That is also why we didn’t bring in just one hot honey. Rocky Mountain Olive Oil now carries five small-batch Colorado hot honeys from Grind Spice Co., beginning with approachable Jalapeño and climbing through Cherry Habanero, classic Habanero and Ghost Pepper before reaching Carolina Reaper.

What Is Hot Honey?

Hot honey is honey combined with chile peppers or pepper flavor to create a condiment that tastes sweet first and spicy second. Some versions also include vinegar, fruit or other ingredients that add acidity, change the flavor or balance the sweetness. Unlike traditional hot sauce, hot honey is thick, sticky and distinctly sweet. Unlike plain honey, it provides pepper flavor and a warming finish. That combination makes it useful as both a recipe ingredient and a final drizzle. Hot honey can be used to:

• Finish pizza, fried chicken, burgers and sandwiches
• Glaze grilled or roasted meat
• Add sweet heat to roasted vegetables
• Top biscuits, cornbread or breakfast sandwiches
• Pair with cheese and charcuterie
• Sweeten vinaigrettes, marinades and barbecue sauces
• Add an unexpected kick to cocktails
• Contrast with desserts such as vanilla ice cream or brownies

The key is choosing a heat level that lets you taste both the honey and the pepper. Hotter is not automatically better. The best hot honey is the one you will actually reach for.

Why Is Hot Honey So Popular?

Hot honey has become a thing over the past couple years and mainly because of oppositional flavors. It works because sweetness and chile heat balance each other. Honey softens the pepper’s sharper edges, while the pepper keeps the honey from tasting one-dimensionally sweet.

It also answers the eternal dinner question: How do I make this more interesting without making another sauce? A quick drizzle can change plain pizza, leftover chicken, roasted carrots or a breakfast sandwich without requiring another pan, another recipe or another round of dishes. As someone feeding a large family, I consider “adds flavor without adding dishes” a legitimate food group.

Hot honey is also unusually versatile. The same bottle can move from left over pizza night to a bougie cheese board and then into a salad dressing, marinade or glaze. That makes it an easy pantry staple and a fun gift for anyone who likes sweet-and-spicy food. Here in Colorado, we often dip our pizza crust in honey, especially thick crust, like from Beau Jo's Pizza, but hot honey adds a whole new element to crust. 

Which Hot Honey Should You Choose?

The biggest difference between hot honeys is the type of pepper used. Our five Grind Spice Co. varieties offer a clear progression from mild and approachable to extremely hot.

Jalapeño Hot Honey: Mild and Approachable

Jalapeño Hot Honey is the mildest and most versatile bottle in our collection. It combines smooth wildflower honey with the fresh, savory character of jalapeño peppers. The flavor begins sweet, followed by gentle jalapeño warmth that does not overpower the food underneath it. This is the bottle I recommend for someone trying hot honey for the first time or anyone who wants flavor without extreme heat.

Use Jalapeño Hot Honey on:

• Pizza
• Tacos and burritos
• Avocado toast
• Fried or grilled chicken
• Breakfast sandwiches
• Biscuits and cornbread
• Grilled corn
• Roasted vegetables
• Mac and cheese
• Cheese and charcuterie

It is also the easiest option for family dinners because everyone can add their own drizzle without turning dinner into a competitive pepper-eating event.

Cherry Habanero Hot Honey: Fruity with Bold Heat

Cherry Habanero Hot Honey brings together honey, cherry and habanero peppers. Sweet cherry flavor arrives first, followed by a noticeable, lingering habanero kick. This is a great option for someone who wants more heat than Jalapeño while still tasting plenty of fruit and honey. It is especially good anywhere cherry naturally works with smoky, salty, creamy or rich foods.

Use Cherry Habanero Hot Honey on:

• Grilled chicken
• Chicken wings
• Pork tenderloin or ribs
• Barbecue
• Brie, goat cheese or cream cheese
• Sweet potato fries
• Breakfast sandwiches
• Vanilla ice cream
• Charcuterie boards
• Spicy margaritas

I especially like the idea of this one with baked brie. The creamy cheese balances the habanero while the cherry makes the entire thing feel much fancier than the amount of effort involved.

Habanero Hot Honey: Classic Sweet Heat with a Powerful Kick

Habanero Hot Honey is the classic choice for someone who wants noticeably more heat without the fruit added to Cherry Habanero. Smooth wildflower honey arrives first, followed quickly by the distinctive fruity, peppery heat of habanero. The heat lingers, but the simple flavor profile keeps honey and habanero at the center of everything. This bottle is hotter and more direct than Cherry Habanero, but it does not reach the intensity of Ghost Pepper or Carolina Reaper. It is a good choice for someone who already enjoys spicy food and wants a versatile hot honey with a serious kick.

