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.
Mellona’s Smoke
Mellona’s Smoke is my entry for this year’s Beesou competition, inspired by Mellona, the goddess of bees, beekeeping, and honey. This low-ABV twist
Orchard Desire
Beesou leads with silky, bittersweet depth, followed by a Jazz apple infused dry vermouth that adds brightness and refinement. Rhubarb introduces a sharp,
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.
La Abeja
yoghurt washed cocktail. A Riff on a negroni. Bitter, sweet and smooth
Sting Theory
Sting Theory is a low-ABV aperitivo built around the honeyed bitterness of Beesou, balanced with Suze and Martini Ambrato and lengthened with soda for
The Pollinator
A low-alcohol Margarita inspired by British hedgerow rosehip and the importance of pollinators. BEESOU brings gentle bitterness and honeyed floral notes,
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
Hive and Seek
A fresh spritz style drink, Focusing on local ingridents of wales and the wye valley with a fun modern twist.
Lost Future
A two-layered drink with a sweet layer of smooth Fortaleza Tequila, Beesou Honey Aperitif and Lavender syrup. Complementing this is a spicy pineapple foam
Stinging Honey
A sweet and slightly herbal-dry take on a negroni taking the sweetness from Beesou’s honey apéritif and the dryness from the vermouth being cut by the
Lady Bee
“Built around BEESOU Honey Aperitif, Lady Bee is a floral low-ABV take on the classic Negroni. London dry gin brings a crisp botanical backbone, while
Just Dandy
This is a Negroni style cocktail, bitter but with added sweetness from the Beesou replacing, traditionally, Vermouth. On the nose, you get an initial aroma
Golden gentian
Golden Gentian A refined Bianco-style cocktail built around the interplay of honeyed softness and structured bitterness. Beesou brings a gentle, floral
Nectar No.9
Bright and floral on the nose with delicate aromas of chamomile, wild honey, and citrus blossom. The palate opens with soft herbal sweetness from the Drambuie
Golden Bumble Spritz
Ive designed this recipe with simplicity in mind, minimal ingredients and quick to construct, it is an efficient and flavorful cocktail that can be implemented
Bee Careful
The recipe uses Beesou as its primary ingredient, with only small amounts of suze and Muyu Chinotto to add other bitter styles alongside Beesou, as well
