7 Honey-Inspired Festive Cocktail Ideas
When we talk about holiday celebrations, we’re also talking about festive cocktails! This season, why not add a touch of honey to your drinks? Whether it’s for a Christmas brunch, a snowy moment, or a holiday happy hour, these honey-based cocktail recipes, some featuring honey wines, offer an explosion of flavours while highlighting Quebec’s local products. Here are 7 ideas to impress your guests with unique beverages that blend tradition and originality!
Remember to support local artisans when choosing your base spirits!
Honey Syrup
Make your life easier by preparing honey syrup, which integrates more smoothly into cocktails. Mix one part honey with half a part of hot water. Stir well and store in an airtight bottle. The honey syrup will keep for one to two months in the refrigerator.
No 1 – Beezz Royal
We’re giving the classic Kir Royal a twist with the Beezz Pourpre! This honey spritzer, co-fermented with haskaps and black currants, pairs perfectly with the Quebec-made Mona & Filles black currant liqueur. Lighter in alcohol but just as festive, this cocktail is ideal for a Christmas brunch or a holiday happy hour with friends.
Ingredients :
1/2 oz of black currant liqueur
4 oz of Beezz Pourpre
Preparation :
In a wine glass or a Marie-Antoinette glass, pour the black currant liqueur, then add the Beezz Pourpre. Garnish with a sprig of fir or fresh cranberries.
Bzz bzz : One can perfectly makes two cocktails, making it ideal for toasting with a loved one!
No 2 – Hautes Fashioned
A one-of-a-kind version of the Old Fashioned, allowing you to savour all the subtleties of the new Vermouth Noir de Miel by Desrochers D. The smoky notes of the whisky bring out the flavours of this Cuvée de la Diable vermouth, infused with sunchokes and herbs.
Ingredients :
1 slice of orange or clementine
A few dashes of bitters
2.5 oz of Vermouth Noir de Miel
0.5 oz of whisky
Preparation :
In a whisky glass, add the slice of orange or clementine, bitters, vermouth, and whisky. Stir gently and serve with a large ice cube.
No 3 – Brise de Miel
A fresh and herbaceous cocktail, the big favorite of the 2024 season at Cantine Pollens & Nectars! Perfect for those seeking a light, refreshing, and festive drink.
Ingredients :
1,5 oz of Vermouth Vert de Miel
0,5 oz of elderflower liqueur
0,5 oz of lemon juice
0,25 oz of summer honey syrup
Preparation :
In a cocktail glass with ice, add all the ingredients and stir gently. For a lighter version, top with soda.
No 4 – Punch’aud
The perfect mulled wine from the Desrochers family, a drink that warms both the heart and soul! This comforting cocktail is ideal for cold winter days or after an outdoor activity.
Ingredients :
2,5 oz of Cuvée de la Diable
1 oz of water
1/4 oz of dark rhum
10 g of honey (automne ou fleurs sauvages)
1 slice of lime
Preparation :
In a saucepan, heat all the ingredients over low heat without bringing it to a boil. Serve and enjoy while hot.
No 5 – Bizz Fizz
A sparkling and light cocktail, perfect for those who love a bit of fizz. The Bizz Fizz combines gin, lemon, and summer honey for a deliciously refreshing balance.
Ingredients :
1,5 oz of gin
0,5 oz of summer honey syrup
0,5 oz of lemon juice
1,5 oz of sparkling water
Slice of lemon
Preparation :
In a shaker, combine the gin, honey syrup, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a lemon slice.
Bzz bzz: for a boreal version, add a splash of balsam fir syrup.
No 6 – Hot toddy, Honey
There’s nothing better than a Honey Hot Toddy to warm up after a day of winter activities. Another warm, sweet, and soothing cocktail, perfect for cozy moments.
Ingredients :
1.5 oz of bourbon
0,5 oz of fall honey
0,5 oz of lemon juice
6 oz of hot water
Lemon slices
Preparation :
In a mug, mix the bourbon, honey, and lemon juice. Add hot water, stir well, and garnish with a slice of lemon.
No 7 – Julie Bélanger
A delicious cocktail that makes a splash with the Ferme-Neuve Vermouth. Featured on the show Ça finit bien la semaine, this cocktail is created by mixologist Maxime Boivin.
Ingredients :
1,5 oz of gin
0,5 oz of Vermouth Vert de Miel
0,5 oz of Italian-style aperitif (Aperol ou Amermelade)
0,5 oz of olive brine
Orange zest and green olive for garnish
Preparation :
Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice and stir for 15 to 20 seconds. Strain into the serving glass, garnish with the orange zest and a green olive, then serve.