Use Habanero Hot Honey on:

• Pepperoni or sausage pizza
• Fried or grilled chicken
• Chicken wings
• Smoked ribs
• Pork belly
• Barbecue
• Breakfast sandwiches
• Sweet potato fries
• Ricotta
• Vanilla ice cream
• Spicy margaritas
• Dark-rum cocktails

This is the bottle I would use when the food needs real heat but I still want everyone to notice the honey—not just spend the rest of dinner discussing what their tongue is doing.

Ghost Pepper Hot Honey: Very Hot and Slow-Building

Ghost Pepper Hot Honey is made for experienced heat lovers. It is pretty dang hot and begins with wildflower honey sweetness before the Ghost Pepper heat builds into an intense, lingering burn. Ghost Pepper Hot Honey is considerably hotter than traditional hot honey but sits below Carolina Reaper in our collection. Start with a small drizzle. You can always add more; removing it from an assembled breakfast sandwich is considerably more complicated.

Use Ghost Pepper Hot Honey sparingly on:

• Pizza
• Fried or grilled chicken
• Chicken wings
• Burgers
• Smoked meat
• Barbecue
• Mac and cheese
• Roasted vegetables
• Biscuits or cornbread
• Strong cheeses

You can also whisk a small amount into a larger batch of barbecue sauce, marinade or glaze. This disperses the heat and gives you more control than pouring it directly over the finished dish.

Carolina Reaper Hot Honey: Extremely Hot

Carolina Reaper Hot Honey is the hottest bottle in the collection. It begins with honey sweetness and subtle fruity pepper notes before the Carolina Reaper heat takes over. This is not the bottle for someone who says, “I like spice.” It is for the person who hears “Carolina Reaper” and moves closer. It's extremely hot and should be eaten with caution. 

Use Carolina Reaper Hot Honey in very small amounts on:

• Chicken wings
• Pizza
• Burgers
• Barbecue and smoked meat
• Breakfast sandwiches
• Mac and cheese
• Cornbread
• Roasted vegetables
• Cheese boards
• Extra-hot marinades and glazes

Start with a few drops or mix it into another sauce. Because the heat can continue building, taste before adding more.

Hot Honey Heat Levels from Mildest to Hottest

If you are comparing the five varieties, here is the short answer:

1. Jalapeño Hot Honey: Mild, savory and approachable
2. Cherry Habanero Hot Honey: Medium-hot, fruity and lingering
3. Habanero Hot Honey: Hot, peppery and more direct
4. Ghost Pepper Hot Honey: Very hot with a slow-building burn
5. Carolina Reaper Hot Honey: Extremely hot and intended for serious heat lovers

Pepper heat can feel different from person to person, so use this as a relative guide rather than a promise that everyone at the table will react the same way.

What Foods Are Best with Hot Honey?

Hot honey works best when a food offers something salty, rich, smoky, tangy or creamy to balance the sweetness and heat.

Pizza

Pizza may be hot honey’s most famous pairing. The honey plays against salty cheese and savory toppings, while the pepper cuts through the richness.

Jalapeño is a dependable choice for almost any pizza. Cherry Habanero is especially good with sausage, bacon or smoky cheese. Choose Habanero when you want a stronger, more direct pepper kick without stepping up to Ghost Pepper intensity. Ghost Pepper and Carolina Reaper should be applied one cautious drizzle at a time.

Add hot honey after the pizza comes out of the oven. This prevents the honey from scorching and lets each person control the amount on their slice.

Chicken and Wings

Brush hot honey over grilled or roasted chicken during the final few minutes of cooking, or drizzle it over fried chicken immediately before serving.

For a simple hot honey glaze, whisk together:

• 2 tablespoons hot honey
• 2 tablespoons Garlic Infused Olive Oil
  
• 1 tablespoon Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic Vinegar
  
• A pinch of salt

The olive oil helps the mixture coat the chicken, while the balsamic adds brightness and acidity. Jalapeño creates the mildest glaze, Cherry Habanero adds fruit and heat, and regular Habanero creates a more pepper-forward finish.

Roasted Vegetables

Hot honey is especially good with vegetables that develop caramelized edges, including:

• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes
• Cauliflower
• Winter squash
• Broccoli
• Corn

Toss the vegetables with olive oil and salt before roasting. Add the hot honey near the end of cooking or after they come out of the oven so the honey does not scorch. Try Jalapeño Hot Honey with Persian Lime Infused Olive Oil for corn or cauliflower. For sweet potatoes and winter squash, Cherry Habanero Hot Honey adds a beautiful fruit-and-heat contrast.

