Wild Turkey American Honey Liqueur & Cocktail Recipe

By Gayot Editors

Mary Poppins once sang, “Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.”

After a long day of cooking, cleaning and flying, Ms. Poppins might have relaxed with a glass of Wild Turkey American Honey, neat. While prim and proper folk might not enjoy drinking harsh Bourbon, adding a spoonful or two of honey certainly helps the whiskey go down.

This Bourbon-based honey-sweet liqueur manages to mask the alcoholic burn, powerful punch and everything else “wild” about Wild Turkey in a thick, viscous, golden solution that features hints of citrus and caramel. The Bourbon flavor is there if you look for it, but dialed way down, overwhelmed by the honey. After swallowing the 71-proof product, expect an extremely long finish, as if your mouth were coated with the sticky stuff.

Although we don’t particularly enjoy bee products, the flavor was quite pleasant, with a unique mouthfeel. There’s no need for ice, or fancy preparations, as the new liqueur can be enjoyed at room temperature straight from the bottle. The big question is determining when to pour, as it does not pair well with food, nor seem appropriate before a meal. Perhaps the best time would be after a large dinner instead of dessert.

Warning: keep your eyes open for appearances by the American Honeys, “a crew of female ambassadors sporting cut-off denim shorts, gingham tops, and boots introducing their namesake liqueur.” They will probably appeal to typical Bourbon drinkers more than this sweet concoction.

Origin: Lawrenceburg, KY U.S.A.
Price: $18.99 for 750 ml.
ABV: 40%
By: American Honey

Irish Honey Recipe

1 1/2 oz. American Honey
1 1/2 oz. Jameson Irish Whiskey

In an ice-filled mixing glass, add ingredients and shake until well chilled. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with a lime pinwheel.