If you haven’t tried hot honey yet, get ready — this golden, sticky, and fiery condiment will change how you drizzle, dip, and dress your favorite foods forever. This Hot Honey Recipe brings the perfect balance of sweet heat that complements everything from fried chicken and pizza to roasted veggies and cocktails.
Whether you love bold flavors or want to spice up your cooking routine, homemade hot honey is easy to make and totally customizable. Let’s dive into how to make it, how to use it, and a few creative variations to keep your kitchen exciting!
🍯 What Is Hot Honey?
Hot honey is exactly what it sounds like — honey infused with chili peppers or hot sauce. It’s sweet at first bite, then slowly warms your tongue with a gentle kick of spice.
This flavor combination has skyrocketed in popularity thanks to chefs and food lovers who use it on fried chicken, biscuits, pizza, and even ice cream.
The best part? You can make it at home in just 10 minutes with a few simple ingredients — and it tastes even better than store-bought brands like Mike’s Hot Honey.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need for Hot Honey Recipe
You don’t need anything fancy for this hot honey recipe. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your own batch:
Basic Ingredients
- 1 cup honey (use high-quality raw or pure honey for the best flavor)
- 1–2 tablespoons red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for tang)
Optional Add-ins (for flavor twists)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – for a smoky depth
- 1 small fresh chili (like jalapeño or Thai chili) – for extra heat
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – adds savory notes
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce – to amplify spice and complexity
These simple ingredients come together to make a golden elixir that’s both sweet and spicy — ideal for drizzling over just about anything!
🍳 How to Make Hot Honey (Step-by-Step)
This homemade hot honey recipe takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how to make it perfectly every time:
Step 1: Warm the Honey
Pour your 1 cup of honey into a small saucepan. Warm it over low heat — you don’t want it to boil, just gently heat until it’s thin and pourable.
🧠Tip: Overheating honey can destroy its natural enzymes and alter its flavor, so keep the heat low and steady.
Step 2: Add Chili Flakes
Once the honey is warm, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
This step infuses the honey with that signature kick and a rich red hue.
Step 3: Add Acid (Optional)
Remove the pan from heat and add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. This helps balance the sweetness and adds a subtle tang.
Step 4: Strain (Optional)
For a smooth texture, strain the honey through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the chili flakes. If you prefer extra spice, you can leave them in.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Allow the hot honey to cool completely, then pour it into a clean glass jar or squeeze bottle. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 months.
🍯 Pro Tip: The longer it sits, the deeper the chili flavor gets!
🌶️ Adjusting the Spice Level
The beauty of this hot honey recipe is how customizable it is. You can tweak the heat to your liking:
- Mild: ½ tablespoon chili flakes or a single jalapeño slice
- Medium: 1 tablespoon chili flakes
- Hot: 2 tablespoons chili flakes or more, plus a dash of hot sauce
- Extra Hot: Add crushed habanero or Thai chili for serious heat
Taste as you go — remember, the spice will intensify slightly as the honey infuses over time.
🍕 How to Use Hot Honey
Once you’ve made your batch, the fun begins! Hot honey is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to use it:
1. Drizzle on Pizza
A spicy-sweet drizzle on a pepperoni or sausage pizza takes it to the next level. Try it on Margherita pizza for a gourmet touch.
2. Fried Chicken’s Best Friend
There’s a reason hot honey fried chicken has gone viral. The sweet heat cuts through the savory crispiness perfectly.
3. Sweeten Your Breakfast
Swirl hot honey into Greek yogurt, oatmeal, or avocado toast for a flavorful kick.
4. Cheese Board Magic
Drizzle over baked brie, aged cheddar, or goat cheese for a show-stopping appetizer.
5. Spice Up Your Drinks
Stir a spoonful into tea, cocktails, or even a hot toddy for a unique twist.
6. Glaze for Roasted Meats
Brush it over salmon, pork, or chicken wings during the last few minutes of baking or grilling.
7. Ice Cream Drizzle
Yes — hot honey on vanilla or chocolate ice cream is a must-try dessert upgrade!
🧂 Hot Honey Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try experimenting with flavors. Here are some creative ideas:
1. Smoky Hot Honey
Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or a pinch of chipotle powder for a bold, smoky-sweet finish.
2. Garlic Hot Honey
Infuse the honey with a crushed garlic clove while heating — remove it before storing. Perfect for savory dishes!
3. Citrus Hot Honey
Add a bit of lemon or orange zest for a bright, tangy twist that’s great on seafood and salads.
4. Herb-Infused Hot Honey
Drop in a sprig of rosemary or thyme during simmering for an aromatic finish. Delicious on roasted vegetables!
5. Ginger Hot Honey
Add fresh grated ginger to give your honey a zesty, warm flavor — ideal for teas and stir-fries.
đź«™ How to Store Hot Honey
To keep your hot honey fresh and flavorful, follow these simple storage tips:
- Store in a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle.
- Keep it at room temperature. Refrigeration isn’t needed and can cause crystallization.
- Shelf life: Up to 3 months (or even longer if the honey is pure and moisture-free).
If it crystallizes over time, just warm it gently in a hot water bath to restore its smooth texture.
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What kind of honey works best?
Use pure or raw honey — clover, wildflower, or orange blossom are great options. Avoid honey blends with added sugars.
2. Can I make hot honey with hot sauce instead of chili flakes?
Absolutely! Add 1–2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce (like sriracha, Tabasco, or chili oil) to create a smooth, spicy syrup.
3. How long does homemade hot honey last?
Stored properly, it lasts up to 3 months at room temperature. Just keep it sealed and dry.
4. Can I use hot honey in baking?
Yes! Replace regular honey in glazes, marinades, or desserts for a subtle spicy twist.
5. Is hot honey vegan?
Traditional honey isn’t vegan, but you can make a vegan hot honey recipe using maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. It tastes amazing!
🍗 Quick Recipe Recap: Easy Hot Honey
Ingredients
- 1 cup honey
- 1–2 tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Heat honey in a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in red pepper flakes and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add vinegar.
- Strain (optional), cool, and store in a jar.
âś… Ready in 10 minutes
âś… Yields about 1 cup
đź’ˇ Pro Tips for Perfect Hot Honey
- Don’t overheat: Honey should never boil. Gentle heating preserves its natural flavor.
- Customize the heat: Start mild and add more spice later if needed.
- Try infused flavors: Herbs, garlic, or citrus zest can completely change the profile.
- Use squeeze bottles: Perfect for easy drizzling on foods like pizza or chicken.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Recipe
This Hot Honey Recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy — and once you make it, you’ll want to keep it stocked in your kitchen at all times.
It’s:
- Quick and easy (ready in minutes!)
- Totally customizable
- Delicious on sweet or savory foods
- Naturally preservative-free
Whether you’re hosting brunch, grilling, or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, a drizzle of homemade hot honey can make any meal shine.
🥄 Final Thoughts
Once you make your own hot honey recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s a simple condiment that transforms ordinary dishes into flavor-packed masterpieces.
From crispy fried chicken to gooey pizza slices, charcuterie boards, and cocktails, hot honey brings that unforgettable sweet-heat magic every time.
So grab your favorite honey, spice it up, and drizzle away — your taste buds will thank you! 🍯🔥
🍯 Hot Honey Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the honey: In a small saucepan, add honey and red pepper flakes.Warm gently over low heat (do not boil) for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Infuse the flavor: Remove from heat and let the honey sit for about 10–15 minutes to infuse with chili flavor.
- Strain (optional):If you prefer smooth hot honey, strain out the pepper flakes using a fine mesh sieve. For bolder flavor, leave them in.
- Add vinegar (optional): Stir in apple cider vinegar for a hint of tang that balances the sweetness and heat.
- Cool and store:Pour into a clean glass jar or squeeze bottle. Store at room temperature for up to 3 months.
Notes
Tips
- Want extra heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked chili flakes or a few drops of liquid smoke.
- Don’t overheat — boiling can make honey bitter.
