How to Make Hot Honey at Home

March 5, 2024

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Honey is a pantry staple that we sometimes take for granted. But all you need is one additional ingredient — something spicy — and suddenly, you’ve got “hot honey.”

Hot honey is trending again thanks to influencers, and it’s even showing up on popular chain restaurant menus. The best part: It’s super easy to make at home, or you can buy it premade, and soon you’ll be drizzling it on pizza, mixing it into cocktails, spooning it into yogurt, and more.

Why is hot honey popular?

All you have to do is infuse regular honey with chili peppers or chili flakes, and the result is a sweet and spicy condiment you can put on just about anything. That sweet-spicy combo is so satisfying – no wonder it shows up in other condiments, like sweet chili sauce, barbecue sauce, and some hot sauces. While hot honey isn’t new, it’s enjoying the spotlight thanks to TikTok’s obsession with all things “swicy.”

How to make hot honey?

There are many approaches to making hot honey, but we like The Recipe Critic’s version, made just with honey and red chili flakes. We like how simple it is, and that it just requires two pantry staples. After it’s done, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve for a smooth hot honey.

You asked: How to use hot honey?

The sweet and spicy taste of hot honey enhances the flavor of savory foods. One of the best ways to incorporate it is to drizzle it on fried chicken or chicken wings. It also makes an excellent glaze for grilled meats. Spoon it over vegetables to give them more oomph. Or include it on a charcuterie board with baked brie or goat cheese.

Hot honey also adds complexity to sweet dishes. Drizzle it over baked apples, vanilla ice cream, or even very dark chocolate.

Pro tips for the perfect hot honey

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Honey variations

Since hot honey only requires two ingredients, the type of honey you use heavily impacts the flavor. For instance, honey from buckwheat is darker and richer, while orange blossom or clover honeys are light and mild. You can also buy honey that is already infused with lemon or oranges to give your hot honey added complexity. Depending on your preferences, you can transform any of these honey varieties into hot honey.

Add some acidity

Adding an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can give your hot honey extra depth, as it balances the sweetness and spice. But it’s optional based on your personal taste.

Spice variations

If you have fresh chili peppers on hand such as jalapenos, you can also use those. Fresh peppers tend to deliver a stronger flavor than dried seasonings, so we recommend adding slightly less. The ratio equals about two whole chili peppers per cup of honey. Be sure to finely chop your peppers (including the seeds) before adding to the honey. You can serve it as is or strain the honey for a smooth texture.

Here’s how to store hot honey

Though honey by itself doesn’t spoil, hot honey will – but luckily, not quickly. Keep it covered at room temperature for up to three months if you use chili flakes or chili powder. If you include fresh peppers or lemon juice, it won’t last as long, so consider that when deciding how much to make. Keep the hot honey covered in the fridge for up to a week.