Cheese and Charcuterie

Hot honey belongs on a cheese board because creamy and salty cheeses soften the heat while making the honey taste even more complex.

Try it with:

• Brie
• Goat cheese
• Cream cheese
• Sharp cheddar
• Blue cheese
• Aged Gouda
• Parmesan

Jalapeño is easy to pair with almost any cheese. Cherry Habanero is particularly good with brie or goat cheese. Habanero works well with ricotta, aged cheddar and creamy blue cheese. Serve Ghost Pepper or Carolina Reaper in a small separate dish so everyone can control the amount.

Biscuits, Cornbread and Breakfast Foods

Drizzle hot honey over warm biscuits, cornbread, chicken and waffles or a bacon-and-egg breakfast sandwich. For whipped hot honey butter, mix softened butter with a small amount of Jalapeño, Cherry Habanero or Habanero Hot Honey and a pinch of salt. Begin with less honey than you think you need, taste and adjust.

Burgers and Sandwiches

Hot honey works particularly well on fried chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese, turkey sandwiches and burgers with salty cheese. You can drizzle it directly onto the sandwich or mix it with mustard or mayonnaise for a creamier sauce and more even heat.

Desserts

Hot honey can work on dessert when it is used as a contrast rather than the main sweetener.

Try it over:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Cheesecake
• Brownies
• Grilled peaches
• Dark chocolate
• Shortbread

Cherry Habanero is the most naturally fruit-forward dessert option. Regular Habanero is especially interesting with vanilla ice cream, ricotta or dark chocolate. A small drizzle is usually enough. Dessert should end with an interesting little spark - not require emergency dairy.

How Do You Make Hot Honey Vinaigrette?

A hot honey vinaigrette needs three main things: olive oil, hot honey and acidity. The honey provides sweetness and heat, while balsamic vinegar or citrus keeps the dressing bright.

For a quick hot honey vinaigrette, whisk together:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
• 1 to 2 teaspoons hot honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• A pinch of salt

For a mild, bright dressing, combine Jalapeño Hot Honey, Persian Lime Infused Olive Oil and a white balsamic vinegar.

For a fruitier dressing, combine Cherry Habanero Hot Honey with extra virgin olive oil and Peach White Balsamic Vinegar. It is especially good on salads with grilled chicken, goat cheese, peaches, apples or toasted nuts.

Can You Cook with Hot Honey?

Yes. Hot honey can be used in marinades, glazes, dressings and barbecue sauces, but the natural sugars in honey can burn under prolonged high heat. For grilling or roasting, add hot honey during the final few minutes of cooking or use it as a finishing drizzle. When adding it to a marinade, combine it with olive oil and an acidic ingredient such as balsamic vinegar or citrus. For a smoky grilling glaze, mix hot honey with Olive Wood Smoked Infused Olive Oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and a pinch of salt. Brush it onto chicken, pork or vegetables near the end of cooking.

How Much Hot Honey Should You Use?

For Jalapeño Hot Honey, begin with a light drizzle and add more to taste.

For Cherry Habanero, start with approximately half the amount you would use of a mild hot honey. Its fruity cherry flavor makes it easy to enjoy, but the habanero heat can continue building.

For regular Habanero Hot Honey, begin with a small drizzle. It is hotter and more pepper-forward than Cherry Habanero, so taste the food before adding a second round.

For Ghost Pepper and Carolina Reaper, begin with a few drops, especially when applying them directly to finished food. When making a sauce or glaze, add a small amount, mix thoroughly and taste before adding more.

The hotter varieties are concentrated flavor tools. You do not need to cover the entire pizza to know they are there.

Does Hot Honey Need to Be Refrigerated?

Storage directions can vary by recipe and producer, so follow the instructions printed on your bottle. Keep hot honey tightly closed and use a clean utensil when dipping into it. Honey can naturally crystallize over time. Crystallization does not necessarily mean the honey has spoiled. Gentle warming may help return crystallized honey to a smoother consistency, but avoid overheating it.

Is Hot Honey Gluten-Free?

Yes, all of our honey is gluten-free!

Is Hot Honey Vegan?

No. Honey is produced by bees and is not considered vegan. Hot honey may work for some vegetarian diets, depending on the individual’s preferences.

Can Children Eat Hot Honey?

Honey should never be given to children younger than 12 months. For older children, consider the pepper variety and the child’s tolerance for spicy foods. Jalapeño is the mildest option in our collection, but it still contains noticeable chile warmth. Keep Ghost Pepper and Carolina Reaper hot honeys away from young children and avoid contact with the eyes or face.

