Honeymoon Cocktail Recipe

Honeymoon Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol:15%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Honeymoon cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the early 20th century. It was first created at the Brown Derby in Hollywood, a popular spot for celebrities and movie stars during the golden age of cinema. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of apple and honey.

  • The Honeymoon cocktail was popularized in the 1930s and 1940s
  • It is said to have been a favorite of Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable
  • The name 'Honeymoon' is believed to have been inspired by the romantic and celebratory nature of the drink

How Honeymoon Tastes?

The Honeymoon cocktail has a delightful balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a smooth and velvety texture. The apple brandy adds a fruity and slightly tart note, while the honey and Benedictine liqueur provide a rich sweetness. The lemon juice provides a refreshing citrusy tang, making this cocktail a perfect harmony of flavors.

Interesting facts about Honeymoon

  • The Honeymoon cocktail is often served in a coupe glass, which was originally designed for champagne
  • The Benedictine liqueur used in this cocktail is a French herbal liqueur that has been produced since the 19th century
  • The Honeymoon cocktail is sometimes garnished with a lemon twist or a cherry, adding a pop of color and extra visual appeal

Ingredients

Apple Brandy

It's the core of this libation, providing a fruity base that's as strong as your resolve not to text your ex. Why 1.5 oz? Because it's the Goldilocks zone - not too overpowering, not too meek. Skip it, and your cocktail is no longer honeymooning; it's just sitting at home alone.

Mary Mitkina

Benedictine Liqueur

Half an ounce of intrigue. Benedictine adds herbal and spicy nuance, the kind that whispers sweet nothing's way more sophisticated than your average joe. Omitting it would be like a wedding without vows—sure, you'll get through the party, but the soul will be missing.

Alex Green

Lemon Juice

Zesty at 0.5 oz, this citrus injects life into the party—like the best man's speech but without the awkward jokes about the groom. Less would be underwhelming, more would steal the spotlight, and skipping it would leave your drink duller than a dishwasher in a fine dining restaurant.

Emma Rose

Honey

This is the sweetheart of the mix, rounding off the edges with a gentle kiss of sweetness. Like that one hug that lingers, 0.5 oz is just the right amount of warmth. Ditch the honey, and the honeymoon turns into just another Tuesday night.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Honeymoon Drink

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the following ingredients:
    • 1.5 oz apple brandy
    • 0.5 oz Benedictine liqueur
    • 0.5 oz lemon juice
    • 0.5 oz honey
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds
  3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass
  4. Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry, as desired

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail vigorously to properly mix the honey.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, fresher flavor.
  • Chill the coupe glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer.

Perfect Pairings

Cheese Platter

A variety of cheeses, especially sharp and aged ones, can complement the sweet and herbal notes of the Honeymoon cocktail.

Charcuterie

Salty cured meats will provide a pleasing contrast to the cocktail's sweetness and enhance its complexity.

Seafood Appetizers

Light seafood dishes, such as shrimp cocktail or seared scallops, can pair nicely with the cocktail's acidity and sweetness.

Desserts

Opt for desserts like lemon tart or apple pie to resonate with the citrus and apple brandy flavors in the drink.

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What you could change in Honeymoon

  • Apple Brandy: Can be substituted with Calvados or apple-flavored vodka.
  • Benedictine Liqueur: Can be substituted with Drambuie or Yellow Chartreuse.
  • Honey: Can be substituted with agave syrup or simple syrup.

Explore all drinks starting with H here

And of course - twists🍹

Apple Cider Honeymoon

Ingredients: Use apple cider instead of apple brandy. Recipe: Follow the original, but with the bubbly twist of cider. Taste: Expect a fizzy, less potent but more refreshing version—like taking your honeymoon to the countryside.

Spiced Honeymoon

Ingredients: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. Recipe: Same as original, but sprinkle in the spice with flair. Taste: It's the autumnal cousin, giving you the warmth of a cabin honeymoon next to a crackling fireplace.

Honeycomb Honeymoon

Ingredients: Utilize raw honeycomb in place of honey. Recipe: Muddle a piece of honeycomb before adding the other ingredients. Taste: A deeper, richer sweetness that's as genuine as a lovebird's promise. Garnish with a small piece of honeycomb to telegraph the authenticity.

In case you forgot basics how to make Honeymoon

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Honeymoon

What is the best time to drink the Honeymoon cocktail?

This sweet and sour cocktail can be enjoyed any time, but it is particularly popular as an after-dinner drink or during cocktail hour.

What kind of diets is the Honeymoon cocktail compatible with?

Given its ingredients, this cocktail may not be suitable for specific diets like vegan (due to honey), low-carb or no-sugar diets. Always check with your diet restrictions before having this cocktail.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Honeymoon cocktail?

Yes, you can substitute apple juice for apple brandy and use non-alcoholic substitutes for Benedictine Liqueur. Remember to also omit honey if you're trying to cut sugar.

Do the proportions of the ingredients affect the taste of the Honeymoon cocktail?

Yes, the proportions of the ingredients can greatly affect the taste of the cocktail. Too much or too little of an ingredient may throw off the balance of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors.

What are some popular foods to pair with the Honeymoon cocktail?

Given its sweet and slightly tart flavor profile, the Honeymoon cocktail pairs well with savory appetizers such as cheese and crackers, smoked salmon, or bruschetta.

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