What Is Hot Honey? A Simple Guide to the Spicy Sweet Craze

Let’s be real. If you’ve tried hot honey once, you probably drizzled it on everything for the next week. But if you haven’t tried it yet, don’t worry. We’re about to break it all down. We’ll look at what hot honey is, how to make it, how to use it, and why everyone’s obsessed with that perfect balance of sweet heat.

So, What Is Hot Honey?

It’s honey, but hot, and not just temperature-wise. Hot honey is a spicy condiment made by blending sweet honey with spicy ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes, dried chili peppers, or hot sauce. The result is a versatile, spicy-sweet drizzle that adds instant flavor to just about anything.

People are loving this spicy honey for the kick and for the way it transforms even the most basic dish into something totally addictive.

What's the Best Hot Honey On the Market?

There are a few brands of hot honey that are truly beloved, but our opinion is a bit biased - If you ask us, Elijah's Xtreme hot honey takes the cake!

Why? Well, our ingredients, for one thing. It's a blend of 100% pure honey, infused with the devilish kick of Carolina Reaper peppers - a spicy sweet sensation you won't forget! We describe it as medium-level heat, so truly everyone can enjoy this delicious drizzle. 

The Hot Honey Recipe

Or, of course, if you're into making hot honey yourself, it isn't that hard to do at home!

If you’ve got 10 minutes and a stovetop, you’re good to go.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Step-by-Step:

1. Pour honey into a small saucepan and warm it over low heat. Don’t boil it; just a low simmer. A gentle heat protects the natural flavor.
2. Add chili flakes, or whatever spicy ingredients you're using. Crushed red pepper flakes are a go-to.
3. Stir gently, keeping an eye on the heat. You don’t want to scorch the honey. Burnt honey equals ruined honey.
4. Add apple cider vinegar. Stir again. This gives your spicy honey that little zing to balance the flavor.
5. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors really meld. This helps the chili infuse into the honey evenly.
6. Taste-test for heat level. Want more spice? Add a little more. Adjust to your desired level of spiciness.
7. Remove from heat and let it sit for a bit. It thickens slightly as it cools.
8. Strain out the flakes (unless you like the bits in there). Some people prefer to keep them in for the look and the extra kick.
9. Pour it into a clean jar. Boom. You just made homemade hot honey. Label it, love it, store it.

This easy hot honey recipe is super flexible. If you want it hotter, toss in more red pepper flakes. Want it mild? Start small and build up slowly as you taste.

Variations of the Hot Honey Recipe

Try one of these spicy spins on the original to make it your own:

• Citrus Kick: Add a bit of orange or lemon zest for a bright twist. It’s great on fish tacos or grilled shrimp.
• Chipotle Smoky Style: Mix in a pinch of chipotle powder or use our Xtreme Regret Hot Sauce for a smoky and sweet, fiery kick. Delicious!
• Chili Crisp-Infused: Stir in a spoon of your favorite chili crisp for added texture and umami. Try it over roasted veggies or even with a soft slice of baked brie.

What to Use Hot Honey On (You’ve Got Options)

There’s no wrong way to serve hot honey. Once you’ve made it, it’ll be begging to go on everything. Here are some fan favorites:

• Fried Chicken: Hot honey and crispy skin? Next-level goodness. Seriously, it’s the flavor combo that hits every time.
• Pizza: A spicy drizzle over pepperoni or veggie slices sounds delicious. The sweet taste balances all that rich, cheesy flavor.
• Roasted Veggies: Toss it over Brussels sprouts or carrots. A little heat transforms earthy-tasting veggies.
• Cheese Boards: Brie, goat cheese, sharp cheddar. Yes to all. The drizzle ties it all together.
• Biscuits: Drizzle it inside a breakfast sandwich. That flaky, buttery texture with sweet heat is unreal.
• Cocktails: Mix it into a spicy margarita or bourbon drink. It gives your cocktail that unexpected spicy sweetness.
• Bacon: Glaze it while cooking. You’ll never go back to plain bacon.
• Charcuterie Boards: Give your meats and cheeses a sweet kick.
• Yogurt & Oatmeal: Adds heat to your sweet morning routine. Kinda weird, but totally awesome!

You can also use it as a marinade for chicken, pork, or even tofu. The sweet heat does something magical when it hits the grill. Don’t knock it till you try it!

A Few Tips for Working with Chili Flakes

• Don’t touch your face after handling spicy ingredients. Seriously.
• Store your hot honey in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place. It’s shelf stable, but will last longer in the fridge.
• If it crystallizes over time, warm it gently in a pan to melt it back down.
• Start with less and build up the spice. That sweet heat can sneak up on you.

Need help picking your heat level? Check out our guide to the hottest peppers in the world and our low-down on Ghost Pepper Scoville levels.

Why Our Fans Love Elijah’s Xtreme

We bring the heat. We bring flavor, too. Here’s what makes us your go-to hot sauce plug:

• Real Ingredients: We make our sauces from real chili peppers, natural honey, and legit spices.
• Flavor Experiments: We love testing bold flavor combos; sweet, smoky, tangy, and beyond.
• Family-Founded: Just a dad and his son starting out in a garage. Now we’re making the world’s hottest sauces!
• Epic Gifts: From the Sweet Heat Trio to World’s Hottest Xtreme Trio, we’ve got all heat-lovers covered.
• More Than Just Sauce: We’re here for all your spicy cravings, with BBQ sauces and dipping sauces.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why Is Everyone Obsessed with Hot Honey?

People love hot honey because it’s delicious, easy to use, and adds flavor to everything from pizza to cocktails. It’s one of those condiments that makes any dish better.

What Is the Difference Between Honey and Hot Honey?

Regular honey is sweet. Hot honey is sweet with a spicy kick, usually from chili flakes or peppers.

Is Hot Honey Just Honey and Chili Flakes?

At its most basic, yes. But most recipes (like ours) include a bit of apple cider vinegar or other seasonings to balance the flavor.

What Is a Good Substitute for Hot Honey?

If you don’t have hot honey, try mixing pure honey with your favorite hot sauce, like one from our Mild Sauces collection, or blend with a pinch of chili flakes.

How Spicy Is Hot Honey?

Depends on the peppers you use. You can make it mild, medium heat, or super hot using sauces like our Xtreme Regret Gallon.

Elijah's Xtreme Hot Honey: Make It. Drizzle It. Love It.

Hot honey is simple, but what it does to food is next-level. It doesn’t matter if you’re making your own homemade hot honey recipe or grabbing one of our spicy sauces; you’re gonna end up drizzling it on everything.

It’s really about creating the perfect balance. That sweet, slow drizzle that turns basic dishes into something totally crave-able.

So grab your honey, grab your chili flakes, or grab one of our Elijah’s Xtreme sauces and get that sweet heat going.

Got a favorite way to make homemade hot honey? Tag us and show us your spicy creations!

Ready to turn up the heat? Shop all our BBQ sauces now.