Hot Honey Simple Syrup for Cocktails

Mixology..." the skill of mixing cocktails and other drinks." Or, as we like to say it, the epic realm where creativity meets tradition, innovation is the name of the game, and hot honey is the icing on the cake.

 

When used thoughtfully, hot honey has the knack for elevating culinary concoctions, and cocktails are no exception. This magical condiment, when turned into an easily soluble simple syrup, can transform cocktails by adding a unique blend of sweetness and spice that will have your taste buds begging for more.

 

Photo by Magda Ehlers from Pexels

 

And that's our topic for today--hot honey simple syrup and everything you need to know about it to make it an exciting new part of your mixology practice. We'll discuss how to make it, some of our favorite variations, and how to use it.

 

Whether you're a professional bartender or an aspiring home creator, you're in for a treat. Let's turn up the heat and sweeten the deal with some hot honey simple syrup!

 

The Sweet Heat Revolution in Mixology

Mixology is experiencing a delightful twist with the infusion of sweet and spicy elements. Hot honey is at the forefront of this movement, blending the rich sweetness of honey with a fiery kick. So much so that big brands like Starbucks are now partnering with hot honey brands to create signature cocktails! Read our review on the Starbucks Reserve Hot Honey Series, a sweet and spicy partnership with Savannah Bee Co., featuring the hot honey espresso martini.

 

This delightful drizzle opens new doors for cocktail aficionados. It adds complexity and depth, turning ordinary drinks into bold, flavor-packed experiences. The balance of sweetness and heat creates an exciting dance on the palate, making it an essential ingredient for adventurous bartenders.

 

What is Hot Honey Simple Syrup?

Honey is, by nature, quite viscous and often takes a whole lot of stirring or shaking to get it to dissolve fully into liquid, particularly if that liquid is cold. Hot honey simple syrup solves that problem.

 

Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water, typically in a 1:1 ratio. Bartenders prefer using simple syrup over granulated sugar because it dissolves easily in both hot and cold liquids, ensuring a smooth and consistent sweetness in cocktails.

 

Photo by m secer from Pexels

 

Beyond the classic simple syrup, bartenders can create a variety of flavored syrups to enhance their cocktails. For example, basil simple syrup adds a refreshing herbal note, while lavender simple syrup introduces a floral essence. Among these, hot honey simple syrup stands out as a favorite, combining the sweetness of honey with a spicy kick, making it a versatile and exciting addition to any mixologist's repertoire.

 

The process involves simmering honey with water and chili peppers to create a smooth, infused syrup. This mixture gives cocktails a gentle warmth and complexity without overpowering the other flavors. Its unique combination enhances drink recipes, leaving your guests curious and impressed with the thoughtful flavor layering in each sip.

 

Crafting Your Own Hot Honey Simple Syrup

Creating Hot Honey Simple Syrup is both a fun and easy endeavor. It's a perfect way to introduce some flair to your home bar. This syrup offers a novel spin on traditional simple syrup with the added kick of spice.

 

Photo by On Shot from Pexels

 

You'll only need a few basic ingredients--honey, water, and chili pepper/s of your choosing. You can also make hot honey simple syrup from store-bought hot honey. We'll talk about both approaches.

 

Hot Honey Simple Syrup From Scratch

Making hot honey simple syrup from scratch is preferable to many bartenders because it allows you to control the flavor profile more easily. You can select different chilies and add them in varying amounts to get the spicy factor right.

 

Here's a quick look at how to make it:

Ingredients

• 1 cup of honey
• 1 cup of water
• 3-5 chili peppers (type of your choice)

Instructions

• Slice the chili peppers. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat.
• Add the honey and water to a saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Simmer for 5 minutes or until the honey has dissolved completely, stirring occasionally.
• Add the chili peppers and simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, infusing the flavor of the chilies into the syrup.
• Remove from the heat and cool completely.
• Strain the syrup to remove the peppers.
• Store in a clean glass jar.

