12 Honey Syrup Cocktails that are Worth the Buzz

We love honey syrup cocktails because they come to the party with an interesting depth of flavour that isn’t always apparent in drinks made with other simple syrups. Whether it’s the notion of bees on the wing adding their zingy energy to the mix, or the wide variety of flavour notes that typify honey from different regions, there’s just something special about adding this springtime sweetness to a cocktail.  

Wondering how to make honey syrup for cocktails at home? It’s so easy! Simply add equal parts honey and water to a pot on the stovetop and whisk until it becomes syrup. You can also do it in the microwave using a microwave-safe container. The syrup stays good to use for up to two weeks when stored in a covered container in the fridge. 

Here are a few of our favourite honey simple syrup cocktails to try at home:  

1. Tequila Honey Bee cocktail

The Tequila Honey Bee cocktail combines 60ml Espolón Reposado Tequila, 30ml honey syrup, 20ml fresh lemon juice and a dash or two of bitters. Combine all the ingredients, apart from the bitters, in a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a glass that has been rinsed with mezcal to coat the inside, and add the bitters before serving.   

More tequila cocktails to try: 13 Easy Tequila Summer Cocktails for Beginners 

2. All Spice & Everything Nice cocktail

You can also use honey syrup for cocktails to create a spicier mixed drink if you like. The All Spice & Everything Nice cocktail calls for 60ml Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, 15ml allspice-flavoured liqueur, 20ml lemon juice, 15ml honey syrup, and two dashes of orange bitters. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with an orange slice and serve.  

3. Falling Leaves cocktail

This is arguably one of the most flavourful cocktails with honey syrup and wine. The Falling Leaves cocktail calls for 60ml dry white wine (such as Riesling), 30ml pear brandy, 10ml honey syrup, 15ml Grand Marnier and a dash of bitters. Combine the ingredients in a mixing glass and fill it with cracked ice. Stir well for 20 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. 

4. Bee’s Knees cocktail

Ostensibly first poured by a bartender called Frank Meier at the Hotel Ritz Paris around 1920, honey simple syrup for cocktails was used in the Bee’s Knees cocktail to mask the taste of the questionable gin available at the time. These days, however, this ingredient highlights the beautiful herbaceous nature of the spirits like Bulldog Gin which we are lucky enough to have at our disposal.    

5. Make it Count cocktail

You can also use cocktail honey syrup to whip up the delightful Make it Count cocktail. This lovely amber-tinged cocktail takes inspiration from the simple-yet-satisfying combination of Campari and orange juice. To make it, add 60ml Campari, 30ml soda water, 30ml blood orange concentrate and 15ml honey syrup to a highball glass with ice and stir gently to combine.  

6. Beer & Loathing cocktail

To make a Beer & Loathing cocktail, fill a glass with ice cubes and crushed ice. Combine 20ml Aperol, 15ml grapefruit juice, 15ml lemon juice, 15ml honey syrup and two dashes of grapefruit bitters in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass. Charge with beer (a pilsner works well) and garnish with a grapefruit twist. 

 7. Honey Kumquat Caipirinha cocktail

This refreshing honey syrup cocktail is a riff on the world-renowned Caipirinha cocktail.  In a shaker, muddle 5 kumquats and half a lime, and cut into pieces. Add 45ml cachaça, 15ml falernum and 30ml honey syrup over ice and shake lightly until chilled. Pour unstrained into a rocks glass and serve.  

8. Derby cocktail

This honey syrup recipe for cocktails is for vintage drink lovers. The old-school Derby cocktail is a classic combination of grapefruit juice, bourbon and honey syrup. The result is a sweet and tart sipper that’s sure to be a frontrunner at your next event.  

9. Bear With Me Honey cocktail

Honey cocktail syrup is also a star of the show in the Bear with Me Honey cocktail. Add 45ml Bulldog Gin, one egg white, 20ml verjus, 15ml honey syrup, 10ml Grand Marnier and two dashes saline solution (1:5 ratio of salt to water) to a shaker and dry-shake (no ice). Add ice and shake again until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. 

Adore an orange vibe?  8 Orange Liqueur Cocktails That Zest the Best 

10. Honey-Kissed Cosmopolitan cocktail

If you are a fan of the sophisticated Cosmopolitan, you’ve got to try this honey simple syrup cocktail! Muddle a lime wedge, a rosemary sprig and 30ml honey syrup in a shaker. Add 45ml SKYY vodka, 45ml cranberry juice and ice, and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass. 

11. Gold Rush cocktail

First invented in New York before prohibition, the Gold Rush cocktail is similar to a Bee’s Knees, but replaces gin with Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon. Straightforward, sophisticated, and refreshing, it’s the perfect pre-dinner serve for your next summer party. 

12. Penicillin cocktail

If the idea of a honey ginger syrup cocktail is right up your alley, may we please introduce you to the Penicillin cocktail?  This zesty whiskey cocktail with its soothing notes of ginger and lemon will definitely warm you up from the inside out. It’s pretty much a cool version of the iconic Hot Toddy, and we’re here for this contemporary spin on the ultimate feel-better classic.   

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