This spicy hot honey sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and heat. It takes just a couple of minutes to make, and you’ll want to drizzle it on everything – from chicken wings and puff pastry tarts to a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a small-batch condiment with big flavor.
Hot honey is one of my favorite spicy condiments to keep around—and not just because it tastes amazing. This homemade version is healthier than the store-bought stuff. It’s made with real, simple ingredients like local honey and hot sauce—no weird preservatives, no refined sugar, and definitely no mystery syrups hiding on the label (check your hot sauce label! I like Encona brand). Just sweet heat in its purest form. I love making a small jar at home because it’s quick, budget-friendly, and I get to control the spice level (spicy for me, fire-breathing dragon mode for my partner).
❤️ Why you will love this recipe
- So fast: Ready in just a couple of minutes.
- Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples.
- Custom heat: Easily adjust the spice level.
- Multi-use: Perfect as a dip, drizzle, or glaze.
- Better than store-bought: No preservatives, just pure flavor.
- Easy storage: Keeps well in a glass jar.
🗝️ Key ingredients & substitutions
- Honey: The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness. Use local honey for the best flavor, or swap with maple syrup for a different twist.
- Hot sauce: Adds heat and tang. I like Encona or Frank’s, but use your favorite hot sauce to control the spice level.
- Garlic powder: Brings a mellow, savory depth. You can substitute with onion powder or leave it out if you prefer a cleaner flavor.
🥣 How to make hot honey sauce
- Grab a bowl: Choose a small mixing bowl that gives you room to stir everything well.
- Add ingredients: Spoon in the honey, hot sauce, and garlic powder.
- Stir to combine: Use a clean spoon and mix until fully blended and smooth.
- Taste and adjust: Want more heat? Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash more hot sauce.
- Serve or store: Use immediately or transfer to a glass jar or airtight container.
- Optional heat-up: For a deeper infusion, gently warm the sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat for a couple of minutes.
- Cool before storing: Let it return to room temperature if you warmed it, then seal and store.
🪄 Recipe notes & tips
- Heat level: Adjust the chili flakes or hot sauce to dial the spice up or down.
- Honey: Use good-quality local honey for the best flavor and texture.
- Stir well: Make sure everything is fully blended so it doesn’t separate later.
- Serving temp: Room temperature is best for drizzling or dipping.
🫙 Storage instructions
- Use a jar: Store in a glass jar or airtight container for best results.
- Shelf life: Keeps well for up to 3 weeks at room temp, or longer in the fridge.
- No double-dipping: Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination.
✨ Variations
- Citrus kick: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
- Extra garlic: Stir in fresh minced garlic for a stronger savory note.
- Smoky flavor: Try a smoky hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Chili flakes: Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers for extra heat and texture.
- Sweet swap: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.
- Herb twist: A tiny bit of rosemary or thyme adds a fun, earthy vibe.
- Vinegar bite: A splash of apple cider vinegar gives it a sharp, tangy edge.
🍽️ How to use hot honey sauce
- Proteins: Drizzle over chicken wings, grilled shrimp, or roasted salmon.
- Cheese & Charcuterie: Serve with a charcuterie board, aged cheeses, or baked camembert or brie on crackers.
- Veggies: Toss with roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or grilled corn.
- Snacks & Dips: Use as a dipping sauce for nuggets, french fries, or puff pastry tarts.
- Desserts: Drizzle over vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or warm biscuits.
- Drinks: Stir into a hot toddy or spicy-sweet cocktail.
- Salads: Whisk into a vinaigrette for leafy greens or grain bowls.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Yes, it keeps well in a glass jar for a few weeks.
Not necessarily – room temperature is fine if you’re using clean utensils, but you can refrigerate it to extend the shelf life.
It depends on the hot sauce and chili flakes you use – start mild and add more heat if you want.
Local honey has the freshest flavor, but any runny honey will work.
😋 More creative condiment ideas to try
- Stout BBQ Sauce
- Keto Sugar-Free Ketchup Recipe
- Taco Truck Green Sauce Recipe
- Easy Spicy Mayo (Without Sriracha)
- 5-Minute Whole30 Ranch Dressing Recipe
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📖 Recipe
Hot Honey Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce I like Encona or Franks
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a bowl.4 tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Stir with a spoon until it is fully mixed together.
- Enjoy as a dip, coating on chicken, or a sauce on burgers.
Notes
- Heat level: Adjust the chili flakes or hot sauce to dial the spice up or down.
- Honey: Use good-quality local honey for the best flavor and texture.
- Stir well: Make sure everything is fully blended so it doesn’t separate later.
- Serving temp: Room temperature is best for drizzling or dipping.
Storage instructions
- Use a jar: Store in a glass jar or airtight container for best results.
- Shelf life: Keeps well for up to 3 weeks at room temp, or longer in the fridge.
- No double-dipping: Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination.