Looking for that perfect balance of sweet and spicy? Adding this Hot Honey BBQ Sauce recipe to your entrees and sides will give you that perfect kick of flavor. It is great on everything from wings to burgers and pork.
This honey BBQ sauce recipe is one of my all-time favorites. Not only is it easy to make, but it's fast, too.
When I'm craving a great sauce or looking for something to take my game day foods over the top, this is my go-to honey BBQ wing sauce without fail.
It's great on chicken wings, pork, chicken, and more!
Speaking of spice, be sure to check out my Jalapeño Simple Syrup and our Honey Sriracha Sauce for another one of my favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Ketchup: Adding ketchup gives that tomato-based flavoring common to bbq sauce.
Spicy Mustard: Using spicy mustard adds a nice flavor.
Hot Honey: The natural sweetness of the honey really comes through and adds the perfect taste balanced with the heat.
Minced Garlic: There's always room for garlic in BBQ sauce recipes. Always.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang that is delicious but not overpowering.
Black Pepper: Just a shake or two of black pepper will do the trick.
Salt: We like our sauce to be sweet and a bit salty. You can omit the salt entirely or just salt to taste if you prefer.
How To Make Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
Step One: Add all the ingredients to a bowl.
Step Two: Mix or whisk until well combined. (You can take a taste test at this point and alter what you want. If you want more heat, add more heat.)
That's it! Since you start with ketchup this is a no-cook barbecue sauce that requires no simmering, boiling, or heating.
Variations
Mustard: Spicy mustard is great but you can easily use regular mustard, honey mustard, or any other type that you want.
Seasonings: Have fun with the seasonings. Adding in smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and even some liquid smoke will just enhance the flavors.
Add more sweetener: Adding brown sugar and even molasses can give a kick of sweetness, too.
How To Serve Sweet and Spicy BBQ Sauce
Burgers - I love a good barbecue burger. A nice thick grilled burger with some onions, bacon, cheddar, bacon, and hot honey bbq sauce. Yum.
Pizza - Barbecue pizza is another love of mine. Just swap out the burger for some pizza dough and top it with the toppings listed above. Grilled or smoked pizza is even better. Just toss the dough on a hot grill, flip, and then top. Try this Hot Honey Pizza for a great meal.
Pork - Adding to smoked pulled pork is just one more great use. We also love it on 3 2 1 Ribs.
Chicken - Pouring on top of shredded chicken or use it to coat smoked chicken legs or wings. Or serve with hot honey chicken tenders to really kick things up!
Pork Belly Burnt Ends - These are a great way to enjoy burnt ends when you don't have time to smoke a whole brisket.
Common Questions
The first time I had hot honey was at a restaurant. I ordered a chicken dish and I thought 'hot honey' meant 'warm honey'. I didn't realize it meant 'spicy honey'. Hot honey is just honey with something spicy added like hot sauce or chile peppers.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. I like to use a mason jar with a lid. It should last at least 5-7 days. We've had it last up to a month. Since it doesn't have any added preservatives, it's not going to have as long of a shelf life as store-bought sauces from the grocery store. It's not meant to be left out at room temperature for very long, so keep it chilled in the fridge.
Recipe
Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup hot honey
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Stir together all the ingredients. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
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Originally Published February 14, 2022. Revised and Republished July 14, 2025.
Shirley says
Are you able to freeze this bbq sauce once made
Taryn Scarfone says
Yes, barbecue sauce freezes well.
David says
This sauce is amazing. I put it on so many things. But just needs a little more heat. Whay can I do to make it little spicier
Taryn Scarfone says
I'm so glad you liked it! You can add a tiny bit of cayenne pepper to taste. Start small, it's potent.
Deb says
I have never seen hot honey. Where do you get it?
Paul & Taryn says
Many stores have it now by the regular honey. You can also just sub in our honey sriracha sauce.