Honey Syrup

Honey thinned with warm water — richer than simple syrup, floral.

Syrups & Sweeteners
Flavor profile: sweetfloral

Honey does not dissolve readily in cold liquids, so bartenders pre-dilute it with hot water at roughly 2:1 (two parts honey to one part water) to make a pourable honey syrup. The result carries the honey's floral character through the drink. A Bee's Knees and a Gold Rush both depend on proper honey syrup; a Penicillin uses honey-ginger syrup (honey syrup cooked with fresh ginger).

Common uses

Bee's Knees, Gold Rush, Penicillin.

Cocktails that use Honey Syrup

  • Gold Rush — Bourbon, fresh lemon, and honey syrup — simple and deeply satisfying
  • Bee's Knees — Gin, honey syrup, and fresh lemon — a Prohibition-era classic

Substitutes

  • Simple Syrup — Missing the floral character but easier to pour.