If you’ve ever drizzled honey on fried chicken or pizza and wished, “Hmmm … there should be a little zing going on here,” — then hot honey is going to be your new best friend.
This magical golden syrup brings together the best of both worlds: the soul-soothing sweetness of honey and chili’s firecracker punch. Sweet, spicy and unbelievably versatile, I want it on everything. Whether you’re a fan of savory dishes or prefer sweet treats, a drizzle of hot honey from scratch will elevate your food game immediately.
In this post, I’ll show you how to make hot honey at home, offer up a few custom flavor ideas and share some tips on storing and using it like a pro. You’ll also find a useful FAQ at the end, since after you make this, I promise you have more questions like for example “Can I possibly make it vegan? or “How long does it last?”
Let’s get into the heat!
🍯 What Exactly Is Hot Honey?
Hot honey is simply honey infused with chili heat. Think of it as a sweet syrup that bites back — in the best way possible.
It’s made by gently warming honey with red pepper flakes (or any chili of your choice) so that the spicy oils seep into the honey. The result? A glossy, golden condiment that delivers a beautiful balance of sweet and heat.
Once popularized by chefs and foodies who began drizzling it on pizza, hot honey is now a staple in many kitchens. And the best part? All you need to make it are some simple ingredients and basic equipment. In fact, you can whip it up in under five minutes with just two or three pantry staples.
🌶️ Ingredients You’ll Need
You’re going to be amazed by how easy this is. Here’s the short and sweet list of ingredients:
- 1 cup honey – Any type of good-quality liquid honey. Local raw honey provides a rich depth of flavor.
- 1–2 tablespoons chili flakes – Crushed red pepper flakes are perfect. Taste, and adjust to your preferred heat level.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional) – This adds a slight tang and helps balance the sweetness.
That’s it! No preservatives, no complicated infusions — just natural ingredients blending together into something irresistible.
🥄 Step-by-Step: How to Make Hot Honey at Home
It’s also much easier to make hot honey than you’d think. Here’s a no-miss guide you can use in your own kitchen today:
Step 1: Heat the Honey and Chili Flakes
Pour your honey into a small saucepan and add the chili flakes. Set the stove to medium-low heat. Stir slowly as the honey warms up.
You will see small bubbles start to form at the edges — that’s your signal. Don’t let it boil! When heated too high, honey can burn or get too thick and sticky.
Step 2: Infuse and Let It Rest
Once you see those little bubbles, turn off the heat. Let the chili flakes steep in the warm honey for about 5 minutes. This is when the magic happens — the honey absorbs that subtle, spicy aroma.
Step 3: Add Vinegar (Optional)
If you’re a fan of balance (and who isn’t?), stir in a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. It cuts through the sweetness and gives the honey a little tang that’s incredible on pizza or roasted vegetables.
Step 4: Strain or Keep It Chunky
You can pour your hot honey through a fine mesh strainer into a clean jar if you prefer a smooth texture. But honestly? Leaving the chili flakes in makes it look rustic and lets the flavor deepen over time.
Step 5: Store It Right
Once it cools down, seal the jar and store it at room temperature in a cool, dry place — not in the fridge! Honey doesn’t spoil easily and refrigeration can cause crystallization.
That’s it. In under 10 minutes, you’ve created a bottle of liquid gold that will make every meal cinch.
🍕 How to Use Hot Honey (Beyond the Obvious)
Now to the fun part — making up more food to go with your creation. Once you start drizzling it, you’ll see that it works with everything.
Here are some of the best pairings to get you started:
- Pizza: Drizzle on top of pepperoni or cheese pizza for the ultimate sweet and spicy contrast.
- Fried Chicken: Crispy fried chicken + hot honey = life altering.
- Cheese Boards: Pair it with baked brie, goat cheese, or blue cheese for an elegant touch.
- Roasted Veggies: Sweet heat brings carrots, Brussels sprouts, or squash to life.
- Toast & Breakfast: Try it spread on avocado toast, waffles, pancakes or biscuits.
- Desserts: Yes, desserts! A drizzle on vanilla ice cream or cheesecake is heavenly.
- Cocktails: Mix a spoonful into your margarita or whiskey sour for a spicy twist.
Once you start experimenting, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
🌈 Creative Variations You’ll Love
Want to give your hot honey a unique spin? Here are a few ideas:
1. Garlic Hot Honey
When warming, add ½ teaspoon garlic powder or a crushed clove of garlic to it. Great for pizza or chicken wings.
2. Chipotle Hot Honey
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky, barbecue-style flavor.
3. Herb-Infused Honey
Toss in some fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage for an earthy aroma. This pairs beautifully with cheese and roasted meats.
4. Citrus Twist
A little lemon or orange zest can give it a bright taste and make it suitable for desserts.
5. Vegan Option
Replace honey with maple syrup or agave. The method is exactly the same!
⏱️ How Long Does Hot Honey Last?
The good news? Hot honey lasts a long time — easily up to a year if stored properly. Honey itself is naturally antibacterial, so it rarely spoils.
Keep it in a sealed glass jar at room temperature. If it crystallizes (which is normal), just place the jar in a bowl of warm water and stir gently until smooth again.
🧑🍳 A Little Story: My First Batch of Hot Honey
The first time I made hot honey, I was skeptical. I’d seen it all over social media — people drizzling it on everything from pizza to ice cream. It looked good, but would it really be worth the hype?
Spoiler alert: it absolutely was.
The moment I took my first bite of crispy chicken drizzled with that sweet heat, I knew it was a keeper. I started putting it on roasted vegetables, cheese boards, even in salad dressings. It quickly became my secret weapon in the kitchen.
And now? I can’t imagine not having a jar of homemade hot honey sitting by my stove.
🏡 Why Make Hot Honey at Home Instead of Buying It?
Sure, you can grab a bottle of Mike’s Hot Honey at the store, but homemade is on a whole other level. Here’s why:
- Customizable Heat: Love it mild? Use less chili. Want to feel the burn? Add more.
- Fresher Taste: No preservatives, additives, or artificial flavors.
- Budget-Friendly: Store-bought hot honey can cost triple what you’ll spend making it yourself.
- Creative Control: You can tweak it — add garlic, herbs, or even citrus — and make it truly your own.
Once you realize how simple and delicious it is, you’ll probably never go back to store-bought again.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What type of honey works best for hot honey?
Use a light, raw honey if possible. It has a clean flavor that lets the chili shine through. Avoid dark, heavily flavored honeys like buckwheat — they can overpower the spice.
2. How spicy is hot honey?
That’s completely up to you! Start with one tablespoon of red pepper flakes for mild heat. Use two or even three tablespoons for a more intense flavor.
3. Can I use fresh chili instead of flakes?
Absolutely. Slice fresh jalapeños, serranos, or habaneros and let them infuse in the honey. Just be careful — fresh chilies can make it spicier.
4. Is hot honey vegan?
Traditional honey isn’t vegan, but you can just as easily substitute agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan alternative.
5. How should I store hot honey?
Store it in a clean, dry glass jar at room temperature. Do not refrigerate — honey crystallizes more quickly at cold temps.
6. Can I use it in baking?
Yes! Use it to glaze ham, coat nuts, or sweeten cornbread. The hint of spice gives baked goods an incredible depth.
❤️ Final Thoughts: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
Learning to make hot honey is one of those small kitchen tricks that returns huge results. In mere minutes, you can whip up an additive that elevates your everyday meals. It’s flexible, durable, and infinitely personalizable.
Whether you’re drizzling it on your breakfast toast or adding a little zip to dinner, the spicy condiment never fails to excite. So go grab a jar, heat up some honey and let the magic work itself. You try it once and then there’s no going back — you’ll be drizzling that golden heat all over everything.
