🍯 Sweeteners

Substitute for Hot Honey: to - Everything You Need to Know

Discover the best substitutes for hot honey in any recipe. Learn about honey with cayenne pepper, sriracha with honey, chili oil with honey, and other alternatives with proper ratios and cooking tips.

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Quick Answer

The best substitutes for hot honey are honey with cayenne pepper, sriracha with honey, or chili oil with honey. Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes, adjusting spice level based on your preference and recipe requirements.

Best Substitutes

Honey + Cayenne Pepper

1:1 + 1/4 tsp cayenne per cup

Classic combination of honey with cayenne pepper powder for sweet and spicy flavor. Easy to make and customize heat level to your preference.

Best for:

pizzachickenglazesdipsmarinadesbeveragesdesserts

Start with 1/4 tsp cayenne per cup of honey and adjust to taste. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spice throughout the honey.

Sriracha + Honey

1:1

Combination of sriracha hot sauce with honey for sweet and spicy flavor with garlic undertones and tangy notes.

Best for:

pizzachickenglazesdipsmarinadesAsian dishesnoodles

Sriracha adds garlic flavor along with heat. Mix well and adjust ratio based on desired heat level and flavor profile.

Chili Oil + Honey

1:1

Combination of chili oil with honey for sweet and spicy flavor with oil-based heat and different mouthfeel.

Best for:

pizzachickenglazesdipsAsian dishesnoodlesstir-fries

Chili oil adds different heat profile and oiliness. Mix well and adjust ratio based on desired heat level and oil content.

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 with visible pepper pieces and different heat profile.

Best for:

pizzachickenglazesdipsmarinadesbeveragessalads

Red pepper flakes provide different heat profile than cayenne. 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 with the specific heat profile of your chosen sauce.

Best for:

pizzachickenglazesdipsmarinadesbeverageswings

Choose hot sauce based on desired heat level and flavor profile. Mix well and adjust ratio based on heat preference and sauce intensity.

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.

Best for:

pizzachickenglazesdipsbreakfast dishesbeveragespancakes

Maple syrup adds distinctive flavor. Use 1/4 tsp cayenne per cup of maple syrup and adjust to taste.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Hot honey adds unique sweet and spicy flavor to both sweet and savory dishes
  • 💡For pizza, drizzle hot honey over finished pizza for the best flavor combination
  • 💡Hot honey works well as a glaze for chicken, pork, and vegetables during cooking
  • 💡Mix hot honey 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 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.

Can I make 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.

What's the difference between hot honey and regular honey?

Hot honey is infused with chili peppers for spicy flavor, while regular honey is just sweet. Both have similar sweetness but different heat levels.

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.

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.

How do I adjust the heat level in hot honey substitutes?

Start with small amounts of spice (1/4 tsp cayenne per cup of honey) and gradually increase until you reach your desired heat level. Taste as you go.

Are there any vegan alternatives to 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.