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.
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
Basil Bee Negroni
The Basil Bee Negroni is a very simple yet complex cocktail. A riff on white negroni & gin basil smash. I wanted to really highlight the Beesou &
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
Do You Like Jazz?
It's a tart yet bright and effervescent concoction that's delightfully refreshing with meady tones from the Beesou.
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
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
Golden gentian
Golden Gentian A refined Bianco-style cocktail built around the interplay of honeyed softness and structured bitterness. Beesou brings a gentle, floral
Forest Dew Negroni
A delicate but flavourful negroni twist, with a sparkling top to add texture on the front of your palatte. Tasting notes of honey, flowers, and oak.
Summer Stinger
A light sweet spritz best had in the sun paired with a tart lemon Welsh cake. Using orange marmalade as a pairing for the honey and a prosecco syrup as
Hey Maya
35ml Beesou aperitif 20ml casamigos reposado 20ml liquor 43 2 dashes of lemon bitters Bittersweet cocktail.Easy to drink.Well balanced.Great for digestive.
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
Summer in my Garden
Let yourself indulge in the bitter truth of life, and take a moment to feel the warmth of a summer evening in your garden. Surrounded by notes of grapefruit,
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,
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,
Mellifera
A funky, complex and umami blend of health focused ingredients. Common brands for the blueberry Kombucha (to ease replication) include Hip Hop, Loving
Belladonna
Smokey flavour with the taste of herbs like nettle and lilac flower, with a drop of rosemary. Woodland meets with honey! Complex flavour,strong character
