Blood & Honey

The Blood & Honey is an elegant modern cocktail that brilliantly balances the robust character of bourbon with the delicate, floral sweetness of Lillet Blanc and rich honey syrup. Fresh lemon juice provides a bright, tart counterpoint, creating a classic sour structure, while a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters add aromatic depth and complexity. It's a smooth, flavorful, and incredibly well-rounded drink, perfect for those who appreciate a nuanced whiskey cocktail.
Blood & Honey

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Blood & Honey is classified as a cocktail, specifically belonging to the 'sour' family due to its structure of spirit, citrus, and sweetener. It is widely regarded as a modern classic, having been created in the 21st century but gaining significant recognition in the bartending community. Its sophisticated flavor profile also places it in the category of upscale or craft cocktails.

Serving

The Blood & Honey is served 'up' (without ice) in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. It is a cold, moderately strong cocktail designed for elegant sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 22-26% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail was created around 2009 by bartender Michael Cecconi while he was working at The Sentinel restaurant in Portland, Oregon. It is considered a modern twist on the whiskey sour, drawing inspiration from both the gin-based Bee's Knees and the classic Blood and Sand. The clever name alludes to two of its ingredients: 'Blood' from the crimson label of the Angostura bitters bottle and 'Honey' from the honey syrup that sweetens the drink.
Origin
Created by Michael Cecconi in Portland, Oregon, USA, around 2009.

Blood & Honey

The drink is consistently known by its original name, Blood & Honey, with "cocktail" sometimes appended for clarity. The name itself is a direct reference to two of its key flavor components: the 'blood' red color of the Angostura bitters label and the 'honey' from the syrup.
Original name
Blood & Honey
Alternative name
Blood and Honey Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This drink has a beautiful golden-amber appearance and a silky-smooth texture. Its flavor profile is a harmonious balance of sweet honey and sour lemon, layered over the rich vanilla and oak notes of bourbon with a warming, clean finish.
Flavor
Bourbon, honey, citrus, floral, vanilla, oak, aromatic spice
Aroma
Lemon peel, honey, whiskey, botanical
Taste balance
Balanced, sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Smooth, warming, clean, hint of spice
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Golden honey, amber, clear
Texture
Silky, smooth, medium-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing yet warming, autumnal, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor intensity is moderate, led by a perfect equilibrium between sweetness and sourness. The alcohol strength is present but well-integrated, complemented by subtle fruity and spicy undertones.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires bourbon as its base, complemented by Lillet Blanc, fresh lemon juice, and a homemade honey syrup. A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters are essential to complete the flavor profile.
  • Bourbon Whiskey60 ml / 2 oz
    A good quality, mid-proof (90-100 proof) bourbon works well to stand up to the other ingredients.
  • Lillet Blanc22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    A French aromatized wine that adds floral and light citrus notes.
  • Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results.
  • Honey Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    To make, combine 2 parts honey with 1 part hot water and stir until fully dissolved. Let it cool before use.
  • Angostura Bitters2 dashes
    Adds aromatic complexity and a hint of spice.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for shaking

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker, jigger, and two types of strainers for a clean, smooth final drink.
  • Cocktail shaker to combine and chill ingredients.
  • Jigger for accurate measurement.
  • Hawthorne strainer to separate ice after shaking.
  • Fine-mesh strainer for double straining to remove small ice chips.

Instructions

The preparation involves shaking all ingredients with ice, followed by double straining into a chilled coupe glass. The final touch is garnishing with an expressed lemon twist for aroma.
1. Prepare the garnish and chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer.
2. Add the bourbon, Lillet Blanc, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup, and Angostura bitters to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice, ensuring it's about two-thirds full.
4. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside is frosted and cold.
5. Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
6. Take the lemon twist, express the oils over the surface of the drink by squeezing the peel, and then drop it into the glass as garnish.

Garnishing

The drink is garnished with a lemon twist. Expressing the citrus oils over the surface of the drink before garnishing adds a bright, aromatic dimension.
  • Lemon twist, express the oils over the drink before dropping it in.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is vegetarian, dairy-free, and egg-free. However, it is not vegan due to the use of honey and is not considered gluten-free as bourbon is distilled from grains containing gluten.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, around 230 kcal per serving. Its sugar and carbohydrate content is relatively high due to the honey syrup and Lillet Blanc.
Calories
Approximately 230 kcal / 962 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 19 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 17 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a versatile cocktail suitable for a sophisticated cocktail hour or as a relaxing evening drink. Its warming notes from bourbon and honey make it particularly fitting for autumn and winter gatherings, though it is refreshing enough to be enjoyed year-round.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Autumn Gatherings
  • Evening Sipping
  • Date Night

Pairing suggestions

The Blood & Honey pairs well with savory and slightly rich foods. It complements the flavors of a charcuterie board, aged cheeses like Gruyère or sharp cheddar, and roasted chicken. Spiced or candied nuts also make an excellent simple snack alongside it.
  • Charcuterie Board
  • Aged Cheeses
  • Roasted Chicken
  • Spiced Nuts

Blood & Honey: A Modern Symphony of Bourbon and Sweetness

The Blood & Honey stands as a testament to the modern cocktail revival, offering a perfectly crafted balance of flavors. Created in Portland by Michael Cecconi, it elevates the simple bourbon sour structure with the inclusion of floral Lillet Blanc and the rich depth of honey. The result is a sophisticated, smooth, and accessible drink that is both warming and refreshing. Its elegant presentation and nuanced taste make it a favorite among discerning cocktail enthusiasts.

Similar Cocktails

Gold Rush

A simpler version with only bourbon, lemon juice, and honey syrup, omitting the Lillet Blanc and bitters.

Bee's Knees

Uses gin as the base spirit instead of bourbon, but shares the lemon and honey syrup components.

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