Food and Recipes Drinks Cocktails How to Make a Queen Bee Cocktail For the hostess who knows who runs the show. By Southern Living Editors Updated on August 15, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email 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. WATCH: How to Make the Best Bloody Mary 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. Queen Bee with Gin 2 oz. gin ½ oz. honey syrup ½ oz fresh lime juice ½ oz fresh lemon juice ¾ oz. Jack Rudy Classic Tonic Syrup 4 to 5 oz. club soda Stir first four ingredients together and pour into glass with ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with lemon or lime rind twist. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit