How to Make a Queen Bee Cocktail

For the hostess who knows who runs the show.

Updated on August 15, 2022

Bee's Knees Honey Cocktail — Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

We fully advocate for having a statement drink when hosting a party, and there's no cocktail that makes an impression more than one named the Queen Bee.

Unlike traditional cocktails like the Sazerac or an Old Fashioned, there isn't a strict recipe for the Queen Bee. The only must-have element is honey, hence the name. With it's deep sweetness, honey, unlike sugar, plays well with any spirit and provides a syrupy counterpoint to stronger flavors like those from herbs, peppers, or spices.

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Here are two different ways to get your buzz on. The only make-ahead preparation you need to do is make a honey syrup, but don't worry it's easy. Just bring 1 cup of honey and 1 cup of water to a boil, turn the heat off, and let cool. This syrup is easier to stir into cocktails than adding straight honey, which can coagulate in cold liquids.

Queen Bee with Whiskey

1½ oz bourbon

¾ oz dry sherry

¾ oz honey syrup

¼ oz. fresh lemon juice

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Shake first four ingredients and 1 sprig rosemary together in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with remaining sprig of rosemary.