How Do You Calm Down Hot Honey That Is Too Spicy?

If you add too much hot honey to a sauce or glaze, dilute it with more of the non-spicy ingredients. Depending on the dish, that may mean adding more olive oil, plain honey, mayonnaise, butter, yogurt or another creamy ingredient. For food that has already been served, pair it with something rich or creamy such as cheese, sour cream or yogurt. Water generally does not provide much relief from capsaicin heat.

Where Can You Buy Hot Honey?

You can shop Rocky Mountain Olive Oil’s complete infused honey collection online or visit us in Fort Collins or Estes Park, Colorado. Our Grind Spice Co. hot honeys are made in small batches in Colorado and give you five distinctly different ways to bring sweet heat to the table:

• Shop Jalapeño Hot Honey
  
• Shop Cherry Habanero Hot Honey
  
• Shop Habanero Hot Honey
  
• Shop Ghost Pepper Hot Honey
  
• Shop Carolina Reaper Hot Honey
  

If you are new to hot honey, start with Jalapeño. If you want fruit with your heat, choose Cherry Habanero. If you want a classic, pepper-forward hot honey with a powerful kick, reach for Habanero. Ghost Pepper is waiting for experienced spice lovers, while Carolina Reaper is for anyone who considers Ghost Pepper the warm-up.

Hot Honey Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Hot Honey Made From?

Hot honey is made by combining honey with chile peppers or pepper flavor. Some varieties also contain vinegar, fruit, sugar or additional flavoring ingredients.

What Is the Best Hot Honey for Beginners?

A jalapeño-based hot honey is generally a good starting point because it offers noticeable chile flavor with milder heat. Grind Spice Co. Jalapeño Hot Honey is the mildest variety in our five-bottle collection.

What Is the Best Hot Honey for Pizza?

Jalapeño Hot Honey is the most versatile choice for pizza. Cherry Habanero works well with sausage and smoky toppings, while regular Habanero provides stronger, classic pepper heat. Ghost Pepper and Carolina Reaper are best for experienced heat lovers.

What Is the Difference Between Habanero and Cherry Habanero Hot Honey?

Regular Habanero Hot Honey has a more direct, pepper-forward flavor with bold habanero heat. Cherry Habanero Hot Honey adds fruity cherry flavor and tartness, creating a sweeter and more layered taste that softens the perception of the pepper. Choose regular Habanero for classic hot honey flavor or Cherry Habanero when you want fruit and heat together.

What Is the Hottest Hot Honey?

In the Grind Spice Co. collection at Rocky Mountain Olive Oil, Carolina Reaper Hot Honey is the hottest, followed by Ghost Pepper, Habanero, Cherry Habanero and Jalapeño.

When Should You Add Hot Honey to Pizza?

Add hot honey after the pizza comes out of the oven. This keeps the honey from burning and lets you control the amount on each slice.

What Cheese Goes Best with Hot Honey?

Brie, goat cheese, sharp cheddar, blue cheese and aged Gouda all pair well with hot honey. Mild Jalapeño works with almost any cheese, Cherry Habanero is especially good with creamy brie and goat cheese, and regular Habanero pairs well with ricotta and aged cheddar.

Can Hot Honey Be Used in Salad Dressing?

Yes. Whisk hot honey with olive oil, balsamic vinegar or citrus, Dijon mustard and salt to make a sweet-and-spicy vinaigrette.

Can You Mix Hot Honey with Olive Oil?

Yes. Combining hot honey with olive oil makes it easier to use as a marinade, glaze or salad dressing. Add vinegar or citrus for acidity and salt to sharpen the flavors.

Is Hot Honey Only for Savory Foods?

No. Hot honey can also be drizzled over vanilla ice cream, brownies, cheesecake, grilled fruit and dark chocolate. Fruity Cherry Habanero and classic Habanero are particularly suited to sweet foods.

A Little Sweet, a Little Wild

Hot honey did not become popular just because it looks good dripping over pizza - although it certainly does. It became popular because it is genuinely useful. It can rescue leftovers, finish roasted vegetables, turn a plain piece of chicken into dinner and make a cheese board much more interesting. It can be mild enough for an ordinary Tuesday or hot enough to become the primary topic of conversation.

Whether you begin with our easygoing Jalapeño Hot Honey, reach for the fruity heat of Cherry Habanero, choose the classic peppery kick of Habanero or head fearlessly into Ghost Pepper and Carolina Reaper territory, start with a small drizzle and make it your own.

I hope this guide gives you plenty of delicious reasons to bring a little sweet heat to your table. And remember: you can always add more - especially when Carolina Reaper is involved.

xoxo,
Andi