The sweet-and-spicy “swicy” trend is everywhere right now. Homemade hot honey is one of the easiest ways to bring it home in a family-friendly way.

If you’ve seen hot honey popping up on pizza menus, or chili-maple everything at the grocery store, you’re not imagining it. “Swicy”—that perfect balance of sweet and spicy—has quietly become the flavour of the year.

The appeal is simple: It’s sweetness softened heat, while a little heat keeps sugary flavours from feeling flat. Combos like hot honey, chili maple syrup and spicy caramel add depth without being overwhelming, which makes them an easy way to introduce a little extra kick to kids. When done right, swicy flavours allow newbies to explore spice in a way that feels exciting rather than intimidating.

Hot honey is one of the easiest ways to bring this trend home. It’s endlessly versatile, takes minutes to make and can be adjusted so it works just as well for cautious eaters as for spice lovers.

Easy Homemade Hot Honey

Makes about 1 cup.

Ingredients for Homemade Hot Honey

  • 1 cup liquid honey
  • 1 to 2 tsp chili flakes
  • Optional: 1 tsp apple cider vinegar for brightness

Instructions for Homemade Hot Honey

  1. To a small saucepan, add the honey and chili flakes.
  2. Slowly warm the mixture over low heat for 5 to 10 min, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil—slow and gentle keeps the honey smooth and mellow.
  3. Remove from heat and let steep for another 5 min.
  4. Taste and adjust. Add more chili flakes for heat or stir in a little more plain honey to temper the kick.
  5. If using, stir in apple cider vinegar.
  6. Strain out the chili flakes if you want a smoother hot honey, or leave them in for more punch and visual appeal.

How to Control the Heat

  • To tame it: Use mild chili flakes or reduce the steeping time.
  • To amp it up: Add a pinch of cayenne, use smoked chili flakes or let the honey steep longer before straining.

Storage

Let hot honey cool completely, then transfer to a clean jar. Store sealed at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for up to 3 months. If it thickens in the fridge, a few minutes at room temperature will loosen it up.

Five Unexpected Ways to Use Homemade Hot Honey

  1. Swirl it into ricotta or cottage cheese
    It might sound weird, but it’s so, so good. Spread the mixture onto toast or serve it as a dip for apple slices. It’s creamy, lightly sweet and just spicy enough for spice lovers.
  2. Drizzle over roasted carrots or sweet potatoes
    Add hot honey right after roasting, along with a pinch of salt. The heat brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables that kids already like.
  3. Mix into yogurt with a crunchy element
    Stir hot honey into plain Greek yogurt and top with crushed pretzels or granola for a sweet-salty-spicy snack that feels special (and is totally addictive).
  4. Brush onto grilled cheese or quesadillas
    Lightly brush the outside of your bread or tortilla before adding it to the pan. It caramelizes beautifully and adds a subtle kick without overwhelming the gooey filling.
  5. Finish vanilla ice cream with hot honey and olive oil
    A small drizzle of hot honey and a few drops of good olive oil turns basic vanilla into a sophisticated dessert that still feels accessible. (Kids might turn their noses up at this one, but parents, trust us. It’s next level.)