Homemade Spiced Honey: Easy, Tasty, Versatile (+Tips and Ideas)

I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for Spiced Honey. There’s something so comforting about its warmth. Maybe it’s because the recipe has been in my family for years.

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Spiced Honey

While delicious on its own, Spiced Honey truly shines by adding depth to so many things.  Naturally, it’s incredible in spreads and dips, but don’t stop there! Think outside the box —  drizzle it over roasted vegetables, add zing to salad dressings, even elevate familiar condiments. Making small batches lets me experiment with flavors throughout the year. And let’s not forget, those beautiful jars always catch the eye on the pantry shelf. If you’re looking for a delicious and unique gift idea, especially around the holidays, Spiced Honey is always a winner.

So, how’s it taste?

Let’s be real, as a proud Southerner, store-bought biscuits never stood a chance compared to the fluffy homemade biscuits I grew up with. I remember taking a biscuit-making class one Sunday and being utterly amazed at the pure deliciousness of those warm, tall mounds of golden brown goodness slathered in buttermilk and honey. It was simple, yet sublime.

That’s where Spiced Honey comes in, offering a whole new layer to that beloved experience. Think of your favorite basic honey – maybe even the stuff you snagged from a friend’s dad who keeps bees in his background. Now, imagine that sweet flavor infused with warm notes of cloves, cinnamon, and a subtle hint of citrus like oranges.

This simple recipe strikes the perfect balance. You still get the honey you know and love, but the gentle spice adds depth without being too strong or likely to overpower other flavors. It’s a way to elevate something, not completely change it. I’ve seen folks drizzle it over both savory and sweet dishes – think roasted sweet potatoes, a cheese board, even ice cream!

Oh, and a college memory: My roommate always made the best jam, and a dollop of Spiced Honey would transform it into an instant dessert. Simple combinations, but the flavors always managed to shine. Don’t be afraid to get creative – sometimes gussied up can be just as good as the original.

Nutritional Information

Spiced Honey Recipe

Recipe by Whisk and NibbleCourse: DessertCuisine: American

Yields

3

Half-Pints

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

22

kcal

This easy Spiced Honey recipe infuses the sweetness of honey with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, adding depth and a touch of heat.

Ingredients

• 1 lemon

• 12 whole cloves

• 3 sticks cinnamon

• 2 2/3 cups honey

Directions

• Cut the lemon into 6 thin slices. Poke 2 cloves into each slice.
• In a saucepan, combine the lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, and honey.
• Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat. Divide lemon slices and cinnamon sticks between clean jars (approximately 2 slices and 1 stick per jar).
• Carefully ladle hot honey into the jars, leaving a bit of headspace.
• Seal jars tightly. For extended shelf life, process in a boiling-water canner. Otherwise, store in the refrigerator.

Notes

• For a spicier hot honey, add fresh or dried chili peppers to the infusion.
• Adjust spice quantities to your liking.
• Experiment with different spices like cardamom, star anise, and ginger.
• Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator, or process in a boiling-water canner for extended shelf life.

What to Serve with Hot Honey?

The possibilities are endless! Here are some tasty ideas to get you started:

Savory Delights

• Fried chicken: The ultimate classic! Hot honey brings the perfect sweet heat to crispy fried chicken, whether it’s oven-fried or takeout.
• Hot Honey wings: Toss baked chicken wings in a simple glaze of hot honey for a winning appetizer.
• Seafood: Think Hot Honey Salmon, Hot Honey Glazed Shrimp, or even seared scallops with a hot honey drizzle. It’s also a fantastic dipping sauce!
• Vegetables: Hot honey adds a kick to grilled, pan-seared, roasted, or even steamed vegetables.
• Biscuits & Cornbread: Drizzle over warm, fluffy biscuits, especially jalapeno-cheddar biscuits or spicy jalapeño cornbread.

Sweet Treats & Drinks

• Ice cream: A scoop of simple vanilla ice cream gets an instant upgrade with a drizzle of hot honey.
• Cocktails: Swap out regular honey for hot honey in your favorite whiskey drinks or a soothing hot toddy.
• Honey Mustard: Add hot honey to homemade mustard for a spicy honey-mustard with a kick.
• Protein shakes: A teaspoon of hot honey adds complexity while masking any ‘healthy’ cardboard flavor.
• Hot water with lemon and honey: Give your usual morning concoction an extra zing with hot honey.

