Homemade Hot Honey: Your Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Condiment Guide

Transform your meals with this incredibly easy and delicious homemade hot honey recipe. In just 5 minutes, using simple pantry staples, you can create a versatile sweet and spicy drizzle that elevates everything from crispy fried chicken and pizza to gourmet cheeses, vibrant roasted vegetables, and even refreshing cocktails. Why settle for expensive store-bought versions when you can craft your own personalized batch at a fraction of the cost, precisely to your taste? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the best hot honey, offering tips, tricks, and endless serving suggestions.

About This Hot Honey Recipe

My journey to discovering hot honey began with a happy accident – a hurried trip to the grocery store resulted in me grabbing a bottle of what I thought was regular honey. Only upon arriving home and adding it to my evening tea did I realize my mistake. Yet, that initial surprise quickly transformed into a culinary revelation! The unique blend of sweet and spicy immediately captivated my taste buds, making it an instant favorite condiment in my kitchen.

While store-bought hot honey often comes with a hefty price tag, I was determined to recreate this magical elixir at home. The good news? You can easily make your own incredible hot honey with just a few common pantry ingredients and approximately 5 minutes of your time. This recipe is not only economical but also allows you to fully customize the flavor and heat level to your personal preference, something you can’t always do with pre-made varieties.

This homemade hot honey offers an unparalleled versatility. Imagine a generous drizzle over crispy fried chicken, imparting a glaze that is both sticky-sweet and wonderfully spicy. Picture it enhancing your favorite pizza, transforming an ordinary slice into an extraordinary gourmet experience. Beyond the classics, it’s a fantastic addition to charcuterie boards, adding a surprising kick to creamy brie or aged cheddar. For a unique twist, stir it into cocktails like a cozy hot toddy or a refreshing iced tea. Elevate your morning avocado toast, or awaken the flavors of roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts and carrots. Once you experience the delightful complexity of this sweet heat, you’ll find yourself reaching for it to complement almost every dish.

You don’t need any special culinary skills or fancy equipment to whip up this delicious condiment. All you require are a few basic ingredients: natural honey, your preferred hot sauce, a handful of crushed chili flakes, and a splash of apple cider vinegar – the latter being an optional but highly recommended addition for its balancing tang. That’s truly all it takes to unlock a world of flavor!

Key Ingredients for Homemade Hot Honey

Crafting the perfect hot honey relies on a few core ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how each component contributes to the final flavor:

• Honey: As the star of the show, the quality and type of honey you choose will significantly impact the final taste. We typically opt for a mild, balanced clover honey, which provides a neutral base for the spice to shine. However, feel free to experiment with other varieties like wildflower honey for a more floral note, or orange blossom honey for a subtle citrus undertone. Ensure you’re using pure, natural honey for the best results.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These vibrant flakes are the primary source of fiery heat in this recipe. They infuse the honey with a consistent, lingering warmth. For those who prefer a more robust spice profile or enjoy the nuanced flavors of fresh chilis, you can absolutely substitute fresh peppers. Serranos, Thai red chile peppers, or even a milder jalapeño offer fantastic alternatives. We’ll delve deeper into using fresh peppers in the FAQ section.
• Hot Sauce: This ingredient adds another layer of heat and a distinctive flavor profile. Choose your favorite hot sauce to personalize your hot honey. Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice for its classic, vinegary cayenne flavor, but feel free to explore options like Cholula for a smoky, earthy note, or Sriracha for a garlic-infused kick. The hot sauce not only contributes spice but also a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the honey.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (Optional, but Recommended): A small splash of apple cider vinegar might seem unusual, but it plays a crucial role in balancing the rich sweetness of the honey and the intense heat from the peppers. Its acidity brightens the overall flavor, preventing the hot honey from tasting overly cloying or one-dimensional. It creates a more complex and harmonious sweet-and-spicy experience. Don’t skip it if you’re aiming for that perfectly balanced tang!

