Honey Bee Cocktail Recipe

Honey Bee Nutrition Facts

Calories:220

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:22g

Alcohol:14%

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: August 23, 2024

History

The Honey Bee cocktail has a rich history dating back to the 1930s, when it was first featured in Harry Craddock's famous Savoy Cocktail Book. This classic cocktail is a favorite among those who appreciate the sweet and floral notes of honey, combined with the zesty kick of fresh lemon juice. The Honey Bee is often enjoyed during warm summer evenings, as its refreshing taste and elegant presentation make it the perfect accompaniment to a night spent with friends or loved ones.

How Honey Bee Tastes?

The Honey Bee cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and floral flavors. The honey lends a rich, velvety sweetness, while the lemon juice provides a bright, tangy contrast. The rum adds warmth and depth, making this cocktail both refreshing and satisfying.

Interesting facts about Honey Bee

  • The Honey Bee is sometimes called the 'Honey Bee Mine' cocktail.
  • This cocktail is often served in a chilled coupe glass, giving it an air of sophistication.
  • The Honey Bee can be easily adapted to suit personal taste preferences, by adjusting the ratio of honey and lemon juice.

Ingredients

White Rum Why 2oz? That's the spirit! Literally. It's the right amount to let the rum dance with the honey and lemon without stepping on their toes. Go over, and you might as well be on a pirate ship; too little, and you're just adult lemonade.

Alex Green

Honey Why 0.75oz? It's the bee's knees of the drink. This gives you the sweetness without feeling like Winnie-the-Pooh after a honey pot. Skip it, and you’ll miss the hive-five between flavors.

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice Why 0.75oz? Citrus is the zing in your swing, the balance to the sweet. Too much, and you'll pucker more than a first kiss; too little, and the honey might as well retire.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Blossom Water Why a dash? It's like perfume; a little dab will do. It's the floral note that whispers 'exotic' without screaming 'flower bed'. Forget it, and you kiss goodbye to that secret spark.

Alex Green

Lemon Twist Why Garnish? It's the yellow brick road to your senses, guiding you to what’s inside the drink. Plus, it's pretty. No twisty, no zesty, no happy.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Honey Bee Drink

  1. Combine the white rum, honey, lemon juice, and orange blossom water in a cocktail shaker.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, or until well chilled.
  3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
  4. Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing the oils over the surface of the cocktail before placing it on the rim of the glass.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lemon juice: The freshness of the lemon juice can greatly affect the overall taste of the Honey Bee cocktail.
  • Chill your glass: A chilled glass will help to keep your cocktail cool and refreshing.
  • Quality honey: The quality of the honey used can also greatly affect the taste of the cocktail. Try to use a high-quality, organic honey if possible.

Perfect Pairings

Light Appetizers

The Honey Bee's sweet and citrusy profile pairs excellently with light appetizers such as cheese plates featuring Brie or goat cheese.

Seafood

Given the cocktail's brightness, seafood dishes like grilled shrimp or seared scallops will complement nicely.

Desserts

Pair the Honey Bee with light desserts like lemon tart or an orange blossom honey cake to enhance its honey and citrus notes.

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What you could change in Honey Bee

  • White rum: Can be substituted with a light rum or even a spiced rum for a different flavor profile.
  • Honey: Agave nectar or simple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey.
  • Lemon juice: Lime juice can be used as a substitute for a more tart flavor.

Explore all drinks starting with H here

And of course - twists🍹

Honey Bee's Garden Incorporate 1 oz of cucumber juice, and substitute the white rum with gin. This variation brings a fresh, garden vibe to the drink. Ingredients: 2oz gin, 0.75oz honey, 0.75oz lemon juice, 1 oz cucumber juice, 1 dash orange blossom water, Garnish: Cucumber ribbon Recipe: Mix as above and garnish with cucumber instead of lemon. This will give a refreshing twist, perfect for a spring afternoon.

Spicy Bee Add half a teaspoon of chili pepper flakes to the shaker. This will bring a fiery side to the 'sting' of the Honey Bee. Ingredients: 2oz white rum, 0.75oz honey, 0.75oz lemon juice, 1 dash orange blossom water, 1/2 tsp chili flakes, Garnish: Lemon twist Recipe: Mix as above, shake well with the chili flakes and strain into glass. Expect a warming sensation, suited for those chilly evenings.

Royal Bee Use honey syrup instead of honey for a smoother blend, and top with champagne. It adds a layer of celebration to your sip. Ingredients: 2oz white rum, 1oz honey syrup, 0.75oz lemon juice, 1 dash orange blossom water, Top with champagne, Garnish: Lemon twist and a raspberry Recipe: Shake all but champagne, and strain into a flute. Top with the bubbly and garnish for a regal touch, ideal for special occasions.

In case you forgot basics how to make Honey Bee

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

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 Bee

What is the origin of the name 'Honey Bee'?

The 'Honey Bee' cocktail gets its name from one of its key ingredients - honey. The cocktail embodies the sweet, floral notes of honey, hence the name.

What type of rum is best for a Honey Bee cocktail?

While the recipe uses white rum, you could also try using a high-quality aged rum to add more depth and complexity to the cocktail.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Honey Bee?

Yes, you can substitute the white rum with non-alcoholic alternatives like rum extract or white grape juice mixed with a bit of almond extract.

Does the type of honey used affect the taste of the Honey Bee?

Yes, different types of honey can add subtle variations to your cocktail. For a richer flavor, try a darker honey like buckwheat. For a lighter, floral note, a clover or orange blossom honey would be excellent.

How do I store leftover Honey Bee cocktail?

It is best to consume your Honey Bee cocktail immediately after making it. However, if needed, it can be refrigerated for a few hours. Be sure to cover it to prevent absorption of other flavors in the refrigerator.

What can be paired with the Honey Bee cocktail?

The Honey Bee cocktails pairs well with spicy dishes as the sweetness of the cocktail can balance out the heat of the food. Cheese platters or light summery salads would also be great accompaniments.

What's the best season to enjoy a Honey Bee cocktail?

While the Honey Bee cocktail can be enjoyed year-round, it's particularly refreshing during the summer months because of its citrus and floral notes.

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