See all recipes entered in the 2026 competition
The Beesou Hive Challenge encourages low alcohol innovation, seasonal expression, and a commitment to sustainability.
For the 2026 competition, bartenders were challenged to reinterpret one of three classic cocktails – Spritz, Margarita, and Negroni – balancing creativity with respect for the original cocktail's structure and identity.
In the beeginning
This take on a classic negroni is designed to make you start your day right. It is light, playful honey forward with slight floral and earthy notes. The
The Ferryman
A low-ABV Northern Negroni inspired by mythology, waterways, and the quiet passage between worlds. Built around the floral depth of BEESOU and the coastal
Bee-autiful Margarita
Beesou Honey aperitif has its own character, the delicate touch of camomile and the personality of the tequila has, will provide a smooth, elegant and
M3 Nightcap
This drink is in response to the Beesou Hive challenge. It is not too dissimilar to a Cardinale cocktail, with the same blueprint of a Negroni but more
The First Bloom
The drink contains freshly picked dandelion tea which adds a delicate grassy note to the drink, the vermouth sweetens the slight bitterness, but overall
The Hive Mind
I called this drink the hive mind as I thought it suited how much all of the different ingredients come together and create something as a whole better
The Sunken Garden
A fun twist on a classic negroni. The idea came from the sense of the seasons merging into one. But at the moment it feels like we're in a real divide
Meli
Savoury-Sweet Apertif for late afternoon Summer. Saline & Rosemary in the drink is key to enhance savoury notes. Homemade ingredients can be substituted
The blooded Honey
The reason why I believe this cocktail can make it to first place is because of how I’ve accompanied the bitter sweet aperitif of Beesou using a lightly
Hive and Seek
A fresh spritz style drink, Focusing on local ingridents of wales and the wye valley with a fun modern twist.
Sting in the Orchard
My entry for the 2026 Hive Challenge is an apple margarita using the specs of a negroni. I used locally sourced apples from the nearby Vale Orchard and
Nectar & Stalk
At your first sip, notice how the pinpoint carbonation lifts the fresh mint aroma, but pay close attention to the mid-palate. The sous-vide process has
The Breakfast Spritz
A bright and refreshing reminder to eat your breakfast… the bartenders way. Balancing the tartness and sweetness both derived from the main spirit Beesou
Unforgettable fashion
Unforgettable fashion takes the freshness of a spritzer whit a more punchy approach, whit a combination of earthly notes like fig, tequila and champagne,
Sunny spritz
This cocktail is both fruity and aromatic, with a hint of bitterness. The apricot brings a fresh, fruity note, while thyme adds length and depth on the
The Bee's Cheese
A lower ABV twist on a White Negroni. Inspired by an all time favourite flavour pairing of mine...cheese and honey.
