Hot honey isn’t just a condiment – it’s a flavour revolution. Sweet, spicy, and endlessly versatile, it has the power to transform all kinds of foods and drinks. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking to jazz up a simple snack, pairing hot honey with the right ingredients can take your meals to the next level (and delight your taste buds).
To help you unlock the full potential of hot honey, we’ve put together a pairing guide for every occasion. From cheeses to cocktails and everything in between, this is your ultimate go-to for hot honey matches that are truly unforgettable.
The Perfect Cheese Pairings
Cheese and honey have always been a match made in heaven, and hot honey adds a new level of excitement to this classic combination. The spice cuts through creamy textures, while the sweetness enhances savoury notes.
Soft Cheeses
- Brie
The creamy, buttery flavour of brie pairs beautifully with the gentle heat of hot honey. Drizzle a bit over a wedge and serve with crackers for an instant crowd-pleaser.
- Goat Cheese
The tangy sharpness of goat cheese combined with hot honey’s sweet heat is a game-changer. Spread it on crusty bread, top with hot honey, and you’ve got yourself an unbeatable appetiser.
Aged Cheeses
- Blue Cheese
The bold, salty flavour of blue cheese is perfectly balanced by the sweetness in hot honey. Try it on a cheese board or sprinkle hot honey on a wedge to enjoy its full glory.
- Cheddar
An aged cheddar’s sharp, crumbly texture works wonders with hot honey drizzled over it. For bonus points, pair it with thin apple slices for a sweet-salty-crisp bite.
Pro Tip: Warm your hot honey slightly before drizzling—this helps coat the cheese evenly for the perfect taste in every bite.
Meat Pairings That Wow
Hot honey works wonders as a glaze, drizzle, or dipping sauce for all types of meats. Its flavour amplifies smoky, spicy, and savoury profiles with a harmonious balance of sweet heat.
Poultry
- Fried Chicken
If you haven’t tried hot honey on fried chicken, you’re missing out. The combo of crispy skin, juicy meat, and spicy sweetness is pure magic. Whether it’s wings or chicken tenders, pass the hot honey bottle around!
- Roast Turkey
Glaze a roast turkey with hot honey while it’s still warm for extra juiciness. The slight spice will complement the meat’s richness without overpowering it.
Pork
- Ribs
Hot honey-glazed ribs are a thing of beauty. Brush them with hot honey during the last few minutes on the grill for a sticky, caramelised finish.
- Pork Belly
Rich and fatty pork belly loves a hit of acidity and spice. A drizzle of hot honey cuts through the richness, bringing balance to every bite.
Beef
- Steak
A seared steak topped with a touch of hot honey? Yes, please. Its sweet-spicy notes elevate the meaty flavour beautifully. Pair with roasted veg for a complete meal.
- Beef Jerky
A quick and easy pair, beef jerky’s chewy, salty texture gets even better with a bit of hot honey drizzled over the top.
Veggies and Hot Honey
Don’t underestimate the power of hot honey to transform vegetables! These pairings are ideal for anyone looking to spice up their vegetarian dishes.
- Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts come alive with a glaze of hot honey. The caramelised edges and spicy-sweet taste make this side dish a main feature.
- Sweet Potatoes
Drizzle hot honey over oven-roasted sweet potato wedges or mash—it enhances their natural sweetness with a spicy kick.
- Carrots
Add hot honey to roasted or glazed carrots for a sticky, sweet finish that’s impossible to resist.
Sweet Delights with a Spicy Twist
Yes, hot honey works with desserts! Adding a touch of sweetness and spice can make your desserts far more interesting.
- Vanilla Ice Cream
Drizzle hot honey over vanilla ice cream for a flavour contrast that’s both decadent and exciting. Add crushed nuts or dark chocolate for extra texture.
- Cheesecake
Swap out a traditional fruit topping for hot honey. It pairs beautifully with the richness of cheesecake, making each bite more dynamic.
- Fruit
Try hot honey on fresh figs, watermelon, or even pineapple. It enhances their natural flavours and adds a layer of warmth.
Cocktails and Drinks
Hot honey isn’t just for food—it’s also a bartender’s secret weapon. Its unique flavour is perfect for creating cocktails that leave a lasting impression.
- Hot Honey Margarita
Replace traditional simple syrup with hot honey when making a margarita. The spice complements the tanginess of lime and the depth of tequila.
- Whiskey Sour with a Twist
Add a touch of hot honey to a classic whiskey sour for a sweet-spicy edge. It pairs wonderfully with the smoky character of whiskey.
- Spicy Lemonade
Stir hot honey into lemonade for a refreshing drink with a fiery kick. It’s perfect for summer afternoons and barbecues.
- Hot Honey-Infused Tea
Whether it’s green, black, or chamomile tea, a spoonful of hot honey will warm you up and add an extra layer of flavour.
Bringing It All Together
The beauty of hot honey is its ability to complement so many dishes and drinks. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a casual snack, or treating yourself to dessert, there’s always a way to incorporate its irresistible sweet and spicy blend. Keep experimenting with its bold flavour—you might just stumble upon the next must-try combo!
