The Beehive Handshake

Business casual in a glass — Utah's deal is sealed.

This cocktail channels the polished, purposeful energy of a Salt Lake City lobby meeting — crisp, clean, and quietly ambitious. Utah's iconic honey (a nod to the Beehive State) mingles with bright local flavors and a cool, alpine lift, mirroring that composed confidence you need before a big handshake. It's professional on the surface, but there's warmth and character underneath.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Utah-made gin (or a clean, juniper-forward gin)
• 0.5 oz honey syrup (2:1 honey to water)
• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur (St-Germain)
• 2 dashes celery bitters
• 1 oz chilled sparkling water
• Large clear ice cube

Instructions

1. Combine gin, honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, and celery bitters in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake firmly for 12–15 seconds until well-chilled.
3. Place one large, clear ice cube into a rocks glass.
4. Double-strain the cocktail over the ice cube.
5. Gently top with 1 oz of chilled sparkling water — do not stir, let it settle naturally.
6. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon wrapped around a fresh thyme sprig, secured with a honey-dipped cocktail pick.
7. Serve immediately — firm handshake optional.