Beekeeper

The Beekeeper is a beautifully balanced cocktail that showcases the crisp, botanical notes of Beefeater Gin, enhanced by the rich depth of rosemary-thyme honey. Fresh lemon juice adds a bright citrus contrast, while cinchona bark introduces a delicate bitterness, giving the drink an intriguing complexity.

The herbal sweetness from the infused honey rounds out the flavors, creating a cocktail that is both refreshing and layered. Whether enjoyed as a sophisticated pre-dinner drink or a unique twist on a citrus-forward classic, The Beekeeper offers a harmonious blend of herbal, sweet, and slightly bitter elements that make each sip memorable.

Tasting Notes

The Beekeeper is a thoughtfully crafted cocktail that harmonizes crisp botanical gin with the rich, floral sweetness of rosemary-thyme honey syrup. The addition of fresh lemon juice brings a bright citrusy tartness, balancing the drink with a refreshing zing. Cinchona bark or tonic bitters add a subtle earthy bitterness, lending depth and complexity reminiscent of a refined gin and tonic.

A sprig of rosemary as a garnish enhances the aromatic experience, making each sip both invigorating and sophisticated. Whether served in a coupe for elegance or a rocks glass for a more relaxed feel, this cocktail is a standout choice for those who appreciate layered, herbaceous flavors.

Equipment and Glassware

To craft The Beekeeper cocktail, gather a cocktail shaker, fine mesh strainer, and your choice of a coupe or rocks glass for serving. Start by shaking Beefeater Gin, rosemary-thyme honey, fresh lemon juice, and cinchona bark-infused ingredients with ice to blend the flavors seamlessly.

Double straining is key—passing the mixture through both a standard and a fine mesh strainer ensures a smooth, refined texture, especially when working with cinchona bark. Serve in a coupe for an elegant presentation or a rocks glass over ice for a more relaxed experience. This method highlights the drink’s herbal complexity and balanced citrus notes.

Rosemary-Thyme Honey Syrup:

• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup hot water
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 2 sprigs thyme

Combine honey and hot water in a saucepan, stirring until dissolved. Add rosemary and thyme, let steep for 10 minutes, then strain.

Instructions

1. Dry Shake: In a shaker, combine gin, rosemary-thyme honey syrup, lemon juice, cinchona bark (or tonic bitters), and egg white. Shake without ice for about 15 seconds to create a frothy texture.
2. Shake Again: Add ice and shake vigorously for another 15 seconds until well chilled.
3. Strain and Serve: Double strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
4. Garnish: Lightly torch a rosemary sprig or simply place it on top for an aromatic touch aromatic finish.

Pro Tips

• For the best honey syrup, combine equal parts honey and hot water with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs, letting them infuse for at least 30 minutes before straining.
• If using cinchona bark, lightly crush it before adding to the shaker to extract its bitter, tonic-like essence.
• Torching the rosemary garnish before serving will release even more aromatics, creating a sensory experience before the first sip.

When to Serve

The Beekeeper is a perfect choice for elevated cocktail hours, dinner parties, or a refined after-dinner drink. Its balance of crisp gin, aromatic herbs, and subtle bitterness makes it an excellent aperitif, priming the palate for a meal.

The rosemary-thyme honey syrup adds warmth and depth, while the cinchona bark or tonic bitters introduce a sophisticated, slightly bitter edge that enhances its complexity. Whether served as a conversation starter at a gathering or enjoyed as a slow sipper to unwind, this cocktail delivers a refreshing yet layered experience that appeals to those who appreciate herbal and citrus-forward flavors.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Honey: Use high-quality raw honey for the best depth of flavor in the syrup.
• Gin: Beefeater (classic and crisp), Tanqueray (bold juniper), or Hendrick’s (floral twist)
• Bitters: Scrappy’s Tonic Bitters or The Bitter Truth Tonic Bitters for a well-balanced cinchona note

Similar Cocktails

• Maple Bourbon Harvest
• Earl Grey–Bourbon Punch
• White Christmas Bourbon Smash
• Rose Gold Rush
• Pineapple Bourbon Honey Sour

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Beekeeper

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Prep Time: 4 minutes minutes

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Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cinchona bark, easy gin cocktails, gin cocktails, Lemon Juice, lemon juice cocktails, Rosemary, rosemary-thyme syrup

Servings: 1

Author: Paul Kushner

Equipment

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Mixing Glass
• Fine Mesh Strainer
• Coupe Glass

Ingredients

• 2 oz Beefeater Gin
• 0.75 oz rosemary-thyme honey syrup
• 0.75 oz lemon juice
• 1 small piece of cinchona bark or a few dashes of tonic bitters
• Rosemary sprig for garnish
• 1 egg white

See also  Peach Horizon Cocktail

Instructions

• Dry Shake: In a shaker, combine gin, rosemary-thyme honey syrup, lemon juice, cinchona bark (or tonic bitters), and egg white. Shake without ice for about 15 seconds to create a frothy texture.
• Shake Again: Add ice and shake vigorously for another 15 seconds until well chilled.
• Strain and Serve: Double strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
• Garnish: Lightly torch a rosemary sprig or simply place it on top for an aromatic touch.

Notes

Pro Tips

• For the best honey syrup, combine equal parts honey and hot water with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs, letting them infuse for at least 30 minutes before straining.
• If using cinchona bark, lightly crush it before adding to the shaker to extract its bitter, tonic-like essence.
• Torching the rosemary garnish before serving will release even more aromatics, creating a sensory experience before the first sip.

 

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