Honey Syrup substitutes
The closest substitute for Honey Syrup is Honey, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Mix with the same amount of warm water first. use half the amount. Agave Syrup and Maple Syrup also work. In a pinch, use Simple Syrup.
Swap it in 15 drinksLow and zero proofMake your ownQuestions
What to use instead of Honey Syrup
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
HoneyWorks, tastes different Mix with the same amount of warm water first. | Use half the amount | Alcohol-free | +1 point |
Agave SyrupWorks, tastes different Cleaner and less floral. Same amount | Same amount | Alcohol-free | About the same |
Maple SyrupWorks, tastes different Adds a toasty maple flavour. Same amount | Same amount | Alcohol-free | About the same |
Simple SyrupLast resort Loses the honey flavour. Same amount | Same amount | Alcohol-free | About the same |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Honey Syrup, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Airmail
15ml (½ oz) Honey Syrup → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Honey
About 12% ABV → about 13% ABV+1 point
- Bee's Knees
22.5ml (¾ oz) Honey Syrup → 12.5ml (½ oz) Honey
About 15% ABV → about 17% ABV+2 points
- Brown Derby
15ml (½ oz) Honey Syrup → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Honey
About 16% ABV → about 17% ABV+1 point
- Gold Rush
22ml (¾ oz) Honey Syrup → 10ml (⅓ oz) Honey
About 18% ABV → about 21% ABV+3 points
- Honeysuckle Daiquiri
22ml (¾ oz) Honey Syrup → 10ml (⅓ oz) Honey
About 17% ABV → about 19% ABV+2 points
- Hot Toddy
15ml (½ oz) Honey Syrup → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Honey
About 9% ABV → about 10% ABV+1 point
- Navy Grog
15ml (½ oz) Honey Syrup → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Honey
About 16% ABV → about 17% ABV+1 point
- Spicy Fifty
10ml (⅓ oz) Honey Syrup → 5ml (¼ oz) Honey
About 19% ABV → about 20% ABV+1 point
- Three Dots and a Dash
15ml (½ oz) Honey Syrup → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Honey
About 15% ABV → about 17% ABV+2 points
- Ve.N.To
15ml (½ oz) Honey Syrup → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Honey
About 14% ABV → about 15% ABV+1 point
- Don's Special Daiquiri
15ml (½ oz) Honey Syrup → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Honey
Same strength
- Missionary's Downfall
30ml (1 oz) Honey Syrup → 15ml (½ oz) Honey
Same strength
- Port Light
22.5ml (¾ oz) Honey Syrup → 12.5ml (½ oz) Honey
Same strength
- Rosemary Blueberry Smash
15ml (½ oz) Honey Syrup → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Honey
Same strength
- Zero-Proof Bee's Knees
15ml (½ oz) Honey Syrup → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Honey
Same strength
Low and zero proof
An alcohol-free bottle can’t simply replace Honey Syrup: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. These versions are worked out for you.
- Zero-Proof Bee's KneesZero proof
Make your own Honey Syrup
Diluted honey that mixes easily into cocktails. Essential for classics like the Bee's Knees and Gold Rush.
- Time
- 5 minutes
- Makes
- 1 cup
- Keeps
- 2-3 weeks refrigerated
You need
- Honey, any variety works1/2 cup
- Warm water1/2 cup
Method
- Measure honey into a small bowl or jar.
- Add warm (not boiling) water.Hot water can destroy some of honey's beneficial properties.
- Stir or whisk until honey is fully dissolved.
- Let cool and transfer to a sealed container.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What is Honey Syrup?
Honey diluted with water to make it mixable in cocktails. Adds rich sweetness with floral notes.
Got Honey Syrup? It also replaces
Questions about Honey Syrup substitutes
What is the best substitute for Honey Syrup?
Honey is the closest substitute for Honey Syrup, though the drink will taste a little different. Mix with the same amount of warm water first.
What can I use instead of Honey Syrup in a Bee's Knees?
Honey: swap 22.5ml (¾ oz) of Honey Syrup for 12.5ml (½ oz) of Honey. It ends up about 17% ABV instead of about 15%.
How much Honey do I use instead of Honey Syrup?
Use half the amount: 30 ml (1 oz) of Honey Syrup becomes 15 ml of Honey.
Can I make Honey Syrup at home?
Yes. Diluted honey that mixes easily into cocktails. Essential for classics like the Bee's Knees and Gold Rush. It takes 5 minutes and makes 1 cup.
More mixer substitutes
Out of Honey Syrup?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.