11 Infused Hot Honey Recipes for Drizzling

I remember the sticky-sweet jars of honey from my grandma’s beehives in the countryside, where we’d drizzle it over fresh cornbread on lazy summer afternoons. Back then, it was pure comfort—no heat, just golden bliss. But lately, I’ve been hooked on hot honey after a kitchen experiment gone gloriously right: infusing local honey with fiery chilies and unexpected twists during a rainy weekend binge. The result? A drizzle that transforms everything from pizza to ice cream into something addictive.

Hot honey has exploded in popularity for good reason—it’s the perfect balance of sweet heat that elevates everyday meals. Whether you’re jazzing up fried chicken, charcuterie boards, or even cocktails, these infused versions take it to the next level. Today, I’m sharing 11 of my favorite recipes, born from trial-and-error in my own kitchen, so you can whip up jars of flavor magic at home.

Classic Chili Hot Honey

This foundational recipe starts with 1 cup of raw honey, 2-3 dried red chili flakes (or 2 fresh chilies, sliced), and a pinch of salt. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine everything and stir gently for 10-15 minutes until fragrant and infused—don’t boil! Strain if using fresh chilies, then cool and store in a jar. The benefits? Intense heat that cuts through richness, ideal for pizza, fried chicken, or roasted veggies—boosts metabolism with capsaicin too.

Garlic Chili Hot Honey

Gather 1 cup honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp chili flakes, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Simmer on low for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic softens and aromas fill your kitchen. Strain for smoothness or leave chunky for texture, then bottle. It’s a savory powerhouse that enhances cheese boards, popcorn, or grilled meats, with garlic’s antioxidants adding immune-boosting perks.

Rosemary Hot Honey

You’ll need 1 cup honey, 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, and 1-2 crushed dried chilies. Heat gently for 10 minutes, letting the herbal notes mingle with the heat, then remove solids and cool. This earthy infusion shines on roasted potatoes, goat cheese, or cocktails, offering rosemary’s anti-inflammatory benefits alongside the honey’s soothing properties.

Lemon Chili Hot Honey

Combine 1 cup honey, zest and juice of 1 lemon, and 1 tsp chili powder. Warm on low for 12 minutes, stirring to infuse citrus brightness into the spice. No straining needed—settle and use. Bright and zesty, it’s perfect for fish tacos, salads, or yogurt parfaits, with vitamin C from lemon amplifying the chili’s digestive fire.

Ginger Hot Honey

Ingredients: 1 cup honey, 3-inch fresh ginger (sliced thin), and ½ tsp cayenne pepper. Simmer low for 15 minutes, strain the ginger slices, and jar up. This warming blend aids digestion and fights nausea, drizzling beautifully over stir-fries, rice bowls, or morning oats for a spicy-sweet kick.

Cinnamon Hot Honey

Mix 1 cup honey, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Infuse on low heat for 10-12 minutes, remove sticks, and cool. The cozy spice duo makes it a fall favorite for pancakes, lattes, or baked brie, with cinnamon’s blood-sugar stabilizing effects pairing nicely with the heat.

Jalapeño Hot Honey

Use 1 cup honey, 2-3 sliced fresh jalapeños (seeds in for extra heat), and a pinch of salt. Heat gently for 15 minutes, strain peppers, and store. Fresh and green-spiced, it perks up cornbread, eggs, or watermelon slices, delivering jalapeño’s vitamin-rich punch for sinus-clearing relief.

Truffle Hot Honey

For luxury, blend 1 cup honey, 1 tsp truffle oil (or shaved truffle), and 1 tsp chili flakes. Warm for 10 minutes to meld flavors without cooking the truffle essence. Drizzle on burrata, fries, or steak—its umami depth elevates simple dishes, turning snacks into gourmet experiences.

Lavender Hot Honey

Ingredients include 1 cup honey, 2 tbsp dried lavender buds, and ½ tsp Aleppo pepper. Infuse low for 12 minutes, strain lavender, and bottle the floral heat. Subtle and sophisticated for scones, ice cream, or tea, lavender promotes relaxation while the pepper adds a gentle buzz.

Chipotle Hot Honey

Take 1 cup honey, 2-3 dried chipotle peppers (crumbled), and a dash of smoked paprika. Simmer for 15 minutes, strain for silkiness, and cool. Smoky and bold, it’s unbeatable on bacon, ribs, or nachos, with chipotle’s antioxidants supporting heart health amid the fiery sweetness.

Sriracha Hot Honey

Stir 1 cup honey with 2 tbsp sriracha sauce and 1 tsp fresh grated garlic. Heat briefly for 8-10 minutes to deepen flavors—no strain needed. This garlicky-fermented twist rocks wings, dumplings, or salads, blending sriracha’s probiotics with honey’s natural preservatives for gut-friendly drizzle.

There you have it—11 ways to infuse hot honey that’ll keep your drizzling game strong all year. Grab some honey, play with these recipes in your kitchen, and watch ordinary meals turn extraordinary. Which one will you try first? Tag me in your creations!