How to Make Hot Honey: Easy Recipe & Benefits 

Guide By Wow Herbs Team | Updated: June 2026 | 8 min read

If you've spent any time on social media recently, you've probably seen hot honey appearing everywhere.

Drizzled over pizza, added to fried chicken, mixed into marinades, stirred into tea, and even used in desserts, hot honey has become one of the fastest-growing food trends in the UK.

Searches for "how to make hot honey" and "hot honey recipe" have surged as more people discover the perfect balance between sweet honey and gentle chilli heat.

The best part? Making hot honey at home is incredibly simple.

In this guide, you'll learn how to make hot honey, its potential benefits, creative ways to use it, and how to choose the best honey for maximum flavour. 

What Is Hot Honey?

Hot honey is exactly what it sounds like:

A combination of natural honey and chilli peppers or chilli flakes.

The result is a sweet, spicy, and highly versatile condiment that can be used on both savoury and sweet foods.

Although hot honey has become trendy in recent years, the idea of combining honey with spices has existed in different cultures for centuries.

Today, it has become a staple ingredient for food lovers looking to add both sweetness and heat to their meals. 

Why Is Hot Honey So Popular?

Hot honey works because it combines two flavours people naturally enjoy:

Sweetness

Honey provides natural sweetness and rich floral notes.

Heat

Chillies provide warmth, spice, and complexity.

Together, they create a flavour profile that enhances everything from pizza to roasted vegetables.

Its versatility is one of the biggest reasons behind its popularity. 

How to Make Hot Honey Basic Hot Honey Recipe Ingredients:

- 250g raw honey 

- 1–2 tablespoons chilli flakes 

- Optional: 1 fresh red chilli, sliced 

Method:

Add the honey to a small saucepan.

-Warm gently over low heat.

-Add chilli flakes and fresh chilli.

-Stir continuously.

-Allow the mixture to infuse for 5–10 minutes.

-Remove from heat.

-Let cool slightly.

-Strain if desired.

-Transfer to a clean glass jar.

-Your homemade hot honey is now ready to enjoy.

Important Tip

Do not boil the honey.

Excessive heat can affect flavour and may reduce some of the naturally occurring compounds found in raw honey.

Gentle warming is all that's needed.

Choosing the Best Honey for Hot Honey

The quality of your honey significantly affects the final result. 

Raw Honey

Raw honey is often preferred because it undergoes minimal processing.

Many consumers choose raw honey for its:

-Rich flavour

-Natural texture

-Authentic character

Processed Honey 

Highly processed honey may have a smoother appearance but often lacks some of the depth and complexity found in raw honey.

For the best homemade hot honey recipe, high-quality raw honey is usually recommended. 

Hot Honey Benefits

While most people enjoy hot honey because of its flavour, it also offers several advantages.

1. Adds Flavour Without Complex Ingredients Hot honey instantly transforms simple meals without requiring numerous sauces or seasonings.
2. Encourages Culinary Creativity Many people find themselves experimenting more in the kitchen once they start using hot honey.
3. Naturally Sweet Honey provides sweetness directly from a natural source.
4. Versatile Across Multiple Dishes

Few condiments work equally well with:

1. Pizza
2. Chicken
3. Seafood
4. Cheese
5. Vegetables
6. Desserts

Hot honey manages to complement all of them.

10 Delicious Ways to Use Hot Honey

1. Pizza

Perhaps the most famous use of hot honey. A drizzle over pepperoni or vegetable pizza creates an incredible sweet-and-spicy contrast.

2. Fried Chicken

Hot honey and crispy chicken are a classic combination.

3. Cheese Boards

Works beautifully with:

1. Brie 
2. Goat cheese
3. Cheddar
4. Halloumi

4. Roasted Vegetables

Add hot honey to:

• Carrots
• Sweet
• potatoes
• Brussels
• sprouts

5. Grilled Salmon

Provides a sweet glaze with a gentle kick. 

6. Sandwiches

Excellent in chicken sandwiches and wraps. 

7. Burgers

Adds a gourmet twist to homemade burgers. 

8. Yoghurt

For those who enjoy sweet-and-spicy combinations. 

9. Ice Cream

An unexpected but increasingly popular pairing. 

10. Tea

A small amount of hot honey can create a warming and flavourful drink. 

How Long Does Homemade Hot Honey Last?

When stored correctly in a sealed glass container, homemade hot honey can last for several months.

Storage tips:

1. Keep at room temperature
2. Avoid direct sunlight
3. Use a clean spoon each time

Because honey naturally has a long shelf life, hot honey is relatively easy to store.

Raw Honey vs Regular Honey

Many people ask whether raw honey makes a difference.

Raw Honey

Minimally processed Rich flavour profile Natural texture

Regular Honey

Often filtered Frequently heated during processing Consistent appearance For hot honey enthusiasts, raw honey is generally preferred because it offers a more complex flavour. 

Common Hot Honey Variations

Garlic Hot Honey

Add crushed garlic while infusing. Lemon Hot Honey Include fresh lemon peel. 

Smoked Hot Honey 

Use smoked chilli flakes for a deeper flavour. 

Extra-Hot Honey

Increase chilli content for more heat. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make hot honey?

Hot honey is made by gently infusing honey with chilli flakes or fresh chillies. 

Can I use raw honey? 

Yes. Raw honey is often preferred because of its flavour and minimal processing. 

Is hot honey very spicy? 

The heat level depends on the amount and type of chilli used. 

How long does homemade hot honey last?

Properly stored hot honey can last for several months. 

What foods pair best with hot honey? 

Pizza, fried chicken, cheese, roasted vegetables, seafood, and desserts are among the most popular options. 

Can I use hot honey in drinks? 

Yes. Many people add small amounts to tea and other warm beverages. 

Where to Buy Quality Honey in the UK

 The secret to great hot honey starts with quality honey. When shopping, look for:

• ✓ Raw honey
• ✓ Trusted suppliers
• ✓ Minimal processing
• ✓ Natural ingredients

Premium raw honey provides a richer flavour and creates a better final product.

Final Thoughts

 Hot honey is one of those rare food trends that truly lives up to the hype. It's easy to make, highly versatile, and instantly upgrades countless dishes with a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Whether you're drizzling it over pizza, adding it to a cheese board, or experimenting with new recipes, homemade hot honey is a simple way to bring exciting flavour into your kitchen.

→ Explore Wow Herbs Raw Honey Collection and create your own hot honey at home.