This homemade hot honey recipe is quick and easy to make with 3 ingredients and can be used in countless delicious ways!
Prep time: PT5M
Cook time: PT15M
Total time: PT20M
Rating
4.86 stars (14 reviews)
Keywords
5 ingredient, gluten free, vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup honey
2 to 3 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes or 1 fresh jalapeño pepper
1 to 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
Categories
Sauce
Cuisine
American
Steps
Simmer. Add the honey and crushed red pepper flakes (or jalapeño slices) to a medium sauté pan or saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the honey very lightly begins to simmer. Give the mixture a quick stir to combine, then remove pan from the heat.
Rest. Let the mixture rest for 10 to 15 minutes so that the flavors can infuse.
Taste. Give the honey a quick taste to test the heat level. If you would like a spicier honey, you’re welcome to add more red pepper flakes (or jalapeño slices) and/or let the mixture continue to infuse for longer.
Strain. Once the honey has reached your desired heat level, strain the honey through a fine mesh strainer into a clean storage jar. Stir in the apple cider vinegar until evenly combined.
Serve or store. Use the honey immediately or see instructions below for storage instructions.
Reviews
Lilliana Novak on 2026-02-21 (3 stars): Delicious but not hot enough
Raija on 2025-06-27 (5 stars): Super easy to make and delicious! I used red pepper flakes and let them soak for more like 20-30 minutes! Thank you!!
John S Thomas on 2025-06-06 (5 stars): You mention if you add vinegar or fresh peppers you need to store it in the refrigerator. I agree (I'm a beekeeper). The reason is that the bees cap the honey in the hive when it is less than 18% moisture and so it ends up being hydroscopic (attracts water). Honey over this moisture content has the ability to ferment and should be used in a timely manner. Vinegar adds water but is also acidic. Honey typically has a pH of under 4 and is also acidic but it is offset by the sweetness. I use dried or cayenne pepper to avoid this moisture content issue to whatever heat I seek...
Gigi on 2025-05-11 (5 stars): This is quite good. Very fast and easy to make. It tastes good before adding the apple cider vinegar, but the vinegar really does take it up a notch! Thanks for sharing.
Dahlia Brown on 2025-02-20 (5 stars): when do you add the vinager?
Donna Fantacone on 2024-08-28 (5 stars): Thank you I did this today it came out great!
Sally on 2024-08-05 (5 stars): I didn't have cider or red wine vinegar in cupboard so used balsamic vinegar. Cuts through the sweetness which I like
Brandon on 2024-07-19 (5 stars): Is it normal to lose a bunch of honey during the process?? I assume the chili flakes are absorbing a lot of it. I started with a 500g jar of honey and was probably left with 350g of hot honey into the same jar
