Honey Bee: Recipe Guide
Honey Bee
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Jigger (for measuring ingredients)
- Coupe glass
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 2 oz white rum
- 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup more on this below
- Ice
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Method
- Prepare the Honey Syrup:
- Honey syrup is easy to make and essential for the Honey Bee. It’s simply a mixture of honey and water in a 1:1 ratio. Combine 1 part honey and 1 part hot water (not boiling, just hot enough to mix). Stir until the honey is fully dissolved. Let it cool. From my own personal experience, honey syrup blends more smoothly into cocktails than honey on its own. You can also make extra and store it in the fridge for future cocktails.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz white rum, 3/4 oz lemon juice, and 1/2 oz honey syrup. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake It Up:
- Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds. This not only chills the drink but also incorporates the flavors. Based on my overall experience, shaking really helps to create a smooth and well-blended cocktail.
- Strain and Serve:
- Using a strainer, pour the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass. You can garnish with a lemon wheel or even a sprig of fresh herbs like thyme for an aromatic twist.
- Variations
- Honey Bee with Bourbon: Substitute the rum for bourbon for a richer, more robust flavor. This variation works especially well if you enjoy cocktails with a deeper flavor profile.
- Gin Bee: Swap out the rum for gin if you're a gin lover. It gives the drink a floral twist and pairs beautifully with the honey.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: For a mocktail, substitute the rum with a high-quality non-alcoholic spirit or a splash of soda water for a refreshing alternative.
If you’re looking for a smooth and sweet cocktail that’s easy to make, the Honey Bee is a perfect choice. It’s a refreshing mix of honey, lemon, and rum with a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. From my own personal experience, it’s one of those drinks that can impress your friends without much effort. Let me show you how I make it step by step.
Notes on What to Expect
The Honey Bee is a cocktail that shines with its simplicity. Expect a drink that’s bright and citrusy with just enough sweetness to balance out the tartness of the lemon. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for a warm day. If you’re used to stronger or heavier cocktails, this one will feel a little lighter, which makes it versatile for pairing with a variety of dishes.
The Story Behind the Honey Bee Cocktail 🍯🐝
The Honey Bee cocktail is a delightful and refreshing drink with a smooth balance of sweetness and citrus. This rum-based cocktail dates back to the mid-20th century, often associated with tiki-style drinks and classic cocktail culture.
Origins & Inspiration
The Honey Bee is closely related to the Bee’s Knees, a Prohibition-era gin cocktail made with honey, lemon, and gin. However, instead of gin, the Honey Bee uses white rum, giving it a slightly tropical and mellow twist. The drink’s name and ingredients pay homage to bees and their golden nectar—honey.
Flavor Profile & Ingredients
The Honey Bee cocktail is simple yet elegant and smooth, featuring:
🍯 Honey syrup – Adds natural sweetness and depth
🍋 Fresh lemon juice – Provides a crisp, tangy balance
🥃 White rum – Offers a light, smooth base with a slight vanilla undertone
🧊 Shaken with ice – Ensures a refreshing, chilled experience
Why It’s Loved
The Honey Bee is loved for its light, refreshing taste, making it a perfect choice for warm days or a casual, elegant cocktail hour. The combination of honey and rum creates a silky texture, while the citrus keeps it vibrant and well-balanced.
Modern Popularity
Today, mixologists and home bartenders love the Honey Bee for its simplicity and versatility. It can be adjusted with different rums or honey varieties to create unique flavor profiles. Some variations include adding orange bitters or replacing white rum with aged rum for extra depth.
It’s a drink that embodies nature’s sweetness with a tropical twist, perfect for sipping slowly and enjoying the golden glow of honey in every sip.
Quick Meal Facts
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Time to Stand: None
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 1
- Calories: ~160 per serving
- Cost of Ingredients: Low
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Drink / Cocktail
- Equipment Needed: Cocktail shaker, strainer, jigger, and coupe glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz white rum
- 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup (more on this below)
- Ice
Equipment Needed
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Jigger (for measuring ingredients)
- Coupe glass
Step-by-Step Method
- Prepare the Honey Syrup:
Honey syrup is easy to make and essential for the Honey Bee. It’s simply a mixture of honey and water in a 1:1 ratio. Combine 1 part honey and 1 part hot water (not boiling, just hot enough to mix). Stir until the honey is fully dissolved. Let it cool. From my own personal experience, honey syrup blends more smoothly into cocktails than honey on its own. You can also make extra and store it in the fridge for future cocktails. - Combine Ingredients:
In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz white rum, 3/4 oz lemon juice, and 1/2 oz honey syrup. Fill the shaker with ice. - Shake It Up:
Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds. This not only chills the drink but also incorporates the flavors. Based on my overall experience, shaking really helps to create a smooth and well-blended cocktail. - Strain and Serve:
Using a strainer, pour the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass. You can garnish with a lemon wheel or even a sprig of fresh herbs like thyme for an aromatic twist.
Variations
- Honey Bee with Bourbon: Substitute the rum for bourbon for a richer, more robust flavor. This variation works especially well if you enjoy cocktails with a deeper flavor profile.
- Gin Bee: Swap out the rum for gin if you’re a gin lover. It gives the drink a floral twist and pairs beautifully with the honey.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: For a mocktail, substitute the rum with a high-quality non-alcoholic spirit or a splash of soda water for a refreshing alternative.
Substitutions for Dietary Needs
- Vegan: Standard honey is not vegan-friendly, so you can substitute with agave syrup for the same sweetness without compromising the flavor.
- Low Sugar: Use a sugar-free syrup or a very light drizzle of agave instead of honey syrup to reduce the sugar content. This is especially useful for people who are watching their sugar intake.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~160
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g (primarily from the honey syrup and lemon juice)
- Protein: 0g
Troubleshooting Tips
- Too Sweet?: If your Honey Bee turns out too sweet, try reducing the amount of honey syrup or add a bit more lemon juice for extra tartness.
- Not Sweet Enough?: If it’s too tart, you can always add a little more honey syrup. Just remember, the drink should have a balance between sweet and sour.
- Watery Flavor: If the cocktail seems watered down, it’s likely because the ice has melted too much. Make sure to shake quickly and strain immediately into a chilled glass to keep the flavors concentrated.
Perfect Pairings
Due to its bright and light flavors, the Honey Bee pairs beautifully with appetizers and seafood dishes. It works especially well with dishes like grilled shrimp, ceviche, or a fresh salad. Its lemony sweetness can also complement light desserts like lemon bars or fruit sorbets.
Final Thoughts
The Honey Bee is not only easy to make but also a highly adaptable cocktail that you can tweak to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for something refreshing for a summer evening or a unique drink to impress your guests, this cocktail fits the bill. Now that you know the steps, feel free to experiment with different spirits and garnishes. Let me show you how I make mine, and from my own personal experience, it’s one of the best cocktails to have in your repertoire!
