Drenched in sunlight and surrounded by the Tyrrhenian, Mediterranean, and Ionian Seas, Sicily's azure shoreline offers an Italian paradise. Swapping out plumeria flowers for lemon blossoms and hibiscus for bougainvillea, Sicily's hot, dry summer climate draws you into the embrace of its three seas. Savor the taste of Italian paradise with this fun Sicilian cocktail. While Campari replaces Grenadine to add a touch of Italian bitterness, Lemon Blossom Honey simple syrup adds a hint of tart sweetness that smells like a warm Sicilian breeze. 

SICILIAN BIRD COCKTAIL 

Makes 1 Cocktail

INGREDIENTS

▢ 1 1/2 oz dark rum (we like Brugal)
▢ 1 oz Campari
▢ 1/2 oz lime juice
▢ 1/2 oz Lemon Blossom Honey simple syrup
▢ Pineapple or fresh edible flowers for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Make the simple syrup by combining 1/4 Lemon Blossom Honey and 1/4 cup water in a small sauce pot. Warm on the stovetop until the honey has completely melted. Remove from heat and cool completely. 
2. Add the rum, Campari, lime juice, and  lemon blossom simple to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.  
3. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. 
4. Garnish with pineapple. 
5. Saluti.

FAQ

1. What is raw honey? - Many large honey manufacturers will heat their honey  to high temperatures to melt the honey and speed up the extraction process from the honey comb. When the honey is heated, it becomes more viscous, therefore easier to extract. When heated to this degree, the honey becomes pasteurized and looses many of its natural enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Raw honey, however, is not heated but is rather entirely extracted by centrifugal force. It is not filtered or heated and therefore is not pasteurized and retains its enzymes, vitamins and minerals. 
2. How to make honey syrup? - Like any cocktail simple syrup, honey syrup is made by melting equal parts honey and water together over low heat. 
3. How long does honey syrup last? - Honey simple syrup lasts up to a week when placed in a clean, airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. 
4. Can I use honey syrup for anything other than cocktails? -  Honey syrup is a great alternative sweetener for iced coffee and iced tea. It is also an excellent alternative sweetener for lemonade or limeade.