Jessi Pollak, the bartender and beverage director at Spoon and Stable, shares some pollinator-inspired beverages. 

The Synergy Series 

Spring Bee’s Knees

1.5 oz Future Gin (or your favorite London Dry Gin or Vodka)
.75 oz Raspberry Honey Syrup*
.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
.25 oz Elderflower Liqueur

Combine ingredients in a shaker tin with ice. Shake hard until the outside of the tin is well chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with a fresh thyme sprig. 

Non-Alcoholic Bee’s Knees

1.5 oz Seedlip Grove 42 non-alcoholic distilled spirit
1 oz Raspberry Honey Syrup
.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

Combine ingredients in a shaker tin with ice. Shake hard until the outside of the tin is well chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with a fresh thyme sprig. 

*Raspberry Honey Syrup

1 cup raw local honey
1 cup water
1/2 cup fresh raspberries (cleaned and patted dry)

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, and bring to a simmer. Allow to simmer for about 5-8 minutes, until the raspberries break apart easily when squashed with the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and allow to cool, then strain through a tea strainer. Keep refrigerated.