3 Refreshing Ways to Use Raw Honey This Summer
Champlain Valley raw honey is liquid sunshine in a jar—sweet, golden, and full of good-for-you nutrients like enzymes, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties. But here’s the thing: to keep all those benefits intact, you’ve got to skip the heat.
So how do you enjoy raw honey in the summertime without cooking it down or melting away its magic? Easy. Here are three no-heat, totally delicious ways to use raw honey all summer long.
1. 🍓 Raw Honey Yogurt Parfaits (the Ultimate No-Cook Breakfast)
Forget the stove or toaster. A chilled yogurt parfait with raw honey is a chef’s kiss way to start your summer mornings. It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and takes just a few minutes to layer up.
Ingredients:
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
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1–2 tsp Champlain Valley raw honey (drizzle to taste)
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½ cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
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2 tbsp granola or crushed nuts
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A few mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
Layer yogurt, berries, and granola in a glass or bowl. Drizzle with raw honey just before serving. Top with mint for a fresh, fancy touch.
☀️ Why it works: Raw honey adds sweetness and a touch of gut-friendly goodness to the probiotic-rich yogurt.
2. 🍋 Honey-Lemon Cucumber Water (Hydration, But Make It Fancy)
This easy infused water isn’t just gorgeous—it’s refreshing and lightly sweetened with raw honey. Perfect for sipping poolside or keeping in your fridge for a cool-down after gardening or workouts.
Ingredients:
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1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
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1 lemon, thinly sliced
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1–2 tsp Champlain Valley raw honey
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6 cups filtered water
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Fresh mint or basil (optional)
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a large pitcher. Stir the honey into the water until dissolved (room temp or slightly cool water works best—just not hot!). Chill for 1–2 hours before serving over ice.
💧 Tip: Stir well before pouring to redistribute the honey.
3. 🍑 Raw Honey & Stone Fruit Summer Salad
This isn't your typical salad. Juicy ripe fruit + creamy cheese + a raw honey drizzle = an Instagram-worthy side dish for summer gatherings, no oven required.
Ingredients:
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2 ripe peaches or nectarines, sliced
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1 cup cherries, halved and pitted
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1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
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A handful of arugula or fresh basil leaves
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1 tbsp Champlain Valley raw honey
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Cracked black pepper (optional)
Instructions:
Arrange fruit and greens on a platter. Sprinkle with cheese, drizzle with raw honey, and add a bit of black pepper if you’re feeling bold. Serve immediately.
🌿 Flavor hack: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a few toasted nuts for extra depth.
🍯 Keep It Raw, Keep It Real
Raw honey shines brightest when it’s used simply—and these no-heat recipes prove that you don’t have to cook it to enjoy its taste or its health benefits. Whether you’re starting your day with a parfait, staying hydrated with a spa-inspired sip, or impressing guests with a fruit-forward salad, raw honey adds just the right touch of natural sweetness and summer glow.
So go ahead—drizzle, stir, and spoon that golden goodness into your favorite summer dishes. Just skip the heat and let the honey do its thing.
