About a month ago, while making BBQ ribs and collard greens for dinner, I wanted a cocktail that would complement our summery, southern meal. We happened to have lemonade on hand, and there's always rosemary growing out in the yard, so the Bee Sting was born. It's now my favorite summer drink- refreshing, not too sweet, and a good match for most any meal. As an added perk, for parties with folks who may not drink, you can make a pitcher of the rosemary lemonade, leaving the rye on the side for people to add in themselves.
Bee Sting Cocktail
(makes one 16 oz drink, just multiply for a pitcher)
2 Tbsp honey
1 cup lemonade (I prefer Simply Lemonade or Newman's Own)
1/4 cup sparkling water
1-2 oz rye whiskey (to taste)
Lemon slices
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Pour honey into bottom of glass and mix with a splash of very hot tap water so it'll mix in better.
Add lemonade, whiskey and ice.
Top with sparkling water and garnish with lemon and rosemary.
For a stronger rosemary flavor, place 3-4 rosemary sprigs in the lemonade and leave overnight.
I hope you enjoy this one as much as I have been!
P.S. A special welcome to those of you who found Gather and Hunt today via Folk Magazine's Instagram takeover. I've really been enjoying all your comments and likes today- thank you!
Original recipe, styling, and photographs by Danae Horst for Gather and Hunt.