Recipes: Bernardus Lodge and Spa’s Honeybee Colony Cocktails

Honey — it does a body good. A good stiff drink is equally as beneficial. At Bernardus Lodge and Spa in Carmel Valley, California, the two go hand-in-hand thanks to the resort’s 18,000 Italian honeybees and the accompanying colony cocktail program. Utilizing the apiculture nectar for a stellar lineup of drinks available only at Lucia Bar, the resort’s restaurant and lounge known for its garden-to-glass ethos. Meanwhile, the kitchen uses the honey for hive-to-table creations that range from salads and soups to cheesecake and ice cream. As sweet treat, the staff at Lucia has shared a trio of easy cocktails calling for honey. You’ll be abuzz over it.

Queen Bee

2 ounces Darjeeling gin (or preferred gin)
1 ounce lemon
½ ounce honey
Dash honeycomb bitters

Add ingredients into a shaker, shake, and strain into a glass.

Smokey Stinger

2 ounces Vago Espadin Mezcal (or preferred mezcal)
1 ounce honey syrup
Fresh lemon
Angostura bitters

Add ingredients into a shaker, shake, and strain into a glass.

EpiPen

1 ounce Abomination Whiskey by Lost Spirits (or preferred whiskey)
1 ounce lemon
½ ounce honey
Angostura bitters
Soda water
Mint sprig, for garnish

Add ingredients into a shaker, shake, and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with a mint sprig.

For more information on Bernardus Lodge and Spa or to make reservations, visit the resort’s website.