hot honey

Honestly… I didn’t think hot honey would become a thing in my kitchen. Honey is honey, right? Sweet, calm, minding its own business.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings: 1

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 cup honey (raw or regular — both work)

1 to 1½ teaspoons red chili flakes (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)

Optional:

1 small dried chili (extra heat)

Pinch of salt (balances sweetness)

Equipment

1 A small saucepan
2 A wooden spoon or heat-safe spoon
3 Measuring cups and spoons
4 A clean glass jar or bottle for storage

Method

Add the honey to a small saucepan and warm it over low heat. Don’t rush this — honey burns fast.

Once the honey loosens and looks glossy, stir in the red chili flakes. Keep the heat low and let it gently warm for about 5 minutes, just enough for the chili to infuse. No boiling.

Turn off the heat. Stir in the apple cider vinegar (and salt, if using). Taste carefully. Adjust heat if needed.

Let it cool slightly, then pour into a clean glass jar. It will thicken as it cools — totally normal.

Notes

For milder heat, start with 1 teaspoon chili flakes
For extra spicy, add more flakes or a dried chili
Strain if you want smooth hot honey