Essential Tools for This Recipe

Making hot honey requires minimal equipment, making it a truly accessible recipe for any home cook:

• Small Saucepan: A small, heavy-bottomed saucepan is ideal for gently simmering the honey and infusing it with flavor without scorching.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: This tool is essential if you prefer a smooth, seed-free hot honey. It effectively strains out the crushed red pepper flakes, leaving you with a beautifully clear condiment. While optional, it gives a refined finish.
• Airtight Glass Container or Mason Jar: For proper storage and to maintain freshness, a clean mason jar or any other airtight glass container is perfect. This also makes it easy to pour and serve.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Hot Honey

Creating your own sweet and spicy hot honey is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:

Gently Simmer for Flavor Infusion

Begin by combining your honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and hot sauce in a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture gently to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated. Your goal here is to bring the mixture to a low simmer – look for small bubbles forming around the edges of the pot, but avoid a rolling boil. Allow it to simmer for approximately 1 to 2 minutes. This brief period of gentle heat is crucial for helping the flavors meld together, allowing the spice from the chili flakes and hot sauce to infuse deeply into the honey. Boiling the honey can alter its chemical structure and flavor, so maintain a careful watch.

Once the flavors have had a chance to marry, remove the saucepan from the heat. If you’re using apple cider vinegar, now is the time to stir it in. The heat from the honey will help it blend seamlessly. Let the hot honey mixture cool completely at room temperature. As it cools, the flavors will continue to deepen and intensify. Feel free to taste it periodically as it cools, and decide when the spice level is perfectly to your liking before moving on to the next step.

Strain and Store

After your hot honey has cooled and reached your desired flavor intensity, it’s time to decide whether to strain it. If you prefer a beautifully clear, smooth hot honey without any chili flakes, carefully pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean, airtight glass jar or container. This will remove all the solid pepper flakes, providing a clean aesthetic and preventing the honey from becoming excessively spicy over time. However, if you enjoy the visual appeal and the idea of continuous spice infusion, you can skip this step and store the hot honey with the flakes still in it. Just be aware that the heat level will continue to build the longer the flakes remain.

This recipe yields approximately 1 cup of delicious homemade hot honey, ready to elevate countless dishes.

Pro Tips and Tricks for Perfect Hot Honey

To ensure your homemade hot honey is absolutely perfect every time, consider these expert tips and tricks:

• Experiment with Flavored Honey: The foundation of your hot honey is, well, the honey! While clover honey is a great neutral base, don’t shy away from using specialty honeys. Wildflower honey can add a complex, earthy sweetness, while orange blossom honey will infuse a delicate citrus aroma. Each type will subtly alter the overall profile, offering endless possibilities for customization.
• Master the Heat Level: Adjusting the spice is key to personalizing your hot honey. If you’re new to making it or prefer a milder heat, start with less crushed red pepper flakes. You can always add more later if needed. Remember, the longer the chili flakes steep in the honey, the more intense the spice will become. Taste as you go, especially if you decide not to strain the flakes immediately.
• Avoid Boiling the Honey: It’s crucial to maintain a gentle simmer and prevent the honey from reaching a full boil. High heat can damage the delicate enzymes in raw honey, alter its natural flavor, and potentially scorch it, resulting in a bitter taste and a thinner, less viscous texture. Low and slow is the way to go for optimal flavor infusion.
• Perfect for Gifting: Homemade hot honey makes an incredibly thoughtful and gourmet gift. Pour your cooled honey into attractive small mason jars or decorative bottles. Add a custom label, tie with a rustic twine, and perhaps include a small tag with serving suggestions. It’s a delightful present for hosts, holidays, or any food lover in your life.
• Scale Up Your Recipe: Love hot honey as much as we do? Don’t hesitate to make a larger batch! This recipe is easily scalable. Simply double, triple, or even quadruple the ingredients to produce more. Just ensure you use a larger saucepan to accommodate the increased volume and maintain the same gentle simmering process.
• Consider Infusion Time: While the simmering process quickly infuses flavor, allowing the hot honey to sit with the chili flakes (before straining) for several hours or even overnight will yield a deeper, more robust spice. This extended infusion time gives the capsaicin ample opportunity to release into the honey.
• Season with a Pinch of Salt: A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt (optional) can miraculously enhance the flavors of hot honey. Salt is a natural flavor enhancer that can balance sweetness and bring out the depth of both the honey and the chili, creating a more well-rounded taste experience.

More delish sauces to try out: Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce | Baileys Hot Fudge Sauce | The Best Au Jus

Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Honey

Here are some common questions about making and using homemade hot honey:

What Type of Hot Sauce Should I Use?

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can truly use any hot sauce that you enjoy! For a classic, straightforward heat, I typically opt for Frank’s RedHot due to its familiar cayenne pepper flavor and vinegary tang. However, don’t limit yourself. If you prefer a milder, smoky undertone, Cholula or Tapatío are excellent choices. For a potent, garlicky kick, sriracha works wonderfully. Feeling adventurous? A chipotle-based hot sauce will infuse a deep, smoky richness, while a habanero or ghost pepper sauce will dramatically increase the heat level for those who crave extreme spice. Consider the flavor profile you desire, and choose accordingly.

Can I Use Fresh Peppers Instead of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes?

Absolutely! Using fresh peppers can impart a brighter, more complex, and often more aromatic heat than dried flakes. Peppers like habanero, serrano, or even milder jalapeños or Thai bird’s eye chilis are fantastic options. For a medium heat, start with 1-2 fresh peppers. If you want it really spicy, use more or choose hotter varieties like habaneros. The seeds and internal membranes of fresh peppers contain the most capsaicin, which is responsible for the heat, so be sure to chop them up finely, including the seeds, and add them directly to the honey mixture.

When substituting fresh peppers, you might consider omitting or reducing the hot sauce, depending on the heat level and flavor profile you’re aiming for. Remember to wear gloves when handling very spicy fresh peppers to avoid irritation.

How Spicy is This Hot Honey Recipe?

As written, this hot honey recipe delivers a delightful sweet-and-medium heat that blossoms on your tongue and leaves a pleasant lingering warmth. On a scale of 1 to 10, most people would rate it around a 6 or 7 – enough kick to be exciting but not overwhelming. If you prefer a milder condiment, simply reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or use a less intense hot sauce. Conversely, for a truly fiery experience, feel free to add extra chili flakes, select a hotter variety of hot sauce, or experiment with more potent fresh peppers. The beauty of homemade is that you control the intensity!

Do I Need to Refrigerate Homemade Hot Honey?

No, you do not need to refrigerate hot honey. Honey is a natural preservative and has an incredibly long shelf life due to its low water content and acidic pH, which inhibit bacterial growth. When properly stored in a sealed glass jar at room temperature, it will remain fresh and safe to consume for several months. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures can affect its consistency and flavor.

How Long Does Homemade Hot Honey Last?

When stored correctly in a tightly sealed glass jar in a cool, dry pantry or cupboard, your homemade hot honey will easily last for several months. While pure honey technically doesn’t spoil, the added ingredients (chili flakes, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar) introduce moisture and other elements. For optimal flavor and freshness, we recommend enjoying your hot honey within 3-4 months. Beyond that, the spice might begin to mellow, though it will still be safe to consume.

Need some inspiration for dinner this week? Check out my main dish recipes page!

Endless Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Hot Honey

This spicy honey is truly one of the most versatile condiments you can keep in your kitchen. Its sweet and spicy profile makes it a fantastic addition to both savory and sweet dishes. Here are just a few ideas to get your culinary creativity flowing:

• Breakfast & Brunch:
  • Drizzle over fluffy, buttery biscuits, cornbread, or toast for an elevated morning treat.
  • Spice up your oatmeal or yogurt parfait with a generous swirl.
  • Glaze crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a delicious sweet-and-savory kick.
  • Swirl into a batch of fluffy pancakes or waffles instead of plain syrup.
  • Elevate your avocado toast with a few drops for an unexpected flavor boost.
• Lunch & Dinner Delights:
  • The quintessential topping for crispy fried chicken or chicken tenders.
  • Brush it onto grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or salmon as a vibrant glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • A game-changer for pizza! Drizzle it over your favorite slice – especially pepperoni or a classic margherita – or use it as a dipping sauce for your pizza crust. This is a personal favorite!
  • Add a sweet heat to your burgers or sliders.
  • Toss roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower with hot honey for an unforgettable side dish.
  • Stir into a vinaigrette for a spicy-sweet salad dressing that pairs beautifully with leafy greens and fruits.
  • Use as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or chicken nuggets.
  • Whisk into marinades for a flavorful kick to meats and poultry.
• Appetizers & Snacks:
  • Elevate a charcuterie board by drizzling it over soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
  • Serve with creamy ricotta and crusty bread.
  • Dip pretzels or crackers for a quick, satisfying snack.
• Drinks & Desserts (Yes, Desserts!):
  • Stir into your favorite cocktails, like a hot toddy, whiskey sour, or margarita, for a sweet heat instead of simple syrup.
  • Add a unique twist to iced tea or lemonade.
  • Drizzle over vanilla ice cream, fruit salad, or even a piece of cheesecake for an unexpected sweet and spicy dessert experience.

