The Ultimate Sacramento Hot Honey Guide

🌟 Sacramento’s Hot Honey Revolution

Sacramento isn’t just California’s capital—it’s the Farm-to-Fork Capital of America. Our city is home to thriving farmers markets, award-winning restaurants, and creative chefs who love bold flavors. That’s why hot honey has taken off here in a way that’s unique, local, and rooted in community. Sacramento didn’t just adopt the hot honey trend—it reinvented it.

Hot honey is simple: golden honey infused with chili peppers. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. This sweet-heat drizzle transforms ordinary foods into unforgettable experiences. Drizzle it over pizza, glaze ribs, stir it into cocktails, or add it to your brunch plate—suddenly, your meal is alive with balance: sweet, savory, spicy, and comforting all at once.

Hot honey made waves nationwide with New York’s Mike’s Hot Honey. But here’s the truth: Mike’s isn’t Sacramento. It’s mass-produced, one-size-fits-all, and disconnected from the local food culture that makes Sacramento special. LadyBug Hot Honey was born right here in California’s capital—crafted small-batch, offered in multiple heat levels, and built for Sacramento’s farm-to-fork scene.

Why LadyBug Hot Honey is Sacramento’s Choice

• Local & Small-Batch: Made in Sacramento, supporting California farms and foodies.
• Heat Options: Gentle, Mild, and XHOT—something for every palate.
• Farm-to-Fork Connection: Inspired by Sacramento’s produce, markets, and food creativity.
• Versatile: Pizza, BBQ, cocktails, brunch, desserts—it works everywhere.

This guide is your roadmap to understanding why hot honey has become Sacramento’s signature drizzle, how to use it at home, where to taste it around the city, and why LadyBug is leading the charge to put Sacramento on the national hot honey map.

🍯 What is Hot Honey?

Hot honey is simply honey infused with chili peppers. The sweetness of honey tames the spice, while the heat keeps richness (like cheese or fried foods) from feeling heavy. It’s a balancing act—sweet, spicy, salty, and savory—that clicks with Sacramento’s love for bold, bright flavors.

At LadyBug, we craft hot honey for real-life use: drizzle bottles that flow easily, three heat levels, and a flavor profile made to complement everything from pizza to produce from Midtown Farmers Market.

🍕 Sacramento Pizza + Hot Honey

Pizza and hot honey are a match made in flavor heaven. Sacramento’s pizza scene has exploded in recent years, and hot honey has quickly become the topping foodies can’t stop talking about. Why? Because the sweetness of the honey balances salty cheese and pepperoni, while chili heat cuts through rich mozzarella and crisped edges.

Local icons embracing hot honey:

• Pizza Supreme Being (Midtown): NY-style pies where hot honey over pepperoni is a fan obsession.
• Federalist Pizza: Shipping-container cool meets brick-oven heat—perfect with LadyBug Mild or XHOT.
• Paragary’s: Farm-to-fork icon weaving hot honey into seasonal pizza and flatbread flavors.
• Hot Italian: Downtown favorite blending Italian technique with Sacramento’s sweet-heat twist.

🍕 Recipe: Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza

Serves 4 • 25 minutes

• 1 prepared pizza dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 20 slices pepperoni
• 1/4 cup LadyBug Hot Honey (Mild or XHOT)

Instructions: Heat oven to 475°F. Stretch dough on a stone/sheet. Spread sauce, add cheese, layer pepperoni. Bake 12–15 minutes until golden. Finish: Drizzle LadyBug Hot Honey generously and serve immediately with a Sacramento craft lager.

More pizza inspo: Sacramento Pizza + Hot Honey Trend →

🍖 Sacramento BBQ + Hot Honey

Sacramento takes BBQ seriously—from backyard grills to Midtown smokehouses. Brushed over ribs, chicken, or brisket, hot honey caramelizes into a glossy, sticky glaze that delivers smoky, sweet, and spicy perfection.

