Kitchen & Cooking Tips, Recipes

How to Make Hot Honey

Last updated on Aug 21, 2023
Corrinn McCauley

If you're a fan of both sweet and spicy flavors, then hot honey might be your new favorite condiment. The forerunner of the swicy trend, hot honey combines the sweetness of honey with a fiery kick, creating a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds tingling. While you can buy premade hot honey, restaurants can cut costs by preparing their hot honey themselves. Making hot honey allows chefs to get creative and tailor the heat level and flavor profile to their recipes. Your housemade hot honey may even draw customers to your restaurant.

Jump to the hot honey information that interests you:

What Is Hot Honey?

Hot honey is honey that's been infused with peppers. Some hot honey recipes also include a type of vinegar (commonly apple cider vinegar) and hot sauce. These additions not only enhance the spiciness of the honey; they add a tangy and savory element. Vinegar balances out the sweetness of the honey, while the hot sauce adds an extra layer of heat and complexity. The most basic hot honey recipe involves steeping red chili flakes in honey, infusing their heat and flavor into the sweet nectar.

Hot Honey Video

Our hot honey recipe video provides an easy, step-by-step tutorial on how to make hot honey.

Hot Honey Recipe

a bowl with hot honey with bowls of red pepper flakes and peppercorns beside it on a light wooden background

Yield: 1 cup

Total Time: 10 minutes

All you need to make hot honey is honey and red pepper flakes (or the hot peppers of your choice). The type of peppers you use will determine where your hot honey lands on the Scoville scale, so feel free to experiment with different varieties to find your perfect balance of sweet and spicy.

If want to mimic the slightly astringent notes of famed Mike’s Hot Honey, add a little of your favorite vinegar-based hot sauce or apple cider vinegar. We recommend going with a mildly spicy hot sauce brand to complement the swicy flavors already present in the condiment without making the heat overwhelming. Adding hot sauce will also give your hot honey a pretty red hue. Use our recipe resizer to make hot honey in bulk.

Hot Honey Ingredients

  • 1 cup of honey
  • 2 Tablespoons chili flakes
  • 2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce or apple cider vinegar

Directions

  1. In small pot over medium heat, add honey and chili flakes.
  2. Heat until small bubbles form along pan’s edges, then remove from heat. Do not allow honey to boil, it will quickly bubble up and boil over pot’s edge and become overly thick/sticky.
  3. Allow chili flakes to infuse into honey for 5 minutes. If using hot sauce or vinegar, add now.
  4. Strain the infused honey through fine mesh sieve into clean glass jar. If chili flakes aren’t removed, the hot honey will get spicier with age.

How to Use Hot Honey

drizzling mikes hot honey onto pepperoni pizza slices

Hot honey is incredibly versatile and can be used in sweet or savory applications. Whether you drizzle it over pizza, fried chicken, or cheesecake, hot honey adds a unique and irresistible flavor that will impress even the most discerning palates.

  • Hot Honey Charcuterie - Use hot honey to elevate your charcuterie board. The sweet and spicy combination adds a delightful kick to cured meats and cheeses. Drizzle the hot honey over brie, or serve it on the side for dipping. It's also the perfect addition to trendy dessert charcuterie boards because it blends the worlds of sweet and savory.
  • Hot Honey Pizza - Give your pizza a sweet and spicy twist by using hot honey as a topping. Whether you prefer a classic cheese pizza, or one loaded with toppings, a drizzle of hot honey adds a unique flavor profile that complements the savory elements. It's a particularly delicious complement to pizzas with spicy ingredients like pepperoni, spicy sausage, or jalapenos.
  • Hot Honey Cocktails - Add a spicy kick to your favorite cocktails by incorporating hot honey as a sweetener. Whether you're making a spicy margarita, a whiskey sour, or a spicy mule, subbing hot honey for regular honey or simple syrup will add a unique depth of flavor that will pleasantly surprise your guests.
  • Hot Honey Cheesecake - Swap the raspberry drizzle for hot honey on your cheesecake. The honey complements the rich, creamy cake, and some of its richness is cut by the peppers, creating a decadent yet less heavy dessert.
  • Hot Honey Glazed Salmon - Hot honey can be used as a glaze for salmon fillets, infusing them with a sweet and spicy profile. Brush the honey over the fish before baking or grilling, and watch as it caramelizes to create a beautiful and delicious glaze.
  • Spicy Honey Mustard - Make a spicy version of honey mustard by swapping regular honey for hot honey in your recipe. To really amp up the heat, use spicy mustard too.
  • Hot Honey Ribs - Transform your barbecue ribs into a sticky and flavorful delight by brushing them with hot honey. As the ribs cook low and slow, the honey will meld with the smoky flavors, creating a finger-licking glaze that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
  • Hot Honey Ice Cream - For an innovative ice cream topping idea, drizzle hot honey over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The sweet and spicy flavors will add a surprising twist to this classic treat. Consider mixing some honeycomb pieces into the ice cream base for a truly next-level dessert.
  • Hot Honey Compound Butter - Swap regular honey for hot honey in your compound butter recipe and serve with biscuits, cornbread, or atop waffles. This creamy, sweet, and spicy compound butter elevates your bread offerings or can enhance your breakfast service.
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Best Type of Honey for Hot Honey

different types of honey in various shaped bottles with sunset behind

When it comes to making hot honey, the type of honey you choose affects the sweetness and flavor profile of your product. Here are some types of honey to consider when selecting a base for your hot honey recipe:

