Honey Badger Cocktail Recipe

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Honey Badger Nutrition Facts

Calories:~150

Fat:0g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:~13g

Alcohol by volume:~5%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 16, 2024

History

The Honey Badger cocktail is a relatively new addition to the world of mixed drinks. It's a perfect choice for those who appreciate the boldness of a good beer with a twist of herbal sweetness. The name likely comes from the cocktail's mix of sweet and strong flavors, much like the honey badger itself, which is known for its fearless and tenacious nature.

  • Origins: While the exact origins are unclear, it seems to be a modern creation, possibly inspired by the craft beer movement.
  • Popularity: This drink has found a niche among beer enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with flavors.
  • Ideal Consumer: It's a hit with those who like a refreshing drink with a herbal note and aren't afraid of trying something different.

How Honey Badger Tastes?

The Honey Badger cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet and herbal flavors, with the honey or agave providing a smooth sweetness that is balanced by the earthy tones of the basil. The Angostura bitters add a layer of complexity with their subtle spice, while the beer brings a refreshing and effervescent quality to the drink, making it both robust and invigorating.

Interesting facts about Honey Badger

  • The Honey Badger cocktail is not a traditional drink but rather a modern twist on beer cocktails.
  • Basil is not a common cocktail ingredient, which makes this drink stand out in terms of flavor and aroma.
  • The name 'Honey Badger' reflects the drink's boldness, much like the animal's reputation for being fearless.

Ingredients

Fresh Basil Leaves

Basil delivers a green, peppery note - a real garden-in-a-glass vibe. Six leaves are just enough to say "I'm here!" without shouting over the other ingredients. If basil RSVPs 'no’ to your cocktail party, mint could be a plus-one, making things a tad more refreshing.

Alex Green

Honey or Agave Nectar

Sweetness ties the room together. Two teaspoons are like Goldilocks' porridge – just right. Honey provides floral notes, while agave is a quick road trip to Smooth City. Too much and you're sipping on a beehive; too little and the bitterness might get cranky.

Emma Rose

Angostura Bitters

The cocktail's feisty friend, adding depth and complexity two dashes at a time. Think of it as the spice rack of the drink world. If omitted, the drink might feel a bit flat—like a movie without supporting actors. No Angostura? Try orange bitters for a citrusy twist.

Mary Mitkina

Beer

The backbone of the Honey Badger Cocktail - 8.5 oz balances the act. We’re not flooding a frat party here; we want to taste everything. Opt for a light lager or a pilsner to keep things breezy. Substituting for a dark beer makes it more of a winter warmer.

Alex Green

Ice

Ice keeps it cool, literally. No ice means a warm, sad cocktail with zero chill. Enough said.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Honey Badger Drink

  1. Prepare the Glass: Fill a tall glass with fresh basil leaves.
  2. Sweeten: Add 2 teaspoons of honey or agave nectar.
  3. Bitters: Incorporate 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
  4. Mix: Pour in half a cup of beer and stir the mixture gently.
  5. Ice: Fill the glass with ice to the top.
  6. Top Off: Add the remaining beer to fill the glass.
  7. Garnish: Place a basil leaf on top as a garnish.
  8. Serve: Enjoy the Honey Badger responsibly!

Pro Tips

  • Muddle the Basil: Gently muddle the basil leaves in the glass before adding the other ingredients to release their essential oils and enhance the flavor.
  • Chill the Beer: Make sure the beer is well-chilled to keep the drink refreshing.
  • Quality Honey: Use high-quality honey or agave nectar for the best taste.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings with the Honey Badger Cocktail

  • Savory Snacks: Classic bar snacks such as mixed nuts or pretzels would complement the malty notes of the beer and the herbal freshness from the basil.
  • Grilled Meats: BBQ chicken or grilled sausages can match well with the sweetness of honey and the bitters' complexity.
  • Cheese Plates: A selection of cheeses, especially aged ones like cheddar or gouda, will pair delightfully with the beverage's depth.

Drink Pairings with the Honey Badger Cocktail

  • Water: Plain or sparkling water as a palate cleanser between sips.
  • Coffee: A strong, black coffee post-meal could be a nice contrast following the cocktail's sweety herby flavors.

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What you could change in Honey Badger

  • Basil: If fresh basil is not available, mint leaves can be a refreshing alternative.
  • Honey/Agave: Maple syrup can be used for a different kind of sweetness.
  • Beer: While the recipe calls for a generic beer, experimenting with different types like ales or lagers can significantly alter the taste.

Explore all drinks starting with H here

And of course - twists🍹

Honey Badger with a Citrus Kick

  • Add a sliced orange or lemon to the glass after muddling the basil.
  • Proceed with the original recipe.
  • The citrus will add a zesty punch that brightens the drink's profile, ideal for a summer twist.

Spicy Honey Badger

  • Muddle 1 slice of jalapeño with the basil leaves for a spicy touch.
  • Include a splash of ginger beer instead of additional beer.
  • This version turns up the heat and adds a ginger zing, making it a zesty palate pleaser.

The Herbal Honey Badger

  • Swap out beer for an herbal tea infusion (chilled, of course).
  • Add a sprig of rosemary alongside the basil for deeper herbaceous notes.
  • This non-alcoholic option highlights the botanical elements, making for a refreshing, sophisticated sipper.

In case you forgot basics how to make Honey Badger

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Honey Badger

What glassware is recommended for serving the Honey Badger cocktail?

A tall, slim glass such as a Collins or a highball glass is ideal for serving the Honey Badger cocktail to accommodate the full volume of the beer and provide room for the basil garnish.

How should you choose a beer for this cocktail?

A lighter beer, such as a pale ale or a lager, tends to work well in the Honey Badger cocktail as it does not overpower the other flavors and complements the sweetness of the honey and freshness of the basil.

Can non-alcoholic beer be used in the Honey Badger cocktail?

Yes, non-alcoholic beer can be substituted for a family-friendly version of the cocktail or to cater to those who do not consume alcohol but still want to enjoy the flavors of the Honey Badger.

Is the Honey Badger cocktail suitable for vegans?

To make the Honey Badger cocktail vegan-friendly, use agave nectar instead of honey. Also, ensure that the beer used is vegan, as some beers use animal by-products in the brewing process.

What's the best time to serve the Honey Badger cocktail?

The Honey Badger cocktail is versatile and can be enjoyed as an aperitif, a refreshing drink on a hot day, or a unique choice for gatherings and parties.

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