Hot honey is often celebrated for its incredible ability to spice up meals, but its magic doesn’t have to end at the dinner table. With its sweet and spicy versatility, hot honey can be used in a range of surprising ways that extend beyond food. From invigorating skincare routines to creative DIY crafts, this bold ingredient proves it has untapped potential. Here are ten unexpected ways you can use hot honey outside the kitchen.
1. A Sweet and Spicy Cocktail Mixer
Hot honey isn’t just limited to flavouring food—it’s also a star ingredient in the drinks department. Its bold kick pairs beautifully with spirits like bourbon, tequila, and gin. Add a teaspoon to your next hot toddy, margarita, or old-fashioned for a warming twist that will keep your guests buzzing. For a non-alcoholic option, try stirring it into lemonade for a spicy-sweet delight.
Pro Tip: Make a hot honey syrup for easier blending. Simply mix equal parts hot honey and warm water until smooth.
2. DIY Honey Face Mask
Honey has long been celebrated for its antibacterial and moisturising properties, but adding the subtle heat of hot honey takes your skincare ritual to the next level. The mild spice can stimulate blood flow, giving your skin a healthy glow, while the honey deeply hydrates and nourishes.
To make a mask:
- Mix one tablespoon of hot honey with plain yoghurt or oatmeal.
- Apply evenly to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water, and enjoy softer, radiant skin.
3. Relieve a Sore Throat
Hot honey can work wonders when combating a sore throat. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties, combined with a gentle heat, help soothe irritation and ease your discomfort. Stir a teaspoon of hot honey into warm tea or water for quick relief that’s as comforting as it is effective.
4. Natural Bee-Encouragement in the Garden
You’ve heard of honey attracting bees, but did you know hot honey can be a handy tool for gardeners? Mix a small amount of hot honey with water to create a natural bee attractant. Drizzle the mixture around flowers to encourage pollination and watch your plants thrive with help from nature’s little workers.
5. Creative Crafting with Candles
For craft lovers, hot honey introduces a unique opportunity to create spicy-scented candles. The aroma of honey mixed with a hint of chilli can bring a comforting, exotic scent to your home. Simply add a drizzle of hot honey to your melted wax mixture along with essential oils and stir.
Warning: Always use food-grade hot honey and avoid overdoing it to ensure safe burning.
6. Boost Your Hair Care Routine
Strange as it may sound, a bit of hot honey can add serious shine to your hair. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it locks in moisture, and the warming properties of chilli can stimulate the scalp for healthier hair growth. Add a teaspoon to your conditioner or create a DIY hair mask with hot honey, olive oil, and an egg yolk. Apply to damp hair, leave for 20 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
7. DIY Lip Balm
Hot honey can be used to craft lip balm that hydrates while providing a subtle tingle—a pleasantly surprising alternative to traditional lip products. Combine hot honey with natural beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil. Pour the mixture into a small container and allow it to set. The result? Hydrated, slightly plumped lips with a hint of spicy-sweet flavour!
8. Spice Up Your Bath
Transform an ordinary bath into a luxurious experience by adding hot honey to the water. While regular honey nourishes and hydrates your skin, the gentle heat helps relax tired muscles. Stir a couple of tablespoons into warm water during a bath and soak in its soothing sweetness.
9. An Antioxidant-Rich Facial Scrub
Turn hot honey into an all-natural facial scrub to exfoliate dull skin. Mix it with finely ground sugar or coffee grounds to create a gentle but effective scrub. Massage in slow, circular motions to remove dead skin cells and leave your skin soft, smooth, and rejuvenated.
10. Unique Wedding Favours or Gifts
Looking for a thoughtful gift? Miniature bottles of hot honey make for charming party or wedding favours. Personalise the jars with labels that describe its fiery-sweet uniqueness. Guests can use it as a conversation starter or even explore its many uses themselves. It’s a gift that’s sure to make an impact!
Wrapping It Up
Now that you know hot honey is a game-changer not only in the kitchen but across your entire lifestyle, it’s time to get creative. From your beauty routine to crafting and even cocktail-making, hot honey’s sweet heat has no bounds. Who knew your trusted kitchen staple could do so much more?
