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.
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
Pea-sou
This cocktail is fresh light and summery, highlighting the taste of beesou around accessible garden ingredients. It goes down easy and is low abv so you
Royal Jelly
The drink is a low abv spritz perfect for the summer months with a freshness and florality combined with a sweet, creamy, luxurious body. Its familiar
Tail End Charlie
Tail End Charlie is my modern take on a Scottish nature influenced low ABV spritz style drink. With outdoorsy nites in the nose from pollen, camomile and
Berry and The Bee
This serve is a twist on a margarita, Adding Beesou Honey Aperitif and Almave Blanco Blue Agave to a cordial using local seasonal ingredients of Blackberries,
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
The Lager Nada
Tall, frosty, fresh, citrusy and hoppy concoction in ode to the Mexican Party drink. Low/No ABV.
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
Mellifera
A funky, complex and umami blend of health focused ingredients. Common brands for the blueberry Kombucha (to ease replication) include Hip Hop, Loving
Dream Bee
A low ABV white negroni riff with big floral overtones and a lingering oolong-like finish. This recipe uses Edinburgh Elderflower Liqueur because it's
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
Forager Spritz
Forager Spritz is a contemporary low-ABV spritz inspired by the balance and interconnectedness of the hive, where every ingredient has a purpose. Built
Perga King
A refreshing, bittersweet, low ABV aperitif cocktail. Dry, with aromatic and floral pollen notes.
The Energy spritz
A bright, lightly bitter spritz with tropical fruit, warming spice, and a refreshing fizz. The tepache brings tangy pineapple and cinnamon notes, while
Antihistamine: No Sting
This is based on a margarita, that is moving in the direction of a penicillin. The pairing of the citrus, honey, aniseed, and ginger is exceptional. This
Bee Road
My drink is a low alcohol riff on a rich spirit forward drink. I’ve combined the bittersweet viscous Beesou with a locally foraged gorse syrup, the syrup