  • Wildflower Honey - This type of honey is made from nectar collected from various wildflowers. It has a robust and floral flavor, which pairs well with the heat of chili peppers. Wildflower honey adds a unique complexity to your hot honey.
  • Clover Honey - Clover honey is one of the most common and readily available types of honey. It has a mild, sweet taste that works well in hot honey recipes. Clover honey's subtle flavor allows the heat from the peppers to shine through without overpowering the overall taste.
  • Buckwheat Honey - Known for its rich and dark color, buckwheat honey has a strong, molasses-like flavor. Its intense taste makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer bold and robust hot honey.
  • Orange Blossom Honey - To add a citrusy twist to your hot honey, consider using orange blossom honey. This honey is made from the nectar of orange blossoms, giving it a delicate floral aroma and a hint of citrus flavor. The combination of the heat and the citrus notes creates a refreshing and tangy hot honey that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
  • Manuka Honey - Originating from New Zealand, manuka honey is renowned for its antibacterial properties and unique flavor profile. It has a strong, earthy taste with hints of caramel and a slightly bitter aftertaste. Manuka honey adds a distinct and robust flavor to your hot honey, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy bold and intense flavors.

Best Peppers for Hot Honey

multiple dried red and green chili peppers

While red chili flakes are the most common choice for hot honey due to their accessibility, you can experiment with other fresh or dried peppers to create a unique flavor profile. Remember, the heat level of peppers can vary widely, so each batch may yield vastly different results. Err on the side of caution and start with fewer peppers; you can always add more later if it’s not hot enough for your liking.

  • Red Chili Flakes - Red chili flakes are a popular choice for making hot honey due to their versatility and accessibility. These dried and crushed red peppers add a fiery kick to your honey, infusing it with a smoky and slightly sweet flavor. They are a great option for those who prefer a milder heat level.
  • Jalapeno Peppers - Known for their moderate heat, jalapeno peppers provide a pleasant kick without overwhelming your taste buds. They're a great option for those who prefer milder spice levels.
  • Serrano Peppers - If you're looking for a step up in heat, serrano peppers are a fantastic choice. They are hotter than jalapenos but still offer a well-rounded flavor profile.
  • Thai Chili Peppers - These tiny peppers pack a punch and can give your hot honey a serious kick. Use them sparingly if you're not a fan of intense heat.
  • Habanero Peppers - If you're a heat enthusiast, habanero peppers are a must-try for your hot honey. These peppers are among the hottest commonly available peppers, so be prepared for a fiery experience. They have a unique, fruity flavor that adds complexity to your hot honey.
  • Ghost Peppers - For brave souls who can handle extreme heat, ghost peppers are the ultimate choice. These super-hot peppers will take your hot honey to a whole new level of spiciness. Approach with caution and use sparingly, as ghost peppers are one of the hottest peppers in the world.

Remember, when working with hot peppers, it's essential to take proper precautions. Wear gloves while handling them and avoid touching your face or eyes. Also, be mindful of the heat tolerance of your audience when using hotter peppers. Your average customer isn't looking for a melt-your-face-off experience when they order a dish with hot honey in it.

How to Store Hot Honey

You've carefully infused that golden elixir with just the right amount of fiery goodness. Now, you want to ensure that your creation stays fresh and maintains its delightful kick for as long as possible. Here are some handy tips for storing hot honey:

  • Use an Airtight Container - Whether it's a glass jar, a plastic squeeze bottle, or a tin with a tight-fitting lid, make sure your hot honey container seals in all the flavors and blocks unwanted air.
  • Store at Room Temperature - Store your hot honey at room temperature. Excessive heat can alter the flavor and consistency of your hot honey, so find a dark corner in your food storage area to preserve its integrity.
  • Avoid Moisture - Just like any other condiment, hot honey doesn't do well with moisture. Keep it away from the sink, stove, or any other damp areas in your kitchen. Moisture can lead to the growth of unwanted bacteria and affect the quality of your hot honey.
  • Gentle Handling - Treat your hot honey with care. Avoid shaking or stirring it vigorously, as this can introduce air bubbles and potentially alter the consistency. Instead, gently swirl the container to mix any settled ingredients.
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The popularity of hot honey continues to grow as more and more people discover its unique flavor. Stay ahead of the trends by making your own hot honey in bulk and incorporating it into your menu. Reference back to our recipe as the baseline for your own unique creation. With enough of a following, you can consider starting to bottle and sell it.

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