 

Store-Bought and Still Fabulous

If you're not in the mood to prep chili peppers or if you're just looking for a fun way to use your new bottle of hot honey, you can totally use store-bought hot honey to make this simple syrup. The only real downside is that you won't have as much control over the spice levels and flavor profile. But, if you love the hot honey in the bottle, you'll probably love it as a simple syrup as well.

 

Here's how it's done:

Ingredients

• 1 cup of honey
• 1 cup of water

Instructions

• Add the hot honey and water to a saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Simmer for 5 minutes or until the honey has dissolved completely, stirring occasionally.
• Simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and cool completely.
• Store in a clean glass jar.

 

Customizing the Heat: Choosing Your Chili Peppers

Selecting the right chili peppers is crucial for crafting Hot Honey Simple Syrup tailored to your taste. Each chili variety offers a unique heat level and flavor profile, giving you creative freedom. 

 

Photo by Uriel Mont from Pexels

 

Here are some of our favorites:

• Anaheim Peppers: Mild in heat, ranging from 500 to 2,500 Scoville Heat Units (SHU)*. They have a slightly sweet flavor perfect for adding a gentle kick without overwhelming dishes.
• Jalapeños: Moderate heat, typically between 2,500 to 8,000 SHU. Jalapeños offer a bright, grassy flavor with a noticeable heat that can enhance a variety of dishes, including salsas and sauces.
• Serrano Peppers: Hotter than jalapeños, with a heat level of 10,000 to 25,000 SHU. Serranos have a crisp texture and a bright, fresh flavor, making them ideal for adding a zesty kick to dishes.
• Habanero Peppers: Very hot, ranging from 100,000 to 350,000 SHU. Habaneros have a fruity flavor that can add a complex sweetness to dishes, but their heat can be intense, so they should be used sparingly.
• Red Chili Flakes (in a pinch): Red chili flakes are a convenient substitute for fresh chilies in a pinch, although we prefer using fresh where possible for a better, more vibrant flavor. Red chili flakes typically have a heat level ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 SHU, and they are often described as moderately spicy with a slightly smoky and fruity taste.

 

Incorporating these peppers into your Hot Honey Simple Syrup can help you customize the heat and flavor profile to suit your taste preferences!

 

* Check back for our post on Scoville Heat Units to learn more about the heat rating system mentioned above.

 

The Best Honey for Your Syrup

Choosing the right honey is the foundation for a delightful Hot Honey Simple Syrup. Different kinds of honey possess unique flavors and aromas that can transform your syrup, and choosing the right one really sets the stage for your cocktail creations.

 

Photo by Mike Jones from Pexels

 

Consider using wildflower or clover honey for their subtle sweetness that won't overpower the heat. For a more robust flavor, experiment with darker honeys like buckwheat or chestnut. These varieties add depth and complexity to your syrup.

 

Where possible, we love buying local, organic honey. Not only does it support sustainable practices, but these honeys also offer flavors distinct to your region.

 

Storing Hot Honey Simple Syrup

Proper storage ensures your syrup stays fresh and flavorful. Pour the cooled syrup into a sterilized glass jar or bottle. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a month. Always label and date your syrups to keep track of freshness, ensuring your spicy concoction is ready for your next cocktail adventure.

 

Our Favorite Hot Honey Cocktails

We have a whole post dedicated to innovated Hot Honey Cocktails, so you'll have to check that out, BUT we want to at least put a bee in your bonnet about some fun, creative ways to incorporate hot honey simple syrup into your mixology journey.

 

Photo by Kadir Avşar from Pexels

 

Note that not all spirits love hot honey. Our favorites are tequila, vodka, bourbon, and dark rum. You'll want to steer clear of lighter rums, as they are easily overwhelmed by the more intense flavor profile of hot honey. Meanwhile, gin, absinthe, and scotch tend to clash with this sweet and spicy simple syrup.

 

Here are some of our faves:

• Spicy Margarita: An electrifying twist on the classic margarita brings an unforgettable symphony of flavors, blending the vibrant zing of fresh lime with a kick of spicy hot honey simple syrup that will have you dancing in your seat.
• Hot Honey Mule: The lively zing of lime combined with smooth vodka and a sparkling kick of ginger beer? Yum! And just when you think it can't get any better, hot honey syrup delivers a surprising sweet heat that elevates the overall flavor.
• Hot Honey Bourbon Smash: An exquisite cocktail that beautifully combines the rich flavors of bourbon with the sweet and spicy notes of hot honey simple syrup. This drink is a true celebration of Southern charm, perfect for cozy gatherings or sipping by the fire!
• Hot Honey Old Fashioned: Give the traditional old-fashioned a spicy kick by substituting sugar with hot honey syrup. The syrup enhances the rich flavors of bourbon and bitters, adding a layer of complexity and warmth that makes this cocktail a standout choice for whiskey lovers.

 

For precise recipes, check out our post on Hot Honey Cocktails. Happy mixing!

 

Other Uses for Hot Honey Simple Syrup

Hot Honey Simple Syrup isn't just for spirited cocktails. Once you make a batch, feel free to use it however you please! You might be surprised at what you come up with.

 

Here are a few of our favorite non-alcoholic uses for this sweet and spicy simple syrup:

 

Shaken Into Mocktails

Hot honey syrup is a fantastic addition to mocktails, bringing a delightful balance of sweetness and spice that can elevate any non-alcoholic drink. Its unique flavor profile adds depth and complexity, making it a versatile ingredient for creative concoctions.

 

Try a spicy honey lemonade! Simply mix fresh lemon juice, hot honey, simple syrup, and sparkling water. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprinkle of chili flakes for an invigorating drink that's perfect for any occasion!

 

Drizzled Over Ice Cream

Hot Honey Simple Syrup is a delightful topping that can transform your ice cream experience into something extraordinary. The sweet heat of the syrup perfectly complements the creamy texture of your favorite ice cream, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

 

Photo by Styves Exantus from Pexels

 

For a delicious treat, try drizzling hot honey syrup over vanilla bean ice cream, then sprinkle with crushed chili flakes for an added kick.

 

For more hot honey-inclusive dessert ideas, check out our post on Hot Honey in Baking.

 

Frothed Into Coffee and Tea Beverages

Hot Honey Simple Syrup is a game-changer for coffee and tea beverages, adding a unique twist that elevates your daily cup. Its sweet heat perfectly complements the rich flavors of coffee or the delicate notes of tea, creating a delightful balance that tantalizes the taste buds.

 

We love a good hot honey latte. Simply brew your favorite espresso, froth some milk, and stir in a spoonful of hot honey simple syrup. The result? A creamy, sweet, and spicy beverage that will warm you up and keep you coming back for more!

 

For more ideas, check out our post on Hot Honey in Coffee and Tea.

 

Whisked Into Vinaigrette and Marinades

Hot honey is a fantastic addition to salad dressings and marinades, bringing a delightful balance of sweetness and spice that can elevate your dishes. Its unique flavor profile enhances the freshness of salads and adds depth to grilled meats and vegetables.

 

Try whisking together hot honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard for a zesty vinaigrette!

 

Check out our post on Hot Honey Salad Dressings and check back for a post on Hot Honey Marinades for more!

 

Photo by Burst from Pexels

 

Conclusion

Hot honey simple syrup is a delightful and easy-to-make ingredient that can transform your cocktails into extraordinary experiences. With just honey, water, and your choice of chili peppers, you can craft a custom syrup that enhances the flavors of your drinks.

 

Now you've got all the information you need to launch into the taste-bud-tantalizing world of hot honey cocktails. From choosing the perfect honey to experimenting with different chili peppers to all sorts of applications ranging from cocktails to salad dressings, you're set to jet.

 

Time to unleash your creativity and enjoy the sweet and spicy magic of hot honey simple syrup in all your culinary adventures! Cheers! 🍯🌶️✨

 

Oh, and don't forget to share your favorite recipes and experiences with us!