Honey has a rich history in beverage alcohol whether it’s with the creation of meads — a honey wine — or its addition to whiskey. Now the ingredient is finding itself in more spirits categories as brands look to differentiate.

La Société des Vins et Eaux de Vie (SVE), a custom cognac maker established in the Charente region of France in 1830, announced the release of a new liqueur: Honey & Co., in partnership with musical artist Rauw Alejandro.

A true influencer for today’s beverage formulations is sweeteners as more consumers are looking at sugar content and sources when making purchasing decisions.

U.S. honey demand reached an all-time high, according to the latest Sugar and Sweeteners Outlook report published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In a special article on the U.S. honey market, record-setting consumption of honey and made-with-honey products totaled 618 million pounds in 2021. The previous record was 596 million pounds in 2017.

Debuting in the ready-to-drink market, CanBee Cocktails are made with small-batch gin and real, simple ingredients. 

Pucker Pickle Juice, known for Original Dill and Pyro flavors of pickle juice, has released its first non-vinegar beverage.

Honeydrop Beverages launched its self-titled line of CBD Lemonade. 

Not many 12 year olds can say that they have pitched their business on TV’s “Shark Tank,” introduced then-President Barack Obama at the United State of Women Summit, who jokingly suggested he should work for her, and formed her own nonprofit, Healthy Hive Foundation, which is aimed at saving the honeybee and the food supply.

Wild Tonic released its newest kombucha product: Wild Tonic Mind Spank, a 7.6 percent alcohol by volume Hard Jun Kombucha. 

The National Honey Board, Longmont, Colo., announced that it is hosting its first Honey Spirits Competition aimed at recognizing distillers who use honey in their products.