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.
A few years ago I went to Orlando to attend a Honey Nut Cheerios event. I had a really great time and met some nice people! Only happy memories, which is how every trip to Florida should end. Always.
On the first night, we ate dinner at Osprey Tavern in Orlando. The food was delicious but the cocktails kind of stole the show for me. On the menu was a drink called “The Bee Sting” and I was instantly smitten.
I tend to gravitate towards bee and honey everything. Surprise, surprise.
It was delicious, a little spicy, and is the inspiration behind this fun cocktail recipe.
Bee Sting Cocktail
The bee sting cocktail is a riff on The Bee’s Knees cocktail – the sting comes from a dose of Ancho Reyes ancho chile liqueur. When you go out searching for it, check the tequila section.
This liqueur is definitley not tequila but that’s probably where you’ll find it. I love the way it smells – it has hints of chile, cinnamon and chocolate.
I have a feeling this spicy liqueur will be used in many of my future cocktail recipes. Ancho Reyes cocktails for everyone!
I digress. 🙂
Go about your drink making, concocting your The Bee’s Knees and add a little more honey simple syurp and a dash of the Ancho Reyes. This cocktail got the thumbs up from all of my family, including my mom who doesn’t drink gin.
It’s also a really great way to transition The Bee’s Knees into cooler weather. If that is your favorite cocktail, you’re welcome.

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

Looking for more cocktail recipes? Try my winter sangria
or this autumn spiced rum cider cocktail!
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!!