What Is Hot Honey? A Beginner’s Guide to Sweet Heat
Hot honey is simple—real honey infused with chili heat—but the flavor is anything but. In this guide we’ll cover how hot honey is made, what it tastes like, how spicy it is, and the best ways to use it (with links to recipes and our Gentle, Mild, and XHOT bottles).
Hot Honey, Defined
Hot honey is golden honey infused with chili peppers for a sweet-then-spicy finish. Our LadyBug Hot Honey stays true to the basics: real honey + real peppers, crafted in small batches with a clean, balanced profile—no thickeners, dyes, or weird additives.
How Is Hot Honey Made?
At a high level, making hot honey involves gently infusing honey with chili peppers until the flavor and heat are in harmony. Infusion time, pepper variety, and filtration all shape the final taste and clarity. LadyBug focuses on a balanced infusion so the floral notes of honey still shine through while delivering that satisfying kick.
What Does Hot Honey Taste Like?
- Sweet Up Front
Pure honey character—floral, round, and smooth. - Clean Heat
A warm, chili-forward finish that never overwhelms. - Balanced Body
Viscous, glossy drizzle that clings beautifully to food.
How Spicy Is Hot Honey?
Spice levels vary by brand and pepper choice. To make it easy, LadyBug offers three levels so everyone finds their sweet spot:
Gentle
A whisper of warmth—kid-friendly and perfect for charcuterie, breakfast, and tea.
Mild
Balanced sweet heat for everyday drizzling—pizza, wings, veggies, and more.
XHOT
Bold, lingering kick for spice chasers—fried chicken, BBQ, tacos, and burritos.
Best Hot Honey Uses (Sweet & Savory)
🍕 Pizza
Drizzle after baking for a glossy, spicy-sweet finish that cuts through richness.
🍗 Wings & Fried Chicken
Sticky, crave-worthy glaze—especially great with XHOT.
🧀 Cheese Boards
Perfect contrast for brie, chèvre, cheddar, or blue.
🥬 Roasted Veggies
Carrots, sprouts, squash—brush on during the last 5 minutes to caramelize.
🍹 Cocktails & Mocktails
Hot Honey Gold Rush, spicy lemonade, or a chili-kissed margarita.
🍦 Desserts
Vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, brownies—sweet heat elevates everything.
Want a deeper list? Read our full guide: Hot Honey Uses.
Hot Honey vs. Regular Honey (and vs. Chili Oil)
- Regular Honey: Pure sweetness; no heat; great for tea and baking.
- Hot Honey: Sweet-then-spicy; more versatile across savory, sweet, and drinks.
- Chili Oil: Mostly savory, oil-based; hot honey is cleaner and better for finishing.
Storage, Crystallization & Food Safety
- Storage: Keep at room temperature. No refrigeration needed.
- Crystallization: Natural for honey. Warm the bottle gently in a water bath to restore flow.
- Safety Note: As with all honey, do not give to infants under 1 year old.
Find Your Perfect Heat
- Gentle A touch of warmth—family-friendly.
- Mild Balanced sweet heat—our everyday favorite.
- XHOT Bold heat for spice lovers and BBQ.
Ready to Try Real Hot Honey?
Discover why LadyBug Hot Honey is the easiest way to upgrade pizza night, wing platters, cheese boards, and even desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hot honey good on pizza?
Yes! A post-bake drizzle adds sheen and a balanced sweet-spicy pop—especially on pepperoni or sausage pies.
What peppers are used in LadyBug Hot Honey?
We craft a balanced chili infusion to keep honey flavors up front and the heat clean and enjoyable.
Which hot honey should I buy—Gentle, Mild, or XHOT?
Start with Gentle if you’re new to heat, Mild for everyday drizzling, and XHOT if you love a bold kick.
