Adding honey to coffee is one of the easiest ways to change the flavor of a cup without buying new beans or equipment.
Honey brings a softer, more floral sweetness than regular sugar, and it can work especially well in espresso drinks, cold brew, and milk-based coffees.
In this article, I'll show you how to add honey to coffee so it dissolves properly, and how much to start with!
Can I put honey in coffee?
Yes, you can add honey to coffee to sweeten it to your taste.
Honey tends to taste a little more “rounded” than white sugar, and depending on the type of honey, you may pick up light floral or caramel notes in your coffee.
The only trick is texture.
Honey mixes best into hot coffee, so it dissolves quickly and evenly.
Can I add honey instead of sugar to coffee?
Yes, honey can be used as a 1:1 replacement for sugar in many recipes, but most people tend to use less honey because it tastes sweeter.
If you are switching from sugar to honey, start with a smaller amount, taste it, and then adjust as needed.
Coffee with honey calories
Plain black coffee is a low-calorie option, with approximately 2 calories per 8 oz. The calories come from anything you add to your coffee (like honey).
- A standard 1 tablespoon (about 20 g) of honey contains approximately 64 calories.
- A 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar has about 49 calories.
Honey usually tastes sweeter than sugar, so you may use less to achieve the same sweetness, but this depends on your personal taste.
Adding honey to coffee: tips and tricks
Start small. A good starting point is 1 teaspoon of honey, which is roughly 7 g.
If you want it sweeter, work up from there.
If you drink iced coffee, honey can clump and sink to the bottom. The easiest fix is to stir the honey into a small splash of hot coffee first, then pour it into the cold drink.
What coffee is best to add honey to?
Honey works with almost any coffee, but it shines most in:
- Espresso drinks (lattes, cappuccinos), where the milk smooths everything out.
- Cold brew, especially if you dissolve the honey first.
- Pour over if you like lighter, cleaner flavors where the honey note comes through.
You can also brew coffee using a French press to achieve a strong-tasting cup, which pairs well with honey.
Pour over coffee can be made using a Chemex and the Hario V60. These coffee brewers are suitable for both single servings and larger gatherings.
Honey in coffee recipe
If you want to try honey in a more “recipe-style” way, Café Con Miel is a great option. It combines coffee with milk, honey, and spices like cinnamon.
If you'd like to try it, you can click here to see my Café Con Miel recipe.
Want more ideas? Use my Coffee Recipes Directory to find drinks that match your mood, brew style, and time.
- See hot, iced, cold brew, and Frappuccino recipes in one place.
- Browse latte, espresso, milk-based, and coffee add-in recipes.
- Get inspiration for what to make next at home.
Over 200 coffee recipes to explore.
More coffee add-ins to try
Ready to upgrade your daily coffee?
Here are some coffee add-ins to try today:
- Baking Soda in Coffee
- Brown Sugar in Coffee
- Buttermilk in Coffee
- Cocoa Powder in Coffee
- Cinnamon in Coffee
- Cold Foam in Coffee
- Condensed Milk in Coffee
- Dark Chocolate in Coffee
- Heavy Cream in Coffee
- Olive Oil in Coffee
- Powdered Sugar in Coffee
- Vanilla Extract in Coffee
And for even more options, check out the coffee add-ins hub here!
Conclusion
Honey is a simple coffee add-in that can make a cup taste smoother and more aromatic than regular sugar.
Start with 1 teaspoon, stir it into hot coffee until it dissolves fully, and adjust the amount from there until it matches your preferred sweetness.
Have you ever tried adding honey to your coffee? Did you enjoy the flavor, or did it not appeal to you?
Let me know by leaving a comment down below!
If you have any other questions about coffee, you can also contact me directly by clicking the “Contact Me” button at the top.
