Mike’s Hot Honey is a popular chili-infused honey that adds a unique sweet heat to foods. But just how spicy is Mike’s Hot Honey? Let’s take a closer look at the scoville heat units, ingredients, and how it compares to other peppers and hot sauces.
What are Scoville Heat Units?
Scoville heat units (SHU) are a measurement used to quantify the pungency or “heat” of chili peppers and spicy foods. The scale was invented in 1912 by chemist Wilbur Scoville to measure the pungency of different chili pepper varieties.
On the Scoville scale, bell peppers rank at 0 SHU (no heat), while the spiciest chili peppers can exceed 1 million SHU. For reference, here are some common chilies and their Scoville ratings:
| Pepper Type | Scoville Heat Units |
|---|---|
| Jalapeno | 2,500-8,000 SHU |
| Habanero | 100,000-350,000 SHU |
| Carolina Reaper | 1,400,000-2,200,000 SHU |
The higher the SHU, the hotter the pepper or sauce. So how does Mike’s Hot Honey measure up on the Scoville scale?
Mike’s Hot Honey Scoville Rating
According to Mike’s Hot Honey, their signature honey contains chili peppers that measure around 10,000 SHU on the Scoville scale. This puts Mike’s Hot Honey on the higher end of the jalapeno range in terms of heat and pungency.
For comparison, sriracha hot sauce ranges from 2,000-8,000 SHU, while the spicy Tabasco sauce comes in around 2,500-5,000 SHU. So Mike’s Hot Honey packs nearly twice the amount of spicy heat as these popular hot sauces.
Ingredients in Mike’s Hot Honey
Mike’s Hot Honey contains just a few simple ingredients:
- Raw wildflower honey
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Chili peppers
The magic of Mike’s Hot Honey comes from the infusion of honey with chili peppers. According to the company, they use a proprietary blend of chili peppers to achieve the optimal 10,000 SHU heat level.
By using high quality raw honey as the base, Mike’s Hot Honey achieves a nice balance of sweetness and heat. The honey helps counteract some of the burn from the chilies.
How Does Mike’s Hot Honey Taste?
When you first taste Mike’s Hot Honey, your palate is hit with a smooth, sweet honey flavor. But within seconds, a slow-building heat begins to bloom and spread across your tongue.
The overall flavor is complex – you get the floral, wildflower honey notes upfront, followed by a warm chili kick and a tart lemon finish. The heat lingers for a bit, but it’s not an overwhelming or unpleasant sensation.
Reviewers often describe the level of spice as “just right” – enough to add intrigue and a mild burn, without overpowering the dish or your senses. The sweet and savory balance makes it highly versatile for cooking and dipping.
How To Use Mike’s Hot Honey
Mike’s Hot Honey is extremely versatile – customers use it for everything from pizza drizzles to glazes, marinades, and dressings. Here are some of the most popular ways to use Mike’s Hot Honey:
- Pizza topping: Drizzle over pizza fresh out of the oven
- Chicken wings: Toss wings in honey for sticky, spicy coating
- Salad dressing base: Whisk with oil and vinegar
- Glaze for meat: Brush on pork, chicken, salmon, etc. while cooking
- Marinade ingredient: Mix with oil, vinegar, garlic, spices
- Dip for breads and biscuits
- Hot tea sweetener
- Cocktail ingredient: Add to Bloody Mary’s or margaritas
The possibilities are endless! Start with a few drops to test the heat level, then adjust the amount to suit your tastes.
Mike’s Hot Honey Recipes
Looking for recipe inspiration using Mike’s Hot Honey? Here are a few popular ways people incorporate this spicy condiment into delicious meals and snacks:
Mike’s Hot Honey Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs chicken wings
- 1/2 cup Mike’s Hot Honey
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- Combine Mike’s Hot Honey, butter, chili powder, and smoked paprika in a large bowl. Add wings and toss to evenly coat.
- Arrange wings on a baking sheet lined with foil.
- Bake 25-30 minutes, flipping wings halfway through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
Mike’s Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp Mike’s Hot Honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup feta or parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- On a rimmed baking sheet, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil until evenly coated.
- Roast for 15 minutes, then remove pan from oven.
- Drizzle Mike’s Hot Honey and balsamic vinegar over the sprouts, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
- Return to oven and roast another 5-10 minutes until sprouts are caramelized.
- Top with crumbled feta or parmesan before serving if desired.
Mike’s Hot Honey Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) orange liqueur
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tbsp) tequila
- 1 tbsp Mike’s Hot Honey
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add lime juice, orange liqueur, tequila and Mike’s Hot Honey.
- Shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
The possibilities are endless when cooking and mixing drinks with Mike’s Hot Honey! Add a shake or drizzle to give your recipes a sweet, spicy twist.
Where to Buy Mike’s Hot Honey
Mike’s Hot Honey is available from various grocery stores, specialty food shops, and online retailers including:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Whole Foods Market
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Publix
- Fresh Direct
- Mike’s Hot Honey website
It typically costs around $8-$12 for a 12 ounce bottle. You can also find Mike’s Hot Honey in some restaurants, especially on chicken wings and pizza.
Conclusion
With a Scoville rating around 10,000 SHU, Mike’s Hot Honey packs a spicy punch while balancing sweet honey and savory chili flavors. This versatile condiment can be incorporated into endless recipes for a touch of sweet heat. A drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey is all you need to give your foods a flavorful kick.