Luxuriate in the sweetness of summer with our specialty honey cocktails. They’re expertly crafted to be both delightfully boozy and refreshingly sweet, making them a perfect treat for hot days.
Honey Cocktails & Drink Recipes
Zest for adventure is not the only thing you’ll find in honey cocktails – a touch of sweetness, too! Many people assume that these drinks are overly sugary, but the reality is far from it. While it’s true that they do have a sweeter taste profile than those without honey, this doesn’t mean they’re cloying or overpowering. In fact, some of the best honey cocktails are surprisingly well-balanced and smooth, thanks to the way the honey interacts with other flavors.
The honey adds a richness and depth to the drink that’s simply delightful. So, let’s take a look at ten of my favorite honey cocktails and see why they’re worth trying!
Bee’s Knees Cocktail
Visually stunning and refreshingly tangy, The Bee’s Knees cocktail is a perfect blend of summer in a glass. With its vibrant yellow-orange hue and bright, citrusy taste, it’s no wonder this drink has become a popular choice for warm weather gatherings. Not only does it look super elegant with a simple lemon twist garnish, but the combination of flavors also works beautifully together.
The honey syrup adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the acidity of the lemon juice, preventing the citrus from overpowering the other ingredients. Meanwhile, the gin contributes pleasant botanical notes that enhance the overall flavor experience. This cocktail is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it!
Gold Rush Cocktail
Notably, The Gold Rush cocktail shares its recipe with the Bee’s Knees, but makes one significant alteration by replacing gin with bourbon. This substitution yields a richer and smokier flavor profile, while the bourbon’s inherent sweetness harmonizes perfectly with the honey. Those who prefer whiskey can use it as an alternative; however, using bourbon is what gives The Gold Rush its distinctive character.
The resulting flavor is almost medicinal in nature, and when warmed up, it transforms into a wonderful winter drink that’s perfect for colder months. Ingredients:- 1 3/4 oz bourbon- Juice of 1 lemon- Honey syrup (to taste)- Ice
Spicy Bee’s Knees
Understanding the allure of the Bee’s Knees cocktail is easy – it’s a timeless classic that has been tweaked and perfected over the years. While I could easily feature an endless array of variations on this honey-centric drink, there’s something about its spicy twist that keeps drawing me in. The addition of gin adds a lovely herbal undertone, but it’s the use of hot honey syrup that truly elevates this cocktail to new heights.
This is where the warmth and depth come in, thanks to the spicy kick that only hot honey can provide.
Tequila Honey Bee
Beneath its sweet and tangy exterior lies a complex cocktail that diverges significantly from the traditional Bee’s Knees recipes. By substituting honey and lemon juice with tequila and mezcal, you’ll unlock a rich depth of flavor in this concoction. The addition of Angostura bitters further enhances the citrus notes, adding an intriguing spicy undertone. It’s a delightful twist on a classic! Ingredients: 1.
5 oz mezcal, 2 oz reposado tequila, honey syrup (to taste), lemon juice (freshly squeezed), Angostura bitters (a few dashes), lemon peel (for garnish).
Honey-Rose Old-Fashioned
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique take on the Old Fashioned. This three-ingredient masterpiece combines the classic flavors of bourbon and apple bitters with a floral twist courtesy of the rose-honey syrup. The result is an aromatic and elegant drink that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates. The addition of dried rose petals garnish adds a romantic touch, making this cocktail perfect for special occasions or just a quiet night in.
With its delicate balance of flavors, it’s no wonder your friends will be begging you for the recipe after just one sip.
Honey Lime Margarita
Join us as we deviate from the traditional frozen cocktail and introduce a refreshing twist on the classic margarita. Gone are the slushy drinks of yesteryear, replaced by a revitalizing blend of flavors that will quench your thirst without sacrificing taste. This innovative concoction is crafted with honey-infused goodness, shaken to perfection in a cocktail shaker and served over ice, giving you a drink that’s as elegant as it is revitalizing.
But what sets this margarita apart from its predecessors? The absence of Cointreau or Triple Sec, replaced by the rich sweetness of pure honey.
Honey Mojitos
Taking a refreshing twist on traditional mojitos, these fun and summery drinks are perfect for warm weather gatherings. The combination of crisp white rum and invigorating mint is so revitalizing. Whether you prefer them zesty, fruity, or bubbly, mojitos always seem to hit the spot. As it’s no surprise, this recipe takes a basic approach to making a delicious mojito with honey, although most recipes use simple syrup, resulting in only a subtle difference in sweetness.
Honey Bourbon Sangria
Perfect for fall gatherings or harvest-themed parties, I have a refreshing sangria recipe that’s sure to impress your guests. This honey and bourbon mix is a stunning shade of yellow, complete with star fruit garnishes that add a pop of color to any table setting. At first glance, the list of ingredients may seem daunting, but don’t let it intimidate you – this sangria comes together in just ten minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or large crowds.
With its complex blend of spices and sweet honey bourbon, this fall sangria is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their seasonal entertaining. To make it, gather the following ingredients: orange juice, orange and lemon zest, lemon juice, water, brown sugar, ginger paste, chai tea, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, honey bourbon or whiskey (I’m a fan of Honey Jack Daniels), Moscato, and orange bitters.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
