Honey is a versatile ingredient that can be used to sweeten any drink or cocktail. However, honey isn’t just for tea or lemonade – it can be the perfect addition to a delicious, unique cocktail. In this post, we will introduce you to five different honey cocktails that are perfect for trying at home.
Honey Lavender Collins
The Honey Lavender Collins is a twist on the classic Tom Collins. The sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the floral, herbaceous flavor of lavender. To make this cocktail, you will need:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ½ oz honey syrup (1 part honey to 1 part water)
- ½ oz lavender syrup (1 part lavender flowers to 1 part water, boiled with 1 part sugar until dissolved)
- Club soda
To make the cocktail, shake gin, lemon juice, honey syrup, and lavender syrup in a shaker with ice. Strain into a glass over ice, then top with club soda. Garnish with a sprig of lavender.
Spiced Honey Hot Toddy
The Spiced Honey Hot Toddy is a warm and cozy cocktail that’s perfect for chilly evenings. The honey and spices create a sweet and warming flavor profile that’s sure to please. To make this cocktail, you will need:
- 2 oz whiskey
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz honey syrup (1 part honey to 1 part water)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- Hot water
To make the cocktail, add whiskey, lemon juice, honey syrup, cinnamon stick, and star anise to a mug. Fill the mug with hot water, then stir to combine. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise.
Honey Ginger Margarita
The Honey Ginger Margarita is a refreshing and spicy twist on the classic margarita. The honey adds sweetness, while the ginger adds a spicy kick. To make this cocktail, you will need:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz honey syrup (1 part honey to 1 part water)
- 1 oz ginger syrup (1 part ginger root to 1 part water, boiled with 1 part sugar until dissolved)
- Salt
- Lime wedge
To make the cocktail, mix tequila, lime juice, honey syrup, and ginger syrup in a shaker with ice. Salt the rim of a glass, then strain the cocktail into the glass over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Bourbon and Honey Sour
The Bourbon and Honey Sour is a sweet and sour cocktail that’s perfect for whiskey lovers. The honey adds sweetness, while the lemon juice adds a tart flavor. To make this cocktail, you will need:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ¾ oz honey syrup (1 part honey to 1 part water)
- 1 egg white
To make the cocktail, shake bourbon, lemon juice, honey syrup, and egg white in a shaker without ice. Add ice, then shake again. Strain into a glass over ice.
Honey Cider Sparkler
The Honey Cider Sparkler is a bubbly, refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for fall. The honey and apple cider pair perfectly with the sparkling wine. To make this cocktail, you will need:
- 2 oz apple cider
- 2 oz sparkling wine
- 1 oz honey syrup (1 part honey to 1 part water)
- Cinnamon sugar
- Apple slice
To make the cocktail, mix apple cider and honey syrup in a shaker with ice. Strain into a glass, then top with sparkling wine. Dip the rim of the glass in cinnamon sugar, then garnish with an apple slice.
BONUS: Honey Mint Lemonade
For those who prefer to enjoy a delicious honey-infused beverage without the alcohol, here’s a bonus mocktail recipe:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wedges and mint sprigs, for garnish
In a blender, combine the lemon juice, honey, and mint leaves. Blend until the mint leaves are finely chopped and incorporated. Transfer to a large pitcher and add the cold water. Stir well to combine. Fill tall glasses with ice cubes, then pour the honey mint lemonade over the ice. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh mint sprigs.
This refreshing and zesty mocktail is perfect for a summer day or any time you’re in the mood for a non-alcoholic beverage with a touch of sweetness from honey. Enjoy!
What’s the best honey to use?
When it comes to choosing the right kind of honey for your cocktails, it’s important to consider the flavor profile of the cocktail. For example, lighter honey such as clover or orange blossom might pair well with the Honey Lavender Collins, while bolder honey such as buckwheat or bamboo might be better suited for the Spiced Honey Hot Toddy. For the highest quality honey, focus on raw honey produced in your area. You can search the My Honey Crate Directory based on the location or the varietal type you are looking for.
Honey is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can add sweetness and depth to any cocktail. These five honey cocktails are just a starting point – feel free to experiment with different types of honey and other ingredients to create your own unique cocktails at home. Cheers!