Orange Bourbon Cocktail: The Blossoms+Bourbon Recipe

Orange Bourbon Cocktail: The Blossoms+Bourbon Recipe

Our Blossoms+Bourbon cocktail was Inspired by our Blossoms + Bourbon Collection, now known as our Citrus Blossom Collection. The line is fresh, clean, and bright with citrus and geranium bourbon essential oils. Think: citrus juices converging in skincare. The Blossoms + Bourbon butter is like giving your skin a kiss of sunshine, and the scrub is a delicious zesty that smells good enough to eat! (We highly don’t recommend eating it, though!) That’s why we thought it would be a great idea to create a delicious orange bourbon sour in its honor and created the Blossoms+Bourbon Cocktail.

A little bit of history

During prohibition, the orange blossom tipple was a popular drink. A tipple was sweet and citrusy and was common at parties. It was also said that film director D.W. Griffith kept oranges on his hotel room’s window sill so they could always be ready for his favorite cocktail. Orange blossom tipples are similar to the modern Screwdriver but a little more special. Our Bee-Inspired version takes the cake and is a perfect addition to brunches and weekend get-togethers. We’re using fresh orange juice, a little vermouth, and some honey in this case.

Our Blossoms and Bourbon Cocktail is made with fresh citrus juices and a drizzle of honey and looks great in a cocktail glass

How to make this drink with orange juice

You’ll need bourbon, freshly squeezed citrus mixer(s), and a cocktail shaker.

In this case, we’re using fresh-squeezed lemon and orange juices, a little vermouth, and some honey to balance the flavors.

orange tipple being made with orange juice in a cocktail shaker

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake away. For an alternative method, add ice cubes to a lowball glass. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange rind or slice and serve. Enhance the flavor profile by adding a dash of orange bitters.

Blossoms and Bourbon cocktail with garnish

To keep up with the theme, we suggest using our Eastern Shore Orange Blossom Honey. The honey has a slightly zesty yet flowery flavor profile, making it a perfect match for orange juice and sweet vermouth. Alternatively, you can use maple syrup (if you must) for added sweetness and complexity. Simple syrup made with honey, infused with herbs or flowers, is also a versatile option for adding additional flavors.

Orange Blossom Honey on kitchen counter with oranges in background and honey tube next to it with green glass tile in the background

Shake up this Blossoms+Bourbon Cocktail with a cocktail shaker

A recipe is not truly perfect until you’ve added your touch to it. That’s why we encourage you to play with your food and drink. Let your inner bartender come out and play and change up this drink. Match it to your tastes! And most importantly, have fun!

Garnish Instructions:

  • Garnish with fresh rosemary and orange slices to enhance the aromatic experience.

  • Float Edible flower blossoms for a visually appealing touch.

  • Add caramelized orange slices for extra flavor and visual appeal.

  • Use dried citrus wheels to garnish this specialty cocktail.

  • Drizzle cinnamon-spiced blood orange juice syrup for a slightly sweet touch.

  • Balance the drink with sweet and tart flavors for a perfect sour blend.

Blossoms and bourbon cocktail detail with orange rind garnish

Here are some ideas for adding orange bitters:

  • Use a different blend of freshly squeezed citrus juices

  • Include a sprinkle of orange zest in the cocktail

  • Bitters soften this sour drink

  • Balance the cocktail with tart flavors from cranberry juice - try adding our Cranberry Honey as well

  • Enhance the drink with a vanilla lollipop to complement the tartness and sweetness

Our Blossoms and Bourbon Cocktail is made with fresh citrus juices and a drizzle of honey

Discover the intriguing journey behind our collection's name change!

Learn why we transitioned from "Blossoms and Bourbon" to "Citrus Blossom" in a surprising twist. Our original name choice got us in trouble with advertising regulations due to its mention of spirits. But rather than scrap the name entirely, we took this as an opportunity to rebrand and develop a new name that was easier for our customers to understand.

The Original Name Choice

Our collection was initially named "Blossoms and Bourbon." This name was chosen because it perfectly encapsulated the essence of our fragrances—floral scents mixed with a hint of boozy sweetness. We believed it was the perfect fit for our brand and products.

However, during the advertising review process, we ran into some unexpected roadblocks. It turns out that mentioning alcohol or spirits in product names can raise red flags for certain regulatory agencies. We were advised to change the name of our collection to comply with advertising guidelines.

The Rebranding Process

At first, we were disappointed and frustrated by this setback. We had already spent a lot of time and resources promoting our original name and building a brand around it. But rather than giving up, we saw this as an opportunity to get creative and come up with something even better.

We brainstormed new ideas and eventually landed on the name "Citrus Blossom." This name still captures the essence of our fragrances - floral notes mixed with a refreshing burst of citrus. It also has a more unique ring to it, making our collection stand out even more in the market.

Some other citrus spiked shots and cocktails you may enjoy:

If you mix up our Blossoms+Bourbon Cocktail, why not take a photo and share it with us using #beeinspired on

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If you mix up our Blossoms+Bourbon Cocktail, why not take a photo and share it with us using #beeinspired on Instagram! If you're a fan of bourbon, we have more bourbon drink recipes with honey. If you like whiskey in general, we also have more whiskey honey drinks for you to try. Love the idea of mixing fruit with bourbon? Check out our Apple Bourbon Ginger Cocktail.


Kara holding a hive frame in doorway of cabin

About the Author

Kara waxes about the bees, creates and tests recipes with her friend Joyce, and does her best to share what she’s learning about the bees, honey, ingredients we use and more. Read more about Kara