There’s something special about the way honey mixes with spirits—smooth, sweet, and a little bit floral. I put together my go-to list of honey cocktails for anyone who wants to try something new at home. Each drink is a crowd-pleaser, and a couple might even surprise you.
Bee’s Knees
The Bee’s Knees is a delightful honey cocktail from the Prohibition era. Its name reflects the 1920s slang for something excellent. You’ll enjoy its simple yet refreshing taste.
Make this classic cocktail with just three main ingredients. It’s an easy drink for gin enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces gin
- 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce honey syrup: Honey syrup is made by mixing equal parts honey and hot water until blended
Instructions:
Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add these ingredients:
- Gin
- Lemon juice
- Honey syrup
Shake well for about 15 seconds until chilled.
Strain the mix into a coupe or martini glass.
Garnish with a twist of lemon peel if desired.
Enjoy the Bee’s Knees while it’s icy cold. It’s perfect for a warm day or any time you crave a refreshing cocktail.
Gold Rush
The Gold Rush cocktail is a timeless blend that brings together the warmth of bourbon with the sweet touch of honey and a hint of lemon’s acidity. This modern classic cocktail offers a straightforward yet luxurious drinking experience.
Crafting a Gold Rush at home is simple. The key to success lies in balancing the three main ingredients. Here’s what you need:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3/4 oz honey syrup (made by mixing equal parts honey and water)
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
To prepare your Gold Rush:
- Combine honey syrup and lemon juice in a shaker. Stir until the honey dissolves.
- Add bourbon to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker three-fourths full of ice. Cover and shake for 20 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Optionally, garnish with a lemon slice for a hint of citrus aroma.
The marriage of these ingredients creates an approachable drink suitable for any occasion. The Gold Rush is perfect for relaxing evenings or social gatherings. Its simplicity and elegance make it a favorite in the world of honey cocktails. Enjoy experimenting with different bourbons to find your perfect blend!
Hot Toddy
A Hot Toddy is a classic warm cocktail, perfect for chilly evenings. It combines the soothing flavors of honey, lemon, and whiskey. You can tweak it to your taste quite easily.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 ½ ounces whiskey or bourbon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 cup hot water
- Optional garnishes: cinnamon stick, cloves, lemon slice
Here’s how to make a cozy Hot Toddy:
- Boil water and let it settle for a moment.
- Pour hot water into a mug.
- Add honey and stir until dissolved.
- Add lemon juice and whiskey, then stir again.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, cloves, or a lemon slice if you like.
Experiment by adding a splash of apple cider vinegar. This adds a tangy twist to your drink. If you prefer it sweeter, a bit more honey works wonders.
Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening or sharing with friends, keep it simple. Adjust the ingredients to suit your preference.
Honey Bourbon Lemonade
Honey Bourbon Lemonade offers a refreshing blend of sweet and tangy flavors. This cocktail is perfect for warm afternoons or casual gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup honey bourbon (Wild Turkey American Honey recommended)
- 1 cup lemonade
- 100 ml Limoncello
- Lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine honey bourbon and lemonade. Stir gently.
- Add Limoncello: Pour in the Limoncello and stir until mixed.
- Garnish and Serve: Pour over ice, garnish with a lemon wedge, and enjoy.
Adjust the bourbon based on your preference for sweetness and strength. This delightful drink will quickly become a favorite.
Honey Martini
A Honey Martini offers a delightful twist on the classic martini. It combines the sweetness of honey with the boldness of gin or vodka, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Begin your mixology journey with this simple yet sophisticated cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces vodka or gin
- 1 ounce honey syrup (honey mixed with an equal part of warm water)
- 0.5 ounce fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
- Add vodka or gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill and mix.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
The honey syrup adds a natural sweetness and depth to the martini. This makes it a refreshing choice for those who enjoy a sweeter cocktail. Adjust the honey syrup to fit your taste preferences. Enjoy this elegant drink at a cozy evening in or a social gathering.
Honey Mojito
A honey mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. Instead of using sugar, you incorporate honey, providing a natural sweetness. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a little extra depth in flavor.
To prepare a honey mojito, gather the following ingredients:
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 2 ounces white rum
- 1 ounce honey syrup
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
Instructions for making a Honey Mojito:
- Muddle: Place the mint leaves and lime wedges in a sturdy glass. Use a muddler or spoon to gently crush them, releasing the mint oil and lime juice.
- Mix: Pour in the honey syrup and rum. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Ice and Club Soda: Fill the glass with ice. Top off with club soda for a light fizz.
- Garnish and Serve: Add a fresh mint sprig as garnish. Give it a gentle stir and enjoy your honey mojito.
Honey syrup is easy to make. Mix equal parts honey and warm water until smooth. Adjust the recipe as needed for more servings. The honey mojito is versatile. Customize with different herbs or citrus fruits for variation.
Whiskey Sour With Honey
A Whiskey Sour with honey offers a delightful twist on the classic cocktail. The honey adds a rich, sweet flavor that complements the bold whiskey notes.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz whiskey (e.g., bourbon or Tennessee Honey)
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 0.75 oz honey syrup
- Optional: ice, orange slice, cherry
Instructions:
Prepare the honey syrup:
- Mix equal parts honey and water in a saucepan.
- Warm until the honey dissolves.
- Let it cool.
Make the cocktail:
- Combine whiskey, lemon juice, and honey syrup in a shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake for 15 seconds.
- Strain into an ice-filled glass.
- Optionally, garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry.
The honey blends seamlessly with the whiskey, offering a smoother and richer flavor profile. Enjoy the balance of sweet and tart in each sip.