Remember: Hot honey’s versatility is a huge part of its charm! Don’t be afraid to try your delicious combinations.

Serving Suggestions with a Twist

• Spiced Honey Syrup: Reduce your prepared Spiced Honey over low heat until it reaches a syrupy consistency. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities, like drizzling it over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
• Cocktails and Mocktails: Upgrade your favorite cocktails by swapping simple syrup for spiced honey syrup.

Best Chili Peppers for Making Hot Honey

Spiced Honey is fantastic, but sometimes you want to crank up the heat! Picking the right chili peppers will completely transform your hot honey.  Here’s a breakdown of some popular options:

Fresh and Fiery

• Habanero peppers: These pack a serious punch! Perfect when you want REALLY SPICY hot honey.
• Ghost peppers, 7 Pot peppers, scorpion peppers, Carolina Reaper: Proceed with caution! These are for the true heat seekers.

Milder with a Kick

• Jalapeños: A classic choice for manageable heat and bright flavor.
• Cayennes or serranos: Offer a step-up in spice from jalapeños, perfect for mid-levels of heat.

Dried Peppers

• Dried red peppers: These add a smoky depth to the infusion. Great when you want spicy with a nuanced flavor.
• Hawaiian Hots: These bring a fruity note alongside their heat.

Important: The amount of peppers you use is as important as the variety. Experiment to discover your perfect heat level!

Health Benefits of Chai Honey Spices

The spices that make Spiced Honey so delicious also pack some potential health benefits. Let’s break down the key players:

• Cinnamon: A powerhouse of antioxidants. Studies suggest it may fight inflammation and even help manage blood sugar levels.
• Ginger: A natural remedy for a cough, cold, or sore throat. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and there is solid evidence for its effectiveness against nausea (including morning sickness and chemotherapy-related nausea).
• Cardamom: This aromatic spice contains phytochemicals associated with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. It may support healthy digestion and even ease lung congestion.
• Coriander: Another spice with immune-boosting potential, coriander may also promote digestion and overall gut health.
• Cloves: These pack a punch with antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. Cloves also contain manganese, an essential mineral important for brain health and building strong bones.

Important Note: While these spices offer many beneficial properties, it’s crucial to remember that Spiced Honey shouldn’t be treated as a cure-all. Always consult your doctor about any health concerns!

RELATED: How to Make Whipped Honey

Conclusion

Spiced Honey is a simple, delicious way to transform everyday meals and treats. Whether you crave a sweet and savory drizzle, a fiery kick for your cocktails, or just the warm, comforting taste of homemade goodness, this versatile recipe won’t disappoint. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen as you discover the endless possibilities of Spiced Honey!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you add spices to honey?

Infusing is the key! Here’s how:

1. Choose your spices, herbs, or zest for a flavor boost.
2. Use raw honey, as it infuses easier.
3. Follow a simple recipe for ratios and heating methods.
4. If using dried herbs, place them in a sterilized jar, fill with honey, and let it steep in a cool, dark place for 6–8 days.

Is spicy honey good for you?

While not a cure-all, hot honey can offer some potential health benefits:

• Honey: Natural source of antioxidants, may soothe sore throats and aid in sleep.
• Chili peppers: May boost metabolism and have anti-inflammatory effects.

What color is spiced honey?

Spiced Honey is typically described as having a warm neutral color with rich caramel tones. The final amber hue is inviting and creates a relaxed, cozy ambiance wherever it’s used.

Can honey be naturally spicy?

Yes! Depending on the bees’ nectar source, honey can have a range of flavors, including spicy!  Some flowers produce nectar with notes that are naturally floral, fruity, smoky, woody, spicy, nutty, or earthy.  The possibilities are vast!

Is spicy honey good in tea?

Absolutely! Spiced Honey is a delicious addition to hot tea, bringing a warming kick alongside its natural sweetener properties.

What spices go with honey?

The options are endless! Here are some ideas:

• Dried herbs: rosemary, ginger, mint, etc.
• Spices: cinnamon, cloves, star anise, cardamom
• Dried fruits: citrus peels, berries
• Vegetables: lemons, garlic
• Hot peppers: Experiment with fresh or dried varieties to create your perfect infused honey.