Bee Sting Recipe
The Bee Sting is a vibrant tequila cocktail that balances sweet, sour, and spicy notes. It features reposado tequila, fresh lemon juice, and a homemade honey syrup, elevated by a muddled jalapeño slice for a refreshing kick. Quick to prepare, it's an excellent choice for those seeking a sophisticated drink with an intriguing blend of flavors and a hint of heat.
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 Muddler
- 1 Jigger (or measuring spoons)
- 1 Strainer (Hawthorne or fine-mesh)
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl (for honey syrup)
Ingredients
Main
- For honey syrup:
- 1 ounce honey
- 1/2 ounce hot water
- For the cocktail:
- 1 jalapeno slice about 1/2 inch thick
- 1 1/2 ounces reposado tequila
- 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce honey syrup
- Garnish: jalapeno slice and lemon twist
Instructions
- Combine 1 ounce of honey and 1/2 ounce of hot water in a small mixing bowl; stir until the honey is fully dissolved, then set aside to cool, forming the honey syrup.
- Prepare your garnishes by slicing one fresh jalapeño about 1/2 inch thick and creating a lemon twist.
- Place one 1/2-inch thick slice of jalapeño into a cocktail shaker.
- Gently muddle the jalapeño to release its oils and a controlled level of spice.
- Add 1 1/2 ounces of reposado tequila, 3/4 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 3/4 ounce of the prepared honey syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the cocktail shaker completely with ice.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the shaker is thoroughly chilled.
- Double strain the cocktail into a chilled serving glass (e.g., a coupe or rocks glass) to remove any jalapeño solids.
- Garnish the finished drink with a fresh jalapeño slice and a lemon twist, expressing the lemon oils over the drink before placing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
For the honey syrup, ensure the hot water is just warm enough to dissolve the honey, not boiling, to preserve its delicate flavor. When muddling the jalapeño, use a gentle touch; over-muddling can release bitterness from the pith and seeds. Taste a small piece of jalapeño beforehand to gauge its heat level and adjust muddling intensity or the amount used. Reposado tequila is crucial here, its mellow oak notes complement the honey and spice beautifully. Ensure a vigorous shake with ample ice to properly chill and dilute the cocktail, balancing the flavors. For garnish, express the oils from the lemon twist over the drink for an aromatic finish, and choose a fresh, vibrant jalapeño slice. Consider a chili-lime salt rim for an extra layer of flavor and texture.