Honey liqueur creates a buzz among bartenders

Lucas Bols, the Amsterdam-based cocktail liqueur and spirits producer, has launched Bols Honey Liqueur following an extensive consultation with 20,000 bartenders.

The recipe was been created by master distiller Piet van Leijenhorst to offer something new to the on-trade and provide a valuable alternative to sugar as a sweetener in cocktails. It is extremely versatile and mixable and overcomes the practical issues associated with using natural honey.

Made from a blend of different honeys, including acacia, sunflower and malt, Bols Honey Liqueur is sourced from a variety of different landscapes and environments to give a deep and complex flavour. It has a strong malty taste with buttery, vanilla notes and a hint of orange peel on the nose. It has an ABV of 17%.

Bols Honey Liqueur will be priced in line with other Bols liqueurs and launched in 500ml and 700ml bottles in selected markets around the world. The new liqueur was recently presented at Cocktails and Spirits in Paris gaining excellent feedback from bartenders and will officially launch at the Bar Convent in Berlin on October 8-9.

Lucas Bols chief executive officer Huub van Doorne, says: “We discovered that honey is the most popular alternative to sugar in cocktails even though it is extremely difficult to work with behind the bar, often sticking to the bottom of the glass.

“This is an exciting launch as by engaging and involving bartenders in the development process, we have been able to provide the solution to a long-standing issue and innovate to enhance the drinks experience for consumers. It also meets the need for fresh and natural products and offers a premium and versatile alternative, enabling bars to offer a point of difference.”

23 August 2013 - Felicity Murray