We all have different things that make up who we are. The Founder of Foxhound, Adam Hickman , was at one point a professional recipe developer for many of the major food brands. Southern Living, Food & Wine, All Recipes, and about a dozen more brands have recipes credited to Adam.
Adam is a trained chef and spent about 10 years in the recipe development world. It's not often that two worlds cross, but long ago, Adam did a feature for Cooking Light with a variety of recipes with honey and a photo shoot with his bees.
Sparkling Honey Lemonade
Sparkling Honey Lemonade is a bright, refreshing drink that keeps things simple while feeling just a little bit special. Fresh lemon juice, fragrant basil, and a touch of honey come together for a naturally sweetened twist on a classic, with sparkling water adding just the right amount of fizz. The result is a drink that feels crisp and uplifting, perfect for sipping on a hot day or serving at your next gathering.
Serve it ice-cold on its own for a family-friendly option, or turn it into a cocktail with a splash of vodka or gin. The balance is what makes this recipe shine: tart lemon, herbal freshness, bubbly sparkle, and a mellow sweetness from honey. A quick shake in a jar means the honey blends in smoothly, and the batch easily scales up for entertaining.
This is also a recipe where your choice of honey makes a difference — its subtle floral notes add depth and complexity that elevate the lemonade beyond ordinary. Whether you’re mixing it for a casual afternoon or dressing it up for a party, this sparkling drink is a simple way to make any occasion feel a little brighter.
SPARKLING HONEY LEMONADE
10
8 1/2 cups
Beverage
Ingredients
- ¾ cup honey
- ¾ cup warm water (for dissolving honey)
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6–8 lemons)
- 3 cups cold still water
- 1 large lemon, sliced into rounds
- ½ cup whole basil leaves, loosely packed
- 2½ cups sparkling water (added just before serving)
- Optional: ice (for mixing or serving)
- Optional: vodka or gin (1–2 oz per glass, if making a cocktail version)
Instructions:
- In a glass or mason jar, combine the honey and warm water. Stir or shake to dissolve the honey completely.
- In a large pitcher, combine the honey-water mixture, lemon juice, and cold still water.
- Add the lemon slices and basil leaves to the pitcher. Chill until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, add ice (if using) and pour in the sparkling water. Gently stir to combine.
- Garnish individual glasses with a lemon slice or basil leaf, if desired.
- For a cocktail version, add 1–2 oz vodka or gin to each glass
Enjoy your delicious Sparkling Honey Lemonade!
Tips:
If making ahead of time, do not add ice directly to the pitcher. Instead, keep the lemonade chilled and ice the glasses individually. This prevents dilution and keeps the flavor bright.
Sparkling Honey Lemonade is more than just a drink — it’s a refreshing way to showcase how simple ingredients can shine. With its balance of tart lemon, fragrant herbs, gentle sweetness, and a lively fizz, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat all season long.
Give it a try and see how quickly it disappears from the pitcher. Serve it ice-cold at a picnic, mix it into cocktails for a party, or just keep a batch chilled in the fridge for everyday sipping. And if you’re looking for more honey-inspired ideas, be sure to check out our other recipes that bring this natural sweetness to life. Cheers!
Adam Hickman owns Foxhound Bee Company and is a certified EAS Master Beekeeper. Before ever selling a box through Foxhound Bee Company, Adam wrote beekeeping blogs for education. Adam regularly teaches beekeeping classes through Foxhound Bee Co and also through his local beekeeping club.