Love whiskey cocktails with a sweet, citrusy twist? Then you’ve got to try my Maple Honey Whiskey Lemonade. This refreshing drink is bright, smooth, and perfectly balanced with bold lemon and warm maple-honey flavor. It’s easy to make and even easier to sip—whether you’re lounging by the pool, firing up the grill, or winding down after a long day.
Serve this cocktail with BBQ staples like pulled pork sliders, grilled chicken, or ribs. It’s light, vibrant, and just strong enough to keep things interesting. If you're looking for a drink that hits every note—sweet, citrusy, and bold—this one's for you.
Maple Honey Whiskey Lemonade | Heath Riles BBQ
Think of this cocktail as a fun, summery riff on a whiskey sour—but instead of sharp edges, it’s got smooth curves. The star ingredient is our Maple Honey Habanero Glaze—don’t worry, it's not spicy. It brings rich maple and honey flavors with a mellow, velvety finish that pairs beautifully with lemon and whiskey.
The Ingredients
You only need a handful of ingredients and some basic bar tools to make this cocktail:
Maple Honey Habanero Glaze (1 oz) - This is the heart of the cocktail. It adds sweetness with rich maple and honey undertones. Despite the name, there’s no heat—just smooth, syrupy flavor. Go up to 1½ oz if you prefer it on the sweeter side.
Fresh Lemon Juice (3 oz) - Use a citrus juicer to squeeze it fresh—it’s the key to the drink’s brightness and zing. You’ll need about 1½ to 2 lemons per cocktail.
Whiskey or Bourbon (2 oz) - We went with Jack Daniels, but feel free to use your favorite. Something smooth and slightly sweet works great.
Ice - For shaking and serving.
Optional Garnishes - Lemon wheels for presentation
The Process for Making My Maple Honey Whiskey Lemonade
This cocktail is quick to build—just a few shakes and you’re sipping.
Step 1: Add the glaze
Pour 1 ounce of Maple Honey Habanero Glaze into your YETI Cocktail Shaker.
Step 2: Add lemon juice
Squeeze and measure out 3 ounces of fresh lemon juice using your citrus juicer and measuring jigger.
Step 3: Add the whiskey
Add 2 ounces of your favorite whiskey or bourbon.
Step 4: Shake it up
Toss in some ice, seal your YETI Cocktail Shaker, and give it a good 10–15 second shake to chill everything down.
Step 5: Strain and serve
Fill a tall glass with fresh ice and strain the cocktail over the top. It should come right to the brim—perfect for sipping poolside or on the patio.
Step 6: Garnish (optional)
Dress it up with a lemon wheel or sprig of mint. A maple sugar rim also adds a nice touch if you want to get fancy.
The Results
This cocktail is smooth and citrusy, with just the right amount of sweetness. The Maple Honey Habanero Glaze adds body and depth without overpowering the drink. It’s like a whiskey lemonade with a refined twist—bright, bold, and easy to drink.
And remember, despite the name, the glaze isn’t spicy—just flavorful and smooth.
Serving Suggestions for Maple Honey Whiskey Lemonade
This cocktail shines next to bold, BBQ flavors—especially those with sweet or smoky profiles. Here are a few great pairings to try:
-
Whiskey-Glazed Peach Ribs: These ribs are rich, sticky, and sweet—the maple and honey notes in the cocktail make them an unbeatable match.
-
Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ Baked Beans: The cocktail’s brightness cuts the richness of these smoky, hearty beans, creating a perfect flavor balance.
- Heath’s Potato Salad: A classic Southern side that brings out the fresh lemony bite in the drink.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
You can mix the base (glaze, lemon juice, and whiskey) and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days in a YETI Pitcher. Just shake or stir before serving and pour over fresh ice.
Equipment and Tools
YETI Cocktail Shaker, Tall Glass, Measuring Jigger, Citrus Juicer, YETI Pitcher for batching