There’s something undeniably Southern about a Dixie Dew. It’s a smooth, honey-sweet bourbon cocktail with a bright splash of lemon and a hint of mint—simple, refreshing, and full of charm. Whether you’re sipping on a porch swing or hosting friends for a backyard cookout, this drink just fits. I’ve made this cocktail countless times, and it always brings a little bit of that slow, sweet Southern vibe to the glass.
Dixie Dew
What You’ll Need
Serves: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Equipment: Shaker, jigger or measuring spoons, rocks glass or Mason jar, cocktail strainer
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) honey syrup (see tip below)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
– Ice cubes (for shaking and serving)
– Fresh mint sprig, for garnish
Optional swaps:
– Try agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey syrup
– Use rye whiskey if you like a bit more spice
– Garnish with a lemon twist or peach slice for a fun twist
How to Make It
- Make the honey syrup (if you haven’t already): Mix equal parts honey and hot water. Stir until the honey dissolves. Let it cool—you can store extra in the fridge for up to a week.
- Fill your shaker with ice. This helps chill the drink quickly without watering it down too much.
- Add the bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice. Go for freshly squeezed lemon juice—it makes a big difference in brightness and flavor.
- Shake it well. About 10–15 seconds should do it. You want the outside of the shaker to feel cold.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. A Mason jar works too if you’re feeling rustic.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig. Gently smack the mint between your hands first to release its aroma.
Tips & Tricks
– Balance the sweetness: If it’s too sweet, reduce the honey syrup a little or add a bit more lemon juice.
– Use good bourbon: Pick something you enjoy sipping on its own. A smooth, mid-range bourbon works best here.
– Make ahead: Mix the bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice in a pitcher and refrigerate for up to a day. Shake individual servings with ice when ready.
– Storage: Don’t store with ice—wait until serving to shake and pour over fresh cubes.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is especially good when the weather’s warm, but I’ve also enjoyed it by the fire with a few tweaks (hello, cinnamon and clove). Here are some tasty pairings:
Perfect Pairings
– Barbecue Ribs: