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! Grab a bottle of Ancho Reyes ancho chile liqueur and drink this today.

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. Join me as we dive into the story behind this tantalizing creation and discover the key ingredients that make it an absolute sensation. 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 cocktails list! Get ready to add some buzz to your drink with this easy-to-make, spicy concoction. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of Ancho Reyes ancho chile liqueur and treat yourself to this delightful beverage today.
A few years back, I had the pleasure of attending a Honey Nut Cheerios event in Orlando. It was such a fantastic experience, filled with happy memories and the chance to meet some wonderful people. A trip to Florida should always end on a positive note, don’t you think?
During my stay, we dined at the Osprey Tavern in Orlando, and while the food was absolutely delicious, it was the cocktails that truly stole the show for me. One particular drink caught my attention: “The Bee Sting.” As someone who has a soft spot for anything bee- or honey-related, it was love at first sip.
This delightful concoction was not only delicious but also had a pleasant spicy kick to it, serving as the inspiration for this fun cocktail recipe. Introducing the Bee Sting Cocktail—a playful twist on The Bee’s Knees, thanks to the addition of Ancho Reyes ancho chile liqueur. Don’t be surprised if you find it in the tequila section while searching for it, although it’s not actually tequila. I must admit, I’m in love with its intriguing aroma, featuring hints of chile, cinnamon, and chocolate.

I can already foresee the Ancho Reyes liqueur becoming a staple in many of my future cocktail creations. Get ready for a whole lot of Ancho Reyes cocktails coming your way! But I digress. 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 the tantalizing Ancho Reyes liqueur. 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!

Bee Sting Cocktail Ingredients
For the Bee Sting cocktail, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully. Begin with 2 ounces of gin, providing the distinct botanical essence. Add 0.75 ounce of fresh lemon juice for a refreshing citrus kick. Sweeten the mix with 0.75 ounce of honey simple syrup, bringing a touch of delightful sweetness. Finally, incorporate 1/2 ounce of Ancho Reyes or any ancho 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.
What if I can’t find Ancho Reyes or any ancho chile liqueur?
If you can’t find Ancho Reyes or any ancho 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, which will add a touch of spice and smokiness to the drink. 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. 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
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 simple syrup
- 1/2 ounce Ancho Reyes (or any ancho chile liqueur)
Instructions
- Chill a cocktail glass. In a shaker, combine all ingredients with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into your glass and garnish with a lemon slice.
To make honey simple syrup,
- Combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup honey in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until honey dissolves, stirring occasionally. When honey has dissolved, remove from heat and let cool before using. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 790Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 7mgCarbohydrates: 172gFiber: 1gSugar: 169gProtein: 1g

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!!