There’s something about a jar of infused honey that just feels like a little luxury—like bottling up a piece of summer for your tea, toast, and baking days ahead. I’ve loved using local raw honey in my kitchen for years, but I only recently decided to take it a step further and try making herbal infused honey myself.
Spoiler alert: it’s easier than I expected. And a lot more fun.
If you’ve never made it before either, don’t worry—you’re not behind. This is a slow, simple project that doesn’t require fancy equipment, complicated techniques, or even much experience. Just a little patience and a few good ingredients.
Let’s get into it.
Why Infuse Honey with Herbs?
Raw honey is already one of the best natural sweeteners out there. It’s packed with antioxidants, tastes incredible, and has a long history of being used for soothing sore throats and calming the spirit. Infusing it with herbs takes it to another level—adding subtle flavors, aromas, and even more potential benefits.
Plus, it looks beautiful. A simple jar of lavender- or thyme-infused honey makes a perfect gift that feels both thoughtful and handmade.
Whether you’re a tea lover, a toast connoisseur, or just someone who loves edible projects, infused honey is an easy way to add a little bit of everyday magic to your kitchen.
Choosing Your Ingredients
Honey:
I prefer using local raw honey whenever possible. Raw honey retains more of its natural enzymes and flavor, and supporting local beekeepers helps keep healthy pollinator populations in your community. Look for honey that’s labeled “raw” or “unfiltered” if you can.
Herbs:
You can use either fresh or dried herbs for infusing, but dried herbs are safer for long-term storage because they contain less moisture (which can lower the risk of spoilage).
Some wonderful herbs for beginners include:
- Lavender: Delicate, floral, calming
- Thyme: Earthy, savory-sweet, great for winter wellness
- Mint: Bright, fresh, cooling
- Rosemary: Woodsy, sharp, excellent with savory dishes
- Chamomile: Gentle, soft, perfect for sleepytime tea
If you have fresh herbs from your garden (or a local source you trust), you can dry them first—or infuse fresh, but plan to use the honey faster.
Two Simple Methods for Infusing Honey
You have two great options for making herbal infused honey: the slow method and the warm method. Both work beautifully—you can pick based on how much time you have and how hands-on you want to be.
🐝 The Slow Method (Cool Infusion)
Best for: Those who love slow projects and want maximum flavor without any heat.
Steps:
- Lightly crush or bruise your dried herbs to release their oils.
- Add herbs to a clean, dry glass jar—about 2 tablespoons of dried herbs per cup of honey.
- Pour raw honey over the herbs, filling the jar completely.
- Stir gently with a clean utensil to remove air bubbles and make sure everything is coated.
- Cap tightly and store in a sunny window or warm spot (not direct sun) for 1–2 weeks.
- Gently flip the jar once a day to move the herbs around.
- After infusing, strain the honey through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a new clean jar.
Pro Tip: Label the jar with the date you started so you don’t lose track!
🐝 The Warm Method (Faster Infusion)
Best for: Those who want infused honey ready in a day or two.
Steps:
- Add dried herbs and honey to a clean glass jar or heatproof container (same ratio as above).
- Set the jar into a warm water bath (around 95–100°F) for 6–12 hours, keeping the temperature low to preserve the honey’s goodness.
- Check every few hours and gently stir.
- Once infused to your liking, strain out the herbs and store.
Important:
You want warm, not hot. Overheating can destroy the natural benefits of raw honey.
How to Use Herbal Infused Honey
The possibilities are endless once you have a jar (or three) of infused honey sitting on your shelf. Some of my favorite uses include:
- Stirring a spoonful into hot tea
- Drizzling over fresh-baked bread or scones
- Pairing with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese
- Adding to homemade vinaigrettes for a floral sweetness
- Stirring into plain yogurt or oatmeal
A small drizzle goes a long way—the herbs will add just enough intrigue without overpowering the dish.
Gifting Infused Honey
Herbal infused honey makes an ideal homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or just-because moments. It’s thoughtful, useful, and beautiful in its simplicity.
When gifting:
- Use small mason jars or glass swing-top jars.
- Add handwritten tags with the herb used and suggested pairings (“Lavender Honey: perfect in Earl Grey tea!”).
- Wrap the lid with a bit of twine, ribbon, or a strip of linen for a cozy, handmade feel.
It’s a small gesture that feels big—like handing someone a bit of sunshine in a jar.
A Quick Note on Safety
Raw honey should never be given to babies under one year old, because of the natural risk of botulism.
For adults and older kids, infused honey is safe, delicious, and one of the oldest natural remedies around.
Always use clean, dry jars and utensils to minimize moisture, and if your honey ever smells fermented or strange, discard it just to be safe.
🌼 A Little Sweetness Goes a Long Way
Making herbal infused honey isn’t about achieving some picture-perfect kitchen craft. It’s about slowing down enough to notice the small things: the smell of crushed lavender, the slow swirl of golden honey, the quiet satisfaction of tucking a homemade jar onto your shelf.
It’s simple. It’s sweet. And sometimes, that’s enough.
