What Cocktails Can I Use Honey Syrup In?

bee's knees cocktail with lemon twist in a coupe

Honey syrup brings a delicate floral sweetness and velvety texture to cocktails, making it favored by bartenders for more than just classic recipes. Unlike straight honey, syrup blends seamlessly—even with chilled ingredients—adding balance without the risk of grainy sugar crystals.

Classic Cocktails Enhanced by Honey Syrup

Bee's Knees – Gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup form an iconic trio full of zesty brightness and smooth, fragrant sweetness.
Gold Rush – Bourbon, 22.5 ml lemon juice, and honey syrup update the whiskey sour template with richer body and layered honey flavor.
Penicillin – Scotch, 22.5 ml lemon juice, 15 ml honey-ginger syrup, topped with a float of smoky Islay whisky, blending spice, citrus, and hive complexity.
Hot Toddy – Whiskey (or rum), 15 ml honey syrup, boiling water, and fresh lemon; a warming, soothing winter cocktail.

Modern Spins and Spirit Pairings

Honey Daiquiri – Swap simple syrup for honey syrup in a classic daiquiri with 60 ml white rum and 22.5 ml lime juice for a floral lift.
Mezcal Honey Sour – Mezcal, 22.5 ml fresh lime or lemon, and honey syrup highlight smoky notes with soft complexity.
Royal Gin Fizz – Gin, 30 ml lemon, 25 ml honey syrup, 1 egg white, and soda water for a creamy, effervescent crowd-pleaser.

honey syrup in a small glass jar next to a daiquiri

How to Substitute Honey Syrup in Classic Recipes

Honey syrup is typically made by mixing equal parts honey and warm water (1:1 ratio), which makes it pourable and easy to blend. For most cocktails, swap simple syrup for honey syrup in equal measure to sweeten and soften the final drink. Its delicate flavor suits whiskey, gin, rum, tequila, and even aged spirits like brandy—try it in any sour, fizz, smash, or even a julep for a subtle twist.

Tips for Using Honey Syrup in Cocktails

For citrus-heavy drinks, honey syrup adds roundness and a nuanced floral note.
Transparent spirits like gin and white rum highlight lighter, aromatic honeys.
Pair with aged whiskey or rum for earthy, wintery cocktails with comfort and depth.
Experiment with infused syrups—add ginger, rosemary, or citrus zest to layered complexity.

honey gold rush cocktail with large ice cube in a rocks glass

Quick Honey Syrup Recipe

Add 100 ml honey and 100 ml hot water to a glass jar.
Stir until fully dissolved and uniform.
Let cool, seal, and store in the fridge up to two weeks.