Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) pure honey (light or medium color, preferably raw or mild-flavored)
- 1–2 teaspoons chili flakes, crushed red pepper, or 1 fresh small chili (like Thai or Fresno), sliced
- Optional: ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a slight tang
Equipment Needed
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Fine mesh strainer or small sieve
- Heatproof jar or bottle with a lid
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Select the Chili
Choose the chili type based on your heat preference:
- Mild Heat: Red pepper flakes or Fresno chili
- Medium Heat: Thai chili, cayenne, or serrano
- High Heat: Habanero or ghost pepper (use very sparingly)
If using fresh chili, slice it thinly and remove seeds if you want less heat.
Step 2: Combine Honey and Chili
Pour the honey into a small saucepan.
Add the chili flakes or sliced fresh chili.
Stir to combine and ensure the chili is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Heat Gently
Place the saucepan over low heat.
Heat slowly for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling the honey, as high heat can alter its flavor and destroy beneficial properties if using raw honey.
You are looking for the honey to become slightly more fluid and for the chili flavor to infuse.
Optional: Add ½ teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or a few drops of lemon juice to balance the sweetness if desired.
Step 4: Infuse
Turn off the heat and allow the honey to sit with the chili for 10–15 minutes for a mild flavor or up to an hour for a stronger heat.
Taste occasionally to gauge spice intensity.
Step 5: Strain (Optional)
If you prefer smooth honey without chili pieces, strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean heatproof jar.
If you like visual chili specks and stronger spice, leave the chili in.
Step 6: Bottle and Store
Transfer the hot honey into a sterilized jar or bottle with a lid.
Store at room temperature. Hot honey is shelf-stable for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle over pizza, especially pepperoni or Margherita
- Toss with fried chicken or chicken tenders
- Add to cheese boards with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese
- Use as a glaze for roasted vegetables or salmon
- Sweeten and spice up cocktails, tea, or lemonade
Variations
Garlic Hot Honey
Add 1–2 smashed garlic cloves to the honey while heating. Remove before bottling or leave for extra flavor.
Smoky Hot Honey
Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or use smoked chili flakes.
Citrus Hot Honey
Add a small strip of orange or lemon peel while infusing for a bright flavor note.
Extra Spicy
Use more chili flakes, fresh hot chili, or let the infusion sit longer for deeper heat.