Honey Paloma
The Honey Paloma is a refreshing cocktail. It’s a twist on the classic Paloma, incorporating honey for added sweetness. You’ll enjoy the balance of flavors.
Start with ingredients:
- 1/4 cup grapefruit juice
- 1/4 cup tequila or mezcal
- 1/4 cup club soda
- 1 tbsp honey
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Salt for the rim (optional)
Instructions:
- Rim the glass with salt if you prefer.
- Mix honey and grapefruit juice until combined.
- Add tequila and stir well.
- Pour over ice in a glass.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Honey Margarita
If you’re looking for a twist on a classic, the Honey Margarita is a perfect choice. This cocktail is refreshing, and it combines sweetness with a tangy kick. Here’s how you can make it at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz honey syrup (mix equal parts honey and warm water)
- 0.5 oz Grand Marnier or triple sec
- Lime wedge and salt or chili lime seasoning (optional for rim)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Glass: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass. Dip the rim into salt or chili lime seasoning. Fill the glass with ice.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, lime juice, honey syrup, and Grand Marnier. Add ice, then shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
This Honey Margarita balances sweet and tart flavors, making it ideal for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare and only requires a handful of ingredients. Enjoy this cocktail as a refreshing treat!
Honey Bee Cocktail
The Honey Bee Cocktail combines sweetness and citrus. It’s a refreshing drink with a balanced flavor profile. You can enjoy it at any gathering.
To make a Honey Bee Cocktail, you’ll need some simple ingredients:
- 1 part honey
- 4 parts white rum
- 1 part lemon juice
Follow these easy steps to mix your cocktail:
- Combine Ingredients: Mix honey, white rum, and lemon juice in a shaker.
- Add Ice: Add ice cubes to the shaker.
- Shake: Shake the mixture well until chilled.
- Strain: Strain into a chilled glass.
The Honey Bee Cocktail is a delightful mixture with a rich history. It has been around since at least the mid-20th century. This cocktail offers a smooth and sweet experience with a citrusy twist. Perfect for those who enjoy a lighter, more refreshing drink.
Honey Collins
A Honey Collins cocktail brings a sweet twist to the traditional Collins drink. This refreshing beverage combines honey’s natural warmth with citrusy notes for a delightful experience. When crafting a Honey Collins, using raw or light honey can enhance the flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz vodka or gin
- 0.75 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 0.5 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)
- Club soda
- Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions:
Combine Ingredients
- Stir honey and vodka or gin together in a shaker.
- Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to the mixture.
Shake and Serve
- Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake well to blend the flavors.
- Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.
Top and Garnish
- Top with club soda for a refreshing fizz.
- Garnish with a lemon slice.
This cocktail is versatile. You can try variations with different fruits or infusions. A Honey Collins serves as a perfect cooler for warm afternoons or casual gatherings. It impresses guests with its balanced sweetness and zesty finish. Enjoy your Honey Collins responsibly.
Honey Old Fashioned
The Honey Old Fashioned offers a sweet twist on the classic cocktail. It’s a smooth and delightful option for whiskey lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon or whiskey
- 1/2 oz Honey syrup (mix equal parts honey and warm water)
- 2-3 dashes Bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine the honey syrup and bitters in a mixing glass.
- Stir until well combined.
- Add ice cubes and pour in the bourbon.
- Stir until chilled.
- Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a twisted orange peel.
Experiment with variations by using different types of whiskey or flavored syrups. This cocktail is both accessible and versatile, appealing to a broad range of palates. Adjust the sweetness level by modifying the honey syrup ratio, tailoring the taste to your preference.
Brown Derby Cocktail
The Brown Derby Cocktail is a timeless classic. It combines the flavors of bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey to create a refreshing drink.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce fresh grapefruit juice
- 0.5 ounce honey syrup (Mix equal parts honey and water)
To make this delicious cocktail, follow these steps:
- Combine the bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup in a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake well for about 20 seconds until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass.
You may want to garnish your drink with a grapefruit twist. This will enhance the presentation and aroma. The combination of ingredients offers a unique balance. The sweetness of the honey pairs well with the citrusy grapefruit and the warmth of the bourbon.
Lavender Honey Lemonade Cocktail
Experience a refreshing twist with the Lavender Honey Lemonade Cocktail. This drink brings together a delightful blend of flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
- 1 cup lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheels and lavender sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in honey and lavender. Allow to steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain the mixture to remove lavender flowers. Let cool.
- Add lemon juice to the infused syrup. Stir well.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Serve the lemonade in glasses filled with ice cubes.
- Garnish with lemon wheels and lavender sprigs for an aromatic touch.
This cocktail balances the natural sweetness of honey with floral notes from lavender and the tartness of lemons. Perfect for warm days, it offers a sophisticated blend of flavors that refreshes and delights.
The Penicillin
The Penicillin is a modern classic cocktail with a delightful blend of flavors. It combines Scotch whisky, lemon, and a ginger-honey syrup to create a balance of sweet, sour, and smoky notes. This cocktail is popular for its unique taste and soothing qualities.
To craft a Penicillin, you’ll need a few ingredients:
- 2 oz. blended Scotch whisky
- 0.75 oz. lemon juice
- 0.75 oz. ginger-honey syrup
- 0.25 oz. smoky Scotch
Here’s how you can make it:
- Combine blended Scotch, lemon juice, and ginger-honey syrup in a shaker.
- Add ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Float the smoky Scotch on top.
Honey-Ginger Syrup Recipe:
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup water
- 1 6-inch piece of ginger, sliced
Steps to make the syrup:
- Combine honey, water, and ginger in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
- Let it cool and steep in the refrigerator overnight.
- Strain syrup before use.
