This honey bourbon cocktail with orange and honey sage syrup makes an excellent choice for a welcome drink at any fall party, or when you cozy up with someone special in front of the fire.
The inspiration for this honey bourbon cocktail came from successfully growing a pot of sage this year, along with my usual herbs. As it continued doing well into late summer my thoughts were turning to fall eats and drinks.
A libation featuring sage and our beloved bourbon just naturally came to life.
Honey was also at the forefront because I had just completed an interview of a beekeeper for our local farmers market. I learned so much about honey, and I bet you’ll find this interesting too.
Did you know that if too many bees are kept in one location there isn’t enough natural nectar for them, and their feed must be supplemented? That practice results in a less-than-pure honey with inferior taste.
The beekeeper I spoke with explained that by spreading the hives out in numerous locations they end up with pure, natural honey.
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Of course I came home with a couple of bottles of that pure and delicious honey. And then there is the addition of orange into the mix.
I’ve seen recipes for similar cocktails that finish up with just a twist of orange peel over the cocktail to release the oils.
I wanted a bit bolder orange flavor and decided to give a good squeeze of orange into the drink. With the first try the orange was still barely noticeable, so in completing the development of this recipe I made the orange wedge larger and gave it a good, firm squeeze.
Bourbon, citrus, honey? All beloved southern flavors, right? Learn more by reading “Southern Food Then and Now”.
And, if you’re a bourbon nut (like us) you’ll want to check out this article, What is Bourbon? A Brief History of America’s Whiskey.
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Bourbon Lovers Guides
If you’ve been around here long you know that we’re good old southern bourbon lovers. In fact, we put together the Ultimate Bourbon Lovers Gift Guide as well as a guide to everything you need to make classic bourbon cocktails.
You’ll want to check those out, especially with the gift-giving season approaching soon.
A Honey Bourbon Cocktail worthy of being a “Welcome Drink”
When I’m entertaining in the evening I enjoy greeting everyone with a special cocktail. I usually try to keep it in line with the theme, the menu, or the season. This one is perfect for any fall or winter gathering. I like that it doesn’t have anything sparkling that would go flat.
You could have a pitcher of these mixed up with a few orange curls and sage leaves in a bowl to use as garnish. As your guests arrive meet them at the door with this honey bourbon cocktail in hand and you’ll have happy, impressed visitors.
To add a bit of variety to your offerings, you’ll want to also make this Spiced Pear & Bourbon Ice Tea Cocktail.
Does the ice matter?
Ask anyone who is serious about their bourbon and you’ll get a resounding “Yes!” The main thing to keep in mind is that you want your ice cubes to be larger, so there is less dilution of the drink, while still chilling.
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We love these silicone ice trays that make larger, square ice cubes. For a bigger selection click over to the two bourbon guides here and here.
Bourbon Cocktails for two or for a party:
The recipe is written for two cocktails, though the honey sage syrup actually makes enough for several. The syrup will keep very nicely 5-7 days in your fridge.
For just the two cocktails we added some ice and gave it a good shake in a cocktail shaker before pouring it over the large ice cubes in fun 9 oz. glasses (these are similar ones I found on Amazon).
If you’re serving more people just stir them up in advance and refrigerate in a pretty cocktail pitcher. This link goes to a full page of great cocktail pitchers. Pour up over ice and garnish as you need them.
The Bourbon for your cocktails?
Use a good one, for sure. We used Knob Creek, which we love, and it’s good quality, but still affordable. Our Ultimate Guide for Bourbon Lovers highlights a number of choices in several price ranges, as does our post Everything You Need to Make Classic Bourbon Cocktails.
As with the honey, use the best quality bourbon your budget will allow and you’ll be pleased with this cocktail.
Simple Syrups for Cocktails
Besides the syrup used in this drink, we love making syrups for cocktails in a variety of flavors. The easiest way to do that is to use jam. You’ll have a variety of syrups in just minutes. Go get crazy with your mixology!
Bourbon Cocktail with Honey, Sage and Orange
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine honey, water and sage leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil stirring until honey is incorporated into water.
- Boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Combine bourbon, 2 ounces of syrup and juice from orange wedges in a cocktail shaker with a few cubes of ice. Shake.
- Pour immediately over about 3 large ice cubes in a 8-11 ounces size glass. Garnish with orange curl and sage leave, if desired.
Notes
More cocktails and recipes with bourbon:
Honey Bourbon Lemonade 
Bourbon Peppercorn Sauce for Steaks 
Bacon Bourbon Jam 
Blood Orange Cocktail with Bourbon and Rosemary 
Maple Bourbon Butternut Squash with Bacon 
Blackberry Southern Mule
Julia says
This is the perfect party cocktail! And I agree with you that the size of ice matters a lot.
Pam says
Thanks, Julia!
Dannii says
This cocktail is stunning. It would be great for a Christmas party.
Pam says
Thank you! We’re looking forward to serving it at Christmas, too.
Kate says
I looove adding sage to cocktails, it’s so unique and tasty! Can’t wait to try it with the honey!
Pam says
I think you’ll love it!
Raia Todd says
This flavor combo sounds amazing!
Pam says
It is indeed! Thanks, Raia
Traci says
Whoah! This beautiful cocktail is getting added to my holiday entertaining list. Scrumptious winter flavors of fresh sage and oranges…YUMMMM!
Pam says
Thanks so much, Traci!
Lisa says
This looks beautiful and I’m sure it is delicious!
Cheers 🥃
Pam says
awww…. thanks, Lisa!
Aimee Mars says
Honey, bourbon, and sage syrup! This cocktail sounds absolutely dreamy. My husband is a HUGE burbon guy so I know he’ll love it too.
Pam says
I bet he will. Thanks, Aimee!
Toni says
I love how delicious and easy this cocktail is! Perfect for me and my husband.
Dannii says
I bet the honey and sage combo in this is amazing. I can’t wait to try it.
Pam says
It really is. Hope you love it!
Pam Greer says
My sage is doing great this year and so is my supply of bourbon 🙂 so this is definitely going on the list to make tonight!
Pam says
Made me laugh!
Soniya says
Oh my ! That looks gorgeous 😍 love the addition of sage on it.. definitely making it soon
Pam says
Thanks so much, Soniya!
Scarlet says
Oh, this bourbon cocktail sounds right up my alley with the sweetness from honey and the herbaceous flavor of sage. Yum!
Pam says
Thank you, Scarlet!
Gretha Lindwood says
Well now, that was really tasty! I made this drink for tonight’s virtual Thanksgiving Happy Hour with friends. Apparently someone had eaten the last orange the other day so I used 2 Tbs of orange juice in the mix and a lemon peel twist in each glass along with a sprig of our homegrown sage. Am looking forward to using actual orange and orange peel next time but these were a fine substitute.
Pam says
That’s great to hear! Thanks, Gretha. We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Kimshiro Benton-Hermsen says
I had this at a bridal shower and fell in love. It is amazing. I have made them several times, pre-COVID for groups, and now just for me and hubby 🙂 I have ran out of honey, and subbed in dark maple syrup (the REAL stuff) and that was a delightful variation. In fact, once the honey was restocked I had to make both versions to compare. We couldn’t make up our minds, so a second tasting is scheduled. Happy times!
Pam says
Wow! We’re so happy you love it! Come back and let us know how the second tasting goes.