Our love affair with “nature’s sweetener” began long ago. For years, five Omni properties have been harvesting their own beehives, and taking advantage of the health benefits of honey in everything from culinary dishes to spa treatments. Omni Mixologist Kim Haasarud (author and James Beard honored-mixologist) exhibits her expertise and creativity with an array of honey cocktails that will sweeten up your next gathering.
1. Honey Melon Mojito
This honey cocktail is a sweet twist on a classic mojito. The fresh watermelon pairs perfectly with the light sweetness of the honey for a cooling cocktail that screams summer.
Recipe
- 1.5 oz Cruzan Light rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz clover honey water *
- 0.5 oz Finest Call Bar Syrup
- 1 oz Finest Call Watermelon puree
- 6 ea mint leaves
- Splash of club soda
- GARNISH: lime wedge + watermelon cube or ball + mint sprig
In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients (except the club soda) with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into an iced plastic cup. Garnish.
2. Wildflower Honey Punch
Did someone say sangria? Tropical fruit flavors blend with the natural sweetness of honey liqueur for a smooth and flavorful punch meant for sipping poolside. Layering the Angostura bitters on top gives an ombré look to the cocktail that is reminiscent of sunset.
Recipe
- 1.5 oz Jack Daniels Honey
- 0.5 oz Finest Call White Sangria
- 0.5 oz wildflower honey water
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- Dash of Angostura bitters
In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients (except the bitters) with ice and shake vigorously. Strain contents into an iced plastic cup. Garnish with a lemon slice and top with bitters (should layer on top).
3. Honey Grapefruit Crush
Take down the typical acidity of grapefruit with wildflower honey water for a smashing cocktail that is tantalizingly tangy.
Recipe
- 1.5 oz Svedka Grapefruit vodka
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz wildflower honey water*
- 2 lemon wedges, squeezed and dropped into the drink
- Splash of grapefruit juice
- GARNISH: Grapefruit slice + rosemary sprig
In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into an iced plastic cup and garnish.
4. Gold Blossom Margarita
Everyone loves a good margarita. This rendition is guaranteed golden with a taste of honey and orange liqueur.
Recipe
- 1.5 oz Herradura Reposado tequila
- 0.5 oz Grand Marnier
- 1 oz honey water *
- 1 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- GARNISH: Lime wedge
In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients. Top with ice, shake vigorously then strain into an iced plastic cup. Garnish with lime wedge.
5. Sweet Tennessee Highball
Enjoy your classic highball with a sweet southern twist. The sweetness of the whiskey is amplified by the extra dash of honey and complimented with the tartness of fresh lemon.
Recipe
- 1.5 oz Jack Daniels Honey
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz honey water
- Splash of club soda
- GARNISH: Lemon wedge
In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients with ice and shake vigorously. Top with club soda and strain contents into an iced plastic cup. Drop in a lemon squeeze and serve.
6. Jalapeño Grapefruit Collins
Spicy meets sweet in this tasty libation. The tang of lemon is perfectly balanced with the richness of the honey and spice of the jalapeño. For an extra kick, add fresh jalapeño slices for garnish.
Recipe
- 1.5 oz Svedka Jalapeño Vodka
- .75 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz honey water *
- 1.5 oz club soda
- Mint sprigs
- Jalapeño slices
In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients (except the club soda). Shake moderately, then add the club soda and strain into an iced plastic cup. Garnish.
7. Honey Grapefruit Lemonade
Your typical lemonade is elevated with a touch of grapefruit and a hint of honey. The splash of club soda adds just the right amount of fizz for ultimate refreshment.
Recipe
- 1.5 oz Deep Eddy Grapefruit
- 1 oz orange blossom honey water *
- 1 oz lemon juice
- Splash of club soda
- GARNISH: Grapefruit slice
In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients with ice and shake vigorously. Top with club soda and pour contents into a plastic cup. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
8. Pink Moon Shandy
Say hello to your favorite summer shandy. Nothing compliments the tart sweetness of an orange like the smooth, rich flavor of fresh honey.
Recipe
- 1.5 oz Deep Eddy Grapefruit
- 1 oz orange blossom honey water *
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- Splash of grapefruit juice
- 1.5 oz Blue Moon Belgian White beer
- GARNISH: lemon slice
In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients (except the beer) with ice and shake vigorously. Top with Blue Moon and pour contents into a plastic cup. Garnish with a lemon slice.
Honey Water
2 parts honey to 1 part HOT water. Stir until dissolved. Keep in a squeeze bottle and refrigerated or on ice.