Oh, Honey!

Cocktails kissed with gorgeous drops of liquid gold

By Alison Bailin Batz

Every February, the Valley is abuzz. It is only fitting, then, that bartenders borrow a page from the bees, drizzling honey into cocktails to give them a smoother, sweeter taste. Here are some favorites.

Californication
Hash Kitchen

This tequila-driven cocktail leads with brightness before revealing a playful mix of fruit and heat. Fresh lime juice and triple sec deliver citrus clarity, while housemade strawberry syrup adds ripe berry depth and a hint of jammy sweetness. Hot honey introduces a slow-building warmth that lingers just long enough to keep the palate engaged. Served over ice in a ribbed rocks glass with a salt rim, it is finished with fresh strawberries and an edible flower. $14. www.hashkitchen.com.

That Up-Tempo Swing
Platform 18

Built to evolve on the palate, this cocktail layers Nolet’s Gin and Grey Goose Vodka for a clean yet botanical foundation. Wildflower honey provides natural sweetness, balanced by vanilla and peach. Hibiscus adds a lightly tart floral note, while sage tincture keeps the profile composed and grounded. The finishing touch is Earl Grey-infused cotton candy, which melts gradually, releasing tea aromatics and soft sweetness that reshape the drink as it is sipped. $21. www.bartershake.com/platform-18.

Ghost of the Jaguar
UnderTow

Bold and intricately layered, Ghost of the Jaguar features Planteray XO Rum and El Tesoro Reposado Tequila, creating a rich, oak-driven base. Yuzu liqueur brings a bright citrus flash, supported by pineapple and lemon for balance and acidity. Ancho-infused buttered honey adds smoky sweetness and texture, while Turkish chili flakes contribute heat and dark spice. Finished with Tiki bitters, the cocktail moves seamlessly between fruit, warmth and depth. $46. www.drinkundertow.com.

Roadrunner
Fellow Osteria

Precise and energetic, this mezcal-forward cocktail highlights Rayu mezcal’s gentle smokiness without letting it dominate. Bright lime juice sharpens the flavor profile, while herbal liqueur contributes soft alpine florals and pineapple amaro introduces a measured touch of bitterness. A kiss of honey smooths transitions between flavors, and Ancho Reyes Poblano adds understated depth. Served chilled in a martini glass, it is finished with white pepper and an orange twist for aromatic contrast. $16. www.fellowosteria.com.

Lavender Haze
The Collins Small Batch Kitchen

Aromatic to the max, Ford’s Gin starts this build. It is paired with housemade honey syrup, which provides a silky mouthfeel rather than overt sweetness, and rosemary-lavender simple syrup, offering herbal and floral nuance. Shaken and served up in a coupe, the cocktail feels airy yet composed. A dehydrated lemon wheel adds brightness, visual polish and a subtle citrus aroma that fully ties the drink together. $17. www.thecollinsaz.com.

The Midas Touch
The Womack

Thoughtfully structured and easy to enjoy, this cocktail begins with bourbon and a gentle note of tart tamarind that keeps the profile lively. White sangria brings soft fruit character, while blended amaro adds backbone and a touch of bitterness. Honey acts as the unifying thread, smoothing edges and connecting each element without weighing the drink down. The result is a polished, approachable cocktail. $15. www.thewomack.us.