The possibilities truly are endless with this versatile condiment. Once you have a jar of homemade hot honey in your kitchen, you’ll discover new and exciting ways to incorporate it into almost every meal!

Proper Storage for Maximum Freshness

To ensure your delicious homemade hot honey retains its quality and flavor for as long as possible, proper storage is key:

• Container: Always store your hot honey in a clean, airtight glass container or jar. This prevents moisture and contaminants from entering, which could degrade the product.
• Location: Keep the sealed jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A pantry or cupboard at room temperature is ideal. Avoid storing it near heat sources like a stove, as excessive heat can affect the honey’s consistency and potency over time.
• Shelf Life: When stored correctly, your hot honey sauce will last for several months, typically 3-4 months, without any need for refrigeration. While honey itself lasts indefinitely, the added ingredients are best enjoyed within this timeframe for peak flavor.

More Spicy Recipes to Ignite Your Taste Buds

If you’ve fallen in love with the sweet heat of this hot honey, you’re likely a fan of bold flavors! Here are a few more spicy recipes from our kitchen that we think you’ll adore:

• For a hearty and satisfying dinner, try our Spicy Italian Stuffed Peppers. They’re packed with flavor, extra cheesy, and wonderfully filling.
• Love a good cheesy dip with a kick? Our spicy Lasagna Dip combines all the comforting flavors of lasagna with a delightful warmth that’s perfect for sharing.
• And for those who appreciate a spirited beverage with a zing, our spicy Mango Margarita is always a hit! It’s a refreshing cocktail with a vibrant fruit flavor and a tantalizing spice.

Finally, if you take the time to make this easy hot honey recipe, please be sure to give it a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment! I absolutely love hearing about your culinary creations and genuinely take the time to respond to every single comment. Your feedback is invaluable!

Feel free to drop any questions you might have in the comments section below, and I’ll do my best to help you out.

Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! It brings me so much joy to see these recipes come to life in your homes – looking through your photos is truly my favorite thing. It really means the world to me!

Homemade Hot Honey

Spicy and sweet, this easy homemade hot honey is a must-make condiment for everything!

Cook Time:

5 minutes
mins

Total Time:

5 minutes
mins

Servings:

1
cup

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Equipment

• Saucepan
• Fine Mesh Strainers
• Mason Jar

Ingredients

• 2 to 3
  Tbsp
  Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• 3
  tsp
  Hot Sauce
• 1
  cup
  Honey
• 2
  tsp
  Apple Cider Vinegar
  optional

Instructions

• Combine red pepper flakes, hot sauce, and honey in a small pot over medium heat. Stir to combine thoroughly.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse. Ensure it does not boil.
• Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, if you choose to use it, to add a touch of tang.
• Allow the hot honey to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, strain out the red pepper flakes using a fine mesh strainer if a smooth texture is desired.
• Transfer the finished hot honey to an airtight container or glass jar. Store in a cool, dry place for up to several months.

Recipe Video

Nutrition

Calories:
1079
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
288
g

|

Protein:
3
g

|

Fat:
2
g

|

Saturated Fat:
0.4
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
1
g

|

Sodium:
594
mg

|

Potassium:
513
mg

|

Fiber:
6
g

|

Sugar:
280
g

|

Vitamin A:
4763
IU

|

Vitamin C:
11
mg

|

Calcium:
75
mg

|

Iron:
4
mg

Calories:

1079
kcal

Cuisine:
American

Category:
Sauce