🍯 Sweeteners

Mike's Hot Honey Substitutes: Complete Guide

Find the best substitutes for Mike's Hot Honey in any recipe. Learn about honey with cayenne pepper, sriracha with honey, and other alternatives that replicate the popular brand's flavor profile.

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Quick Answer

The best Mike's Hot Honey substitutes are honey with cayenne pepper, sriracha with honey, or chili oil with honey. Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes, adjusting spice level to match Mike's signature heat.

Best Substitutes

Honey + Cayenne Pepper

1:1 + 1/4 tsp cayenne per cup

Classic combination of honey with cayenne pepper powder that closely replicates Mike's Hot Honey flavor profile. Easy to customize heat level to match the brand.

Best for:

pizzachickenglazesdipsmarinadesbeverageswings

Start with 1/4 tsp cayenne per cup of honey and adjust to taste. Mike's Hot Honey has a medium heat level, so adjust accordingly.

Sriracha + Honey

1:1

Combination of sriracha hot sauce with honey that provides similar heat level and flavor complexity to Mike's Hot Honey with garlic undertones.

Best for:

pizzachickenglazesdipsmarinadesAsian disheswings

Sriracha adds garlic flavor along with heat, similar to Mike's Hot Honey. Mix well and adjust ratio based on desired heat level.

Chili Oil + Honey

1:1

Combination of chili oil with honey that provides similar heat level and flavor profile to Mike's Hot Honey with oil-based heat.

Best for:

pizzachickenglazesdipsAsian dishesnoodleswings

Chili oil adds different heat profile and oiliness, similar to Mike's Hot Honey. Mix well and adjust ratio based on desired heat level.

Honey + Red Pepper Flakes

1:1 + 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes per cup

Honey combined with red pepper flakes for sweet and spicy flavor that closely matches Mike's Hot Honey with visible pepper pieces.

Best for:

pizzachickenglazesdipsmarinadesbeverageswings

Red pepper flakes provide different heat profile than cayenne but similar to Mike's Hot Honey. Use 1/2 tsp per cup of honey and adjust to taste.

Honey + Hot Sauce

1:1

Honey combined with your favorite hot sauce for sweet and spicy flavor that can be customized to match Mike's Hot Honey heat level.

Best for:

pizzachickenglazesdipsmarinadesbeverageswings

Choose hot sauce based on desired heat level and flavor profile. Mike's Hot Honey has a medium heat level, so choose accordingly.

Maple Syrup + Cayenne

1:1 + 1/4 tsp cayenne per cup

Maple syrup combined with cayenne pepper for sweet and spicy flavor with distinctive maple undertones that can substitute for Mike's Hot Honey.

Best for:

pizzachickenglazesdipsbreakfast dishesbeverageswings

Maple syrup adds distinctive flavor. Use 1/4 tsp cayenne per cup of maple syrup and adjust to taste to match Mike's Hot Honey heat level.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Mike's Hot Honey has a medium heat level, so adjust your substitutes accordingly
  • 💡For pizza, drizzle hot honey substitute over finished pizza for best results, just like Mike's Hot Honey
  • 💡Hot honey works well as a glaze for chicken, pork, and vegetables during cooking
  • 💡Mix hot honey substitute with butter for a delicious spread or dip for bread and crackers
  • 💡Hot honey can be used in marinades for meats and vegetables to add flavor and moisture
  • 💡Store homemade hot honey substitutes in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for Mike's Hot Honey on pizza?

Honey with cayenne pepper or sriracha with honey work best on pizza. Drizzle over finished pizza for the best sweet and spicy flavor combination that matches Mike's Hot Honey.

Can I make Mike's Hot Honey at home?

Yes! Mix honey with cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce. Start with small amounts of spice and adjust to taste to match Mike's Hot Honey heat level.

What's the difference between Mike's Hot Honey and regular hot honey?

Mike's Hot Honey is a specific brand with a medium heat level and consistent flavor profile. Regular hot honey can vary in heat level and flavor depending on the brand.

Which hot honey substitute works best for chicken?

Honey with cayenne pepper or sriracha with honey work best for chicken. Use as a glaze during cooking or drizzle over finished chicken, just like Mike's Hot Honey.

Can I use hot honey substitutes in beverages?

Yes! Hot honey substitutes work well in cocktails, tea, and other beverages. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste based on your heat preference.

How do I adjust the heat level to match Mike's Hot Honey?

Mike's Hot Honey has a medium heat level. Start with 1/4 tsp cayenne per cup of honey and gradually increase until you reach the desired heat level. Taste as you go.

Are there any vegan alternatives to Mike's Hot Honey?

Yes! Use agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey, then add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for the same sweet and spicy flavor that matches Mike's Hot Honey.