Fiery Honey Badger Cocktail

A spicy honey syrup infused bourbon cocktail. Make it refreshing for summer by topping it off with Champagne or Prosecco. Or serve it straight up for a spicy, smoky and sweet libation.

Course: Drinks

Keyword: bourbon, bourbon cocktail, bourbon drinks, honey badger cocktail, spicy honey

Yield: 1 cocktail

Materials

For the Spicy Honey Syrup (makes 1 cup)

1/2 cup (110 ml) honey
1/2 cup (110 ml) water
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or use one whole, spicy dried chili: chipotle, chili de arbol, thai bird, etc)

For the Fiery Honey Badger Cocktail (makes 1 cocktail)

2 ounces (60 ml) bourbon
2 tbsp (30 ml) spicy honey syrup
2 teaspoons (10 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Champagne or Prosecco (if using)
ice
1 lemon twist

Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine the ingredients for the spicy honey syrup. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Allow to cool completely and strain through a fine, mesh sieve.
To serve with champagne: in a cocktail shaker or mason jar, combine bourbon, honey syrup and lemon juice, along with some ice. Shake hard for 15-30 seconds until well chilled. Strain into a champagne flute. Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.
To serve straight up: in a cocktail shaker or mason jar, combine bourbon, honey syrup and lemon juice, along with some ice. Shake hard for 15-30 seconds until well chilled. Strain into a coupe or old-fashioned glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Notes

-extra spicy honey syrup will keep in a jar, in the fridge, for two weeks.

-to make a non-spicy cocktail (Tame Honey Badger), omit the red pepper flakes from the honey syrup.

-recipe makes enough syrup for 8 cocktails.