• Tank House BBQ & Bar: Midtown’s ribs + whiskey favorite—imagine those ribs with hot honey glaze.
• Urban Roots Brewing & Smokehouse: Craft beer + smoked meats, made even better with LadyBug on pulled pork.
• South: Soul-food staple—fried chicken & waffles shine with hot honey.
• Fixins Soul Kitchen: Comfort classics meet LadyBug Hot Honey in Oak Park.

🍖 Recipe: Hot Honey BBQ Ribs

Serves 4–6 • ~3 hours

• 2 racks pork ribs
• 1/2 cup LadyBug Hot Honey
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper

Instructions: Heat smoker/grill to 250°F. Mix glaze and simmer 10 minutes. Season ribs; cook meaty side up 2.5–3 hours to tenderness. Finish: Brush glaze for last 20 minutes to lacquer. Rest, slice, drizzle extra LadyBug.

More BBQ ideas: Sacramento BBQ + Hot Honey →

🍳 Brunch & Breakfast, Sacramento Style

Brunch is practically a sport in SAC. Midtown cafés and East Sac diners compete for bold, Instagram-worthy plates—hot honey is their secret weapon. From chicken & waffles to breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, donuts, and even lattes, LadyBug makes mornings unforgettable.

🍳 Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken & Waffles

Serves 2 • 15 minutes

• 2 Belgian waffles
• 4 fried chicken tenders
• 1/4 cup LadyBug Hot Honey (Gentle or Mild)
• Soft butter & fruit (optional)

Instructions: Warm waffles; stack tenders; add butter; drizzle LadyBug. Serve with fruit or slaw.

Full breakfast post: Wake Up Sacramento with Hot Honey Breakfasts →

🍹 Cocktails & Drinks

Sacramento’s cocktail scene is thriving, and bartenders love hot honey for balance and body. Make a quick hot honey syrup (1:1 LadyBug Hot Honey + warm water) so it blends smoothly in cold drinks.

More drinks: Spicy Sips: Hot Honey Cocktails Sacramento Can’t Get Enough Of →

🌿 Farmers Markets

Midtown Farmers Market, East Sac, and seasonal fairs are the heartbeat of Sacramento food culture. LadyBug proudly shows up here—sampling Gentle, Mild, and XHOT, sharing recipe tips, and supporting local agriculture. Buying from us supports Sacramento’s farm-to-fork ecosystem.

🍽️ 10 Step-by-Step Hot Honey Recipes

1) Hot Honey Wings (Baked or Air-Fried)

Serves 4

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1 tsp salt + 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup LadyBug Hot Honey (Mild/XHOT)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Crisp: Pat-dry; toss with salt + baking powder; bake 425°F 40–45 min (or air-fry 400°F ~18 min). Glaze: Melt butter + hot honey + vinegar; toss wings; return 3–5 min to set. Finish with chives.

2) Hot Honey Salmon

Serves 4

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon
• 2 tbsp LadyBug Hot Honey

Roast: 400°F for 10–12 min. Finish: Brush with hot honey mix; broil 1–2 min for lacquer.

3) Hot Honey Shrimp Tacos

Serves 4

• 1 lb shrimp
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 8 tortillas
• Slaw + lime
• 2 tbsp LadyBug

Sear shrimp 2–3 min/side; drizzle LadyBug; build tacos with slaw and lime.

4) Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts

Serves 4

• 1.5 lbs sprouts
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt
• 2 tbsp LadyBug
• 1 tsp balsamic

Roast 450°F 18–20 min; toss with hot honey + balsamic; return 2 min.

5) Hot Honey Charcuterie Drizzle

Party board

• Soft cheese (brie)
• Salumi
• Fruit + nuts
• Crostini
• LadyBug Gentle

Arrange board; drizzle Gentle over brie & prosciutto; add cracked pepper.

6) Hot Honey Donut Glaze

Makes ~1 cup

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• 1–2 tbsp LadyBug Gentle

Whisk to pourable glaze; dip donuts; finish with pinch of sea salt.

7) Hot Honey Biscuit Sandwich

Serves 2

• 2 buttermilk biscuits
• 2 eggs
• Cheddar
• Bacon/sausage
• LadyBug Gentle/Mild

Build sandwich; drizzle LadyBug; wrap to melt and enjoy.

8) Hot Honey Vinaigrette

Makes ~3/4 cup

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon
• 1–2 tbsp LadyBug
• Salt & pepper

Shake in jar; dress greens, stone fruit, and toasted almonds.

9) Hot Honey Ice Cream Drizzle

2–4 servings

• Vanilla ice cream
• LadyBug Gentle
• Toasted nuts (optional)

Warm Gentle 10 seconds; swirl over scoops; add nuts & flaky salt.

10) Hot Honey Caprese with Peaches

Serves 4

• Heirloom tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella
• Peaches
• Basil
• LadyBug Gentle
• Olive oil + balsamic

Layer tomatoes, mozz, peaches; drizzle olive oil + Gentle + a few balsamic drops; finish with basil & salt.

💪 Health Benefits of Hot Honey

• Natural Energy: Honey’s carbs power morning workouts and long days.
• Antioxidants: Honey contains beneficial compounds that support wellness.
• Metabolism & Warmth: Chili’s capsaicin can gently boost metabolism.
• Digestive Comfort: Warm honey + tea can feel soothing.

Note: Enjoy as part of a balanced diet. If you have specific medical questions, consult your healthcare provider.

🎉 Hot Honey at Sacramento Events

You’ll spot LadyBug at Kings watch parties and tailgates, Republic FC match days, the California State Fair, Farm-to-Fork Festival, brewery nights, neighborhood block parties, and GoldenSky Country Music Fest. We’re the squeeze bottle everyone asks about at the grill station.

⚖️ LadyBug Hot Honey vs. Mike’s Hot Honey

Mike’s may have popularized hot honey in NYC. Sacramento has evolved it. LadyBug is local, small-batch, and designed for our farm-to-fork table—offered in multiple heat levels to match your vibe.

🌡️ Hot Honey Heat Ladder

• Gentle: Subtle warmth—pancakes, biscuits, breakfast sandwiches, charcuterie.
• Mild: Classic sweet heat—pizza, burgers, BBQ, tacos, roasted veggies.
• XHOT: Big kick—wings, ribs, Nashville-style chicken, chili, spicy margaritas.

📍 Where to Find Hot Honey in Sacramento

• 🛒 Buy Online: Fast local shipping via our Shop.
• 🌽 Farmers Markets: Midtown, East Sac, seasonal pop-ups—come taste and chat.
• 🍕 On Menus: Pizza Supreme Being, Federalist, Tank House, South, Fixins, and more.

See the full guide: Where to Find Hot Honey in Sacramento →

❓ Hot Honey FAQ

• Where can I buy hot honey in Sacramento? Right here via our online shop, plus local farmers markets and restaurant menus.
• Is hot honey spicy? We offer three levels—Gentle, Mild, XHOT—so you control the heat.
• Best foods for hot honey? Pizza, BBQ, fried chicken, roasted veggies, salads, cheese boards, desserts, cocktails.
• Can I cook with hot honey? Yes—glazes, marinades, roasting, and finishing drizzles.
• Does hot honey go bad? Honey is naturally shelf-stable. Store sealed in a cool, dry spot.
• Is hot honey healthy? Honey offers natural antioxidants; chili brings gentle metabolic warmth. Enjoy in moderation.
• Is LadyBug Hot Honey local? Proudly Sacramento-made; farm-to-fork inspired.
• What’s different vs. Mike’s? Local small-batch, multiple heat levels, Sacramento community roots.
• Shipping? We ship across Sacramento, California, and nationwide.
• Gift ideas? Trio packs by heat level + recipe card are a hit for hosts and holidays.