Honey, I’m at Home On the Trail
Cocktails for Basecamp Highlighting Arkansas Honey.
Recipe and notes from David Timberlake, bar manager at The Pantry
Photography By Sara Reeves
Honey, a delightful addition to any cocktail, serves as an excellent substitution for simple syrup, a common ingredient in many favorite recipes. Honey also adds a richness in flavor and pleasant addition to a drink’s mouthfeel. Some of my favorite classic cocktails to substitute honey in include: Margaritas, Old Fashioneds, Gimlets, Sazeracs and the Tom Collins.
When mixing drinks, I typically use a honey syrup. Making honey syrup is a breeze: Simply combine equal parts of hot water and honey together. Personally, I enjoy enhancing the honey with various seasonings such as cinnamon, rosemary, mint or even hot sauce – the possibilities are endless. Additionally, incorporating hot tea into the mix adds another layer of flavor complexity.
If you can get a local honey, chances are that your drink will be even more robust. Locally produced honey brings variations in flavor, thanks to the different nectar collected and flowers available from season to season.
There are a few classic cocktails that are almost synonymous with honey, including the Hot Toddy, Bees Knees or Gold Rush. The following recipe can be used for all three drinks and is perfect for those nights at basecamp during a full weekend of exploring the great outdoors in The Natural State.
I hope you get creative, have fun and come up with some fun cocktails.
Cheers.
David Timberlake shakes a honeyed cocktail while taking recipe notes for Arkansas Wild.
Sweet on trailside cocktails: learn to make the Bees Knees to impress your trailmates.
Basecamp Honey
2 ounces liquor (gin or whisky, but can substitute vodka, brandy, cognac, tequila or whatever you have in mind)
¾ ounce lemon (freshly squeezed is suggested, but store bought is fine)
¾ ounce your honey syrup
For the Bees Knees.
Build in a shaker and shake for 20 seconds then strain into a martini or coupe glass.
For the Hot Toddy.
Build in a coffee mug and top with hot water.
For the Gold Rush.
Build in a shaker and shake and strain over ice.
For the final touches.
Garnish all with lemon wheel or lemon zest.
