Description
A sweet and spicy hot honey sauce that balances rich honey sweetness with fiery heat, perfect for drizzling on fried chicken, roasted vegetables, or cheese plates.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup honey (preferably raw or wildflower for depth)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons red chili flakes (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smoky warmth)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adds sharp heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (to brighten flavors)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Warm honey in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until fluid but not boiling.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar and lemon juice until well combined.
- Add red chili flakes, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt; stir well.
- Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and smells fragrant.
- Remove from heat and cool to room temperature; sauce will thicken but remain pourable.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve for smooth sauce or keep chili flakes for texture and appearance.
- Transfer to a clean jar or bottle and store at room temperature or in the fridge.
Notes
- Use high-quality honey like raw or local for best flavor.
- Heat honey gently to preserve its floral notes, avoid boiling.
- Adjust chili flakes gradually as heat levels can vary.
- Cool sauce fully before storing to prevent dilution from condensation.
- Smoked paprika adds a smoky layer that complements the heat well.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: hot honey sauce, sweet and spicy sauce, honey glaze, homemade hot sauce, honey drizzle