First things first. Take a moment to lay out all your ingredients. This helps streamline the process. It’s sort of like setting the stage before a play, so you know exactly how the story will unfold.

You’ll want to start with the star of the dish—garlic. Take that small clove and mince it finely. Avoid big chunks, as they can overpower the aioli. You want small, even pieces for a nice distribution of flavor.

In a mixing bowl, add 1/3 cup of creamy mayonnaise. This will serve as the base for our aioli. If you’re going the homemade route, whip up a quick batch to ensure freshness.

Next, squeeze in the fresh lime juice. Throw in your minced garlic, the smoked paprika, and honey. Season with salt and pepper. It’s similar to tossing in your favorite spices while preparing your meal.

Grab your whisk or a fork and mix everything until well combined. The colors merge beautifully, creating a light, creamy blend with specks of garlic and paprika peeking through.

Dive in with a clean spoon for a taste test. Do you need more salt? Should there be a touch more honey? Adjust according to your preferences. After all, you are the chef!

Once satisfied, cover the bowl and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, bring it back to the table.