The Bee Sting cocktail is a relatively modern creation that plays on the popularity of honey-based cocktails and the growing trend of incorporating spicy elements into drinks. Its history is not as deeply rooted as some of the classic cocktails like the Margarita or the Old Fashioned, but it has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique combination of flavours.
The use of honey in cocktails dates back centuries, but it became particularly trendy in the mid-20th century when bartenders began seeking natural sweeteners that provided more depth than simple sugar. Honey not only adds sweetness but also imparts a floral richness to drinks, which has long been appreciated in classic cocktails like the Bee’s Knees (from the Prohibition era), made with gin, lemon, and honey. The Bee Sting builds upon this honey-citrus tradition.
Our version switches out the honey with a simple sugar syrup but builds on the trend of spicy heat, creating something very fresh. We also added a spicy rim.
Ease of Making: Easy
Glass Type: Coupe
Taste: Blend of sweet, spicy, and citrus flavours.
Recipe:
- 60 ml Great Bustard Gin
- 30 ml Lemon Juice
- 30ml Jalapeno Sugar Syrup
- ½ Jalapeno
- Ice
Method:
- Create your Jalapeno sugar syrup (½ Jalapeno).
- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake hard, longer you shake the greater the spice / heat.
- Zest the rim with lemon peel and spice.
- Strain cocktail into your glass.
- Garnish with either lemon or Jalapeno.
Alternative Options:
- Add 20ml of Ancho Reyes which is a chilli liqueur.
- Switch the sugar syrup for honey.
- Switch the sugar syrup with 30ml of Bärenjäger – a German honey liqueur.
- Switch gin for a tequila.
- Garnish with Jalapeno instead of lemon.
- Add a spiced rim like a margarita.
