How to Make Honey Syrup For Cocktails (Easy Recipe)

You’ll find honey syrup behind pretty much every bar for a reason. It works in so many cocktails like the Bee’s Knees, Gold Rush, or Brown Derby, and it brings a light floral note you just can’t get from regular sugar. Plus, it mixes into iced tea, coffee, or even mocktails without any clumps.

If you have ever wondered how to make honey syrup at home, this guide will walk you through an easy step-by-step recipe. I’ll show you how to store it, switch up the flavor if you want, and get the most out of every batch. All you really need is two ingredients. Just grab your favorite real honey for the best flavor. That’s it. You’ll have a pro-level syrup that’s super easy to whip up anytime. And as a bonus, using good honey supports local bees and beekeepers, too.

Why Use Honey Syrup in Cocktails?

If you’ve ever tried to stir honey straight into a cold drink, you know it just sinks to the bottom or gets stuck to your spoon. When you turn honey into syrup, it mixes right in and makes your drink nice and smooth.

Honey syrup also gives you more control over the flavor. It can soften any harsh edges, help other flavors shine through, and add a gentle sweetness without being too heavy.

The best part is, you can use honey syrup in all sorts of cocktails. It works great with gin, whiskey, rum, or even in something light and bubbly like a spritz. With just this one syrup, you’ll have an easy way to upgrade a bunch of different drinks. Your home bar will feel way more flexible and your cocktails will taste more balanced.

What's in a Honey Simple Syrup?

Honey simple syrup is just honey and water mixed together. The type of honey you use and how you make it can really change the taste and how smooth it feels in your drinks.

Ingredients

You only need two things:

• Honey: The check out the printable recipe card below you use decides how your syrup will taste. Raw or local honey usually has more flavor and can add some nice floral notes. If you want something light, go with clover honey. If you like a stronger, richer taste, try a darker honey like buckwheat.
• Water: Try to use filtered water if possible. Tap water with a strong taste can mess with your syrup, but clean water helps the honey flavor come through and keeps your cocktails tasting fresh. If you don’t already have a filtered water pitcher, something like this Brita water filter pitcher is a great addition for your kitchen.

Most people mix equal parts honey and water. If you like your syrup thicker and sweeter, use a little more honey.

Equipment You’ll Need

Grab these basic tools before you start:

• Small saucepan or kettle
• Measuring cup
• Spoon or whisk
• Glass jar with a lid, like a mason jar
• Funnel (optional, for easy pouring)
• Adjustable measuring cup (optional, makes sticky honey easier)

How to Make Honey Syrup

Making honey syrup is super easy. All you need is honey, water, and a bit of gentle heat. Warm them together so the honey melts right in, then let your syrup cool before pouring it into a clean glass jar.

A few tips to get it just right: Heating helps the honey mix with the water, but don’t let it boil or you’ll lose some flavor. Stir until it’s nice and smooth so your syrup won’t separate later on. Let it cool before you store it. This keeps steam from building up in your jar.

You can use different ratios depending on how thick you want your syrup:

• Equal parts honey and water make a thick, rich syrup
• One part honey with two parts water gives you a lighter, easy-pour syrup

Store your honey syrup in the fridge and use it within two weeks. Make sure your jar is sealed tight to keep the flavor fresh.

Want the full step-by-step? Just check out the printable recipe card below.

Tips and Tricks to Make the Best Honey Syrup

• Use good honey and filtered water. Raw or floral honeys give you more flavor, and filtered water helps your syrup taste clean.
• Mix equal parts honey and water for a lighter syrup that pours easily. If you want it thicker and richer, use two parts honey to one part water.
• Store your honey syrup in an airtight glass jar in the fridge to keep it fresh. If you want it to last even longer, add a small splash of vodka (about half an ounce per cup of syrup).
• Heat the mixture gently and stir until it’s smooth to keep it from crystallizing. Don’t boil it, or you’ll lose some of the honey flavor. Straining through cheesecloth helps if you want your syrup extra clear.
• Honey can get sticky. To make cleanup easier, coat your measuring cup with a little oil or warm water before adding the honey.

Variations to Try

• Switching up your honey syrup is easy and brings new flavors to your drinks. You can infuse it with herbs, spices, or even a little citrus to give your cocktails a fun twist.
• Try adding a few sprigs of lavender or rosemary to your warm syrup. Just let them steep for a bit. This gives your syrup a light floral or earthy touch (a little goes a long way).
• For some warmth, toss in a few slices of fresh ginger while the syrup is still hot. This is great in whiskey drinks or in a cozy hot toddy.
• Want something brighter? Add strips of lemon, lime, or orange peel to your syrup. The citrus zest really makes the flavors pop.
• You can even use tea bags. Steep a strong black or green tea bag in your syrup for a smooth, slightly tannic flavor.
• Changing the type of honey you use will also make a difference. Orange blossom honey gives you a lighter, fruity taste, while wildflower honey brings out a richer, rustic flavor.

Feel free to play around with spicy or floral versions. You get to control the flavor by how long you let everything steep.

You might also like: Lavender Simple Syrup | Grenadine Syrup | Passion Fruit Syrup

Best Cocktails with Honey Syrup

Honey syrup is a game changer for so many drinks. It blends in easily (much better than using straight honey) and works perfectly with anything citrusy.

• Bee’s Knees
• Gold Rush
• Brown Derby
• Whiskey Smash
• Mojito with Honey

Don’t be afraid to use honey syrup in your own go-to cocktails. It mixes right in and tastes great in sours, fizzes, spritzers, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions