It’s been super strange being home on Memorial Day weekend, seeing all the memories of great times with friends all around the country. Thinking about those no longer with us, the ones who went before. So, no fire breathing drinks for this Memorial Day, just a quiet, unassuming little sip of heaven, the Honey Bee. 

This is one of those really nice, easy to forget about, easy to take for granted drinks. Every time I have one it is like rediscovering an old friend. So, let’s skip all the thinly veiled metaphors for appreciating the simple things in life and the Milton-esque remembrances of this who also serve and get right into mixing. 

Grab your tins and all 1/2 ounce of honey simple syrup, 1/2 ounce of fresh squeezed lemon juice, 3 drops of 18-21 Early Grey bitters and 2 ounces of rum, I went with Havana Club 7 Year, cause I don’t use it enough and Laura likes it. Toss in some ice and shake hard. Double strain into something dainty, I went with a Glencairn cause I’ve never served a cocktail in one before. Take a sip, marvel at how great this simple pleasure really is. Now, run this cocktail out to your long-suffering spouse who, inexplicably, decided that midday on the hottest, most humid day we’ve seen in forever was a good time to do a bit of mowing. Stand there while she sweats and enjoys the drink, smiling shyly as if it makes up, in any way, for her being outside working in the sun while you are inside playing. As they finish the drink, wander back indoors, mumbling something about doing something nice for them at some point in the indefinite future. You may want to just drink the cocktail yourself, I don’t know your life, but for me, it was nice to be able to serve, in some small way. Stay safe, stay hydrated and stay sane, my friends.