heat — it’s about capturing the adventurous spirit of our fans and delivering a fresh culinary experience that brings everyone together.”

For those seeking maximum chaos, it’s paired with a matching 5-Hour Energy shot in “Spicy Cinco de Mango” flavor.

The hot sauce is available for free starting April 28 when you buy a Spicy Cinco de Mango shot or as part of Taco John’s “No Siesta Fiesta” bundle at participating locations near Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Kansas City, and Boston. That combo includes six softshell chicken tacos, two orders of medium Potato Olés, and a bottle of the sauce.

Will this be the condiment of the summer? Hard to say. But it might just be the most alert you’ve ever felt while eating a taco. And honestly, that feels like an achievement in itself.