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Bee Sting Cocktail Recipe (Spicy Bee’s Knees)

The bee sting cocktail is a spicy take on The Bee’s Knees. You’ll be adding this easy to make, buzz-worthy drink to your list of favorite cocktails! Grab a bottle of chile liqueur and drink this today.

The Bee Sting cocktail picture

Get ready to shake things up and embark on a delightful journey into the world of cocktails!

It’s time to unveil a thrilling twist on a classic favorite that will have your taste buds buzzing with excitement. 

So, grab your shaker, don your bartender’s hat, and get ready for the captivating tale of the Bee Sting cocktail.

With its spicy kick and irresistible charm, this drink is about to earn a permanent spot on your list of go-to libations. 

Cheers to a lively adventure filled with flavor, fun, and the perfect balance of sweetness and spice!

Buzzworthy Bee Sting Cocktail

The Bee Sting cocktail is an exciting twist on The Bee’s Knees, guaranteed to make it to the top of your favorite cocktail recipes list! 

Get ready to add a little heat to your drink with this easy-to-make, spicy concoction. 

Don’t forget to grab a bottle of chile liqueur and treat yourself to this delightful beverage today.

Introducing the Bee Sting Cocktail—a spicy take on The Bee’s Knees, thanks to the addition of chile liqueur.

The Bee Sting cocktail picture

How to Make the Bee Sting Cocktail

Let’s get back to the task at hand—crafting this fantastic beverage. 

Simply take your classic Bee’s Knees recipe, add a touch more honey simple syrup, and a dash of ancho chile liqueur. Serve it in a chilled martini glass to make it fancy.

Trust me, this cocktail received rave reviews from my entire family, including my mom, who isn’t typically a gin drinker.

Moreover, this cocktail is an excellent choice to transition The Bee’s Knees into cooler weather.

So, if The Bee’s Knees happens to be your go-to cocktail, you can thank me later for this fantastic twist that will keep you cozy as the temperature drops. 

Cheers to a buzz-worthy experience!

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Bee Sting Cocktail Ingredients

For the Bee Sting cocktail, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully. 

Begin with gin, providing the distinct botanical essence.

Add fresh lemon juice for a refreshing citrus kick. 

Sweeten the mix with honey syrup, bringing a touch of delightful sweetness. 

Incorporate chile liqueur to infuse the drink with a hint of spiciness.

With these ingredients in hand, get ready to embark on a flavorful journey that will leave your taste buds buzzing.

If you don’t have time to make honey simple syrup, you can use Bärenjäger – a German honey liqueur.

Ancho Reyes ancho chile liqueur bottle

What chile liqueur should I use?

My favorite chile liqueur is Ancho Reyes.

Made with ancho chiles, I must admit, I’m in love with its intriguing aroma, featuring hints of chile, cinnamon, and chocolate.

Don’t be surprised if you find it in the tequila section while searching for it, although it’s not actually tequila.

Another option is CH Distillery Amargo De Chile Amaro.

I do not what type of chile pepper is used, but it adds a unique mole flavor to the cocktail.

If you can find it, Alma Tepec Chile Pasilla Mixe is made with made RARE Pasilla Mixe chiles.

bee sting cocktail pinterest image

What if I can’t find chile liqueur?

If you can’t find Ancho Reyes or any chile liqueur for the Bee Sting cocktail, don’t worry!

There are alternative options that can still provide a similar flavor profile.

One possible substitute is using a smoky chipotle pepper-infused tequila, like Tanteo Chipotle Tequila, which will add a touch of spice and smokiness to the drink.

Other chile infused tequilas include Ghost Pepper Infused Blanco Tequila, Kapena Hawaiian Chili Infused Tequila, and Fiero Habanero Blanco Tequila.

Another option is to mix a small amount of hot sauce or jalapeño-infused simple syrup with your preferred tequila or mezcal to achieve a similar heat and flavor.

You can also muddle jalapeños in the cocktail shaker before you add the rest of the ingredients.

Get creative with the ingredients you have on hand and experiment until you find a combination that suits your taste preferences. 

Cheers to a delicious cocktail experience!

Bee Sting Cocktail

Bee Sting Cocktail

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

The bee sting cocktail is a spicy riff on The Bee's Knees. You'll be adding this easy to make, buzz-worthy drink to your list of favorite cocktails!

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces gin
  • 0.75 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 0.75 ounce honey syrup
  • ½ ounce Chile liqueur
  • Garnish: jalapeno wheel or lemon slice

Instructions

  1. Chill a cocktail glass.
  2. In a shaker, combine all ingredients with ice and shake vigorously.
  3. Strain into your glass and garnish with jalapeno wheel or lemon slice .

To make honey simple syrup,

  1. Combine honey and water (in equal parts) in a small saucepan. I usually use ½ cup of each.
  2. Heat over medium heat until honey dissolves, stirring occasionally.
  3. When honey has dissolved, remove from heat and let cool before using.
  4. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 901Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 9mgCarbohydrates: 187gFiber: 0gSugar: 182gProtein: 0g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and may not be correct.

Did you make this recipe?

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Steve

Monday 21st of March 2022

I'm thinking, if were gonna make a riff, then let's riff! When I think Ancho Reyes, I think Mexican heritage... so:

Consider replacing the gin with a good tequila blanco, like El Tesoro. Then replace the lemon with lime, to complement the tequila.

2 ounces tequila blanco 0.75 ounce fresh lime juice 0.75 ounce honey simple syrup 1/2 ounce Ancho Reyes (or any ancho chile liqueur)

B's Nees

Tuesday 20th of July 2021

This must be using the Ancho Verde, am I wrong? Wouldn't the Ancho Reyes Chili turn the drink at least somewhat red?

B's Nees

Tuesday 20th of July 2021

@B's Nees,

My bad! I made one! Maybe I need to study the color wheel!

Karen

Wednesday 5th of May 2021

Fantastic!

Stephanie

Monday 7th of March 2016

I made this over the weekend. I made four different cold versions (different liquors) and a hot toddy version. They were all so delicious - the six of us taste-testing them had a great night!

Jenny

Tuesday 8th of March 2016

Awesome, Stephanie!! I'm so glad the group of you enjoyed them! I'm going to have to try a hot toddy version soon.

Mollie

Tuesday 15th of December 2015

These sound so lovely and I've never heard of them! Very unique! Thanks for sharing on Throwback Thursday and I'll be pinning this to our TBT pinterest! Hope to see you next time!!

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