Is hot honey a barbecue sauce?

Not exactly. Hot honey on its own is typically just honey infused with chili or pepper heat — often used for drizzling over pizza, fried chicken, or even cheese. However, when you combine it with BBQ ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, and spices, you get hot honey BBQ sauce , a true hybrid of both styles. It’s a barbecue sauce with a sweet and spicy twist.

What is honey BBQ sauce made of?

Honey BBQ sauce is generally a blend of: . Ketchup or tomato paste . Honey . Vinegar (apple cider or white) . Brown sugar . Spices (like garlic, onion powder, paprika) When you kick it up with hot sauce or chili flakes, you get the irresistible hot honey BBQ sauce — perfect for wings, ribs, and more.

What is honey hot sauce made of?

Honey hot sauce usually has: . Honey . Hot sauce (like Frank’s, Sriracha, or Louisiana-style) . Garlic or herbs . Optional citrus (like lemon or orange zest) You can blend these ingredients into your hot honey BBQ sauce recipe to give it a bold, sweet-spicy foundation.

Can you mix honey and barbecue sauce together?

Absolutely, in fact, that’s the fastest way to make hot honey BBQ sauce . Just mix equal parts BBQ sauce and honey, add a dash of hot sauce, and stir. Want more heat? Add crushed red pepper or habanero. For depth, toss in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or garlic powder.

What are the 4 sauces with BBQ?

The main types of BBQ sauce include: 1. Tomato-based (Kansas City-style) 2. Vinegar-based (North Carolina-style) 3. Mustard-based (South Carolina-style) 4. Mayonnaise-based (Alabama white sauce) Hot honey BBQ sauce is a variation of the tomato-based style, enhanced with honey and heat.

What does honey do to sauce?

Honey adds: . Sweetness to balance acidity or spice . Thickening for that sticky, clingy texture . Caramelization when grilled or broiled In hot honey BBQ sauce , honey also amplifies the flavor complexity, especially when paired with smoky or spicy ingredients

Can I add honey to my hot sauce?

Yes! It transforms your hot sauce into a balanced condiment smoother, sweeter, and perfect for BBQ. Adding honey to hot sauce (or vice versa) is the first step in creating hot honey BBQ sauce or even a hot honey dipping sauce for fries and tenders.

How spicy is hot honey?

It depends on what hot sauce or chili you use. Mild versions made with Frank’s or Sriracha have a gentle burn, while honey badger hot sauce or habanero-based recipes can push the Scoville levels to 100,000 SHU or more. You control the spice when you go homemade.

What happens when you put honey in hot liquid?

Honey dissolves easily in warm liquids, but excessive heat can destroy its natural enzymes and aroma. When making hot honey BBQ sauce , always cook over medium heat , and add honey early for full integration or near the end to preserve more sweetness. Check out our refreshing Marry Me Chicken Pasta which balances beautifully with a drizzle of homemade hot honey BBQ sauce.

Hot Honey BBQ Sauce – The Best Sweet & Spicy Recipe (2025)

Name: Hot Honey BBQ Sauce – The Best Sweet & Spicy Recipe (2025)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup ketchup; ½ cup honey; ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp hot sauce (Frank’s, Honey Badger, or Louisiana); 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp ground black pepper

Description

A bold and sweet hot honey BBQ sauce made with honey, hot sauce, and smoky spices, perfect for wings, ribs, pizza, and more.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup ketchup

½ cup honey

⅓ cup apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp hot sauce (Frank’s, Honey Badger, or Louisiana)

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp onion powder

½ tsp ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Combine ketchup, honey, and vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add hot sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper.

3. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

4. Cook for 10–15 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

5. Remove from heat and let it cool.

6. Transfer to a jar or bottle and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Use more hot sauce for a spicier kick, or reduce it for a milder sauce.

Add roasted garlic, chipotle peppers, or lemon zest for flavorful variations.

Try this sauce on grilled chicken, burgers, pizza, roasted veggies, and more.

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 80
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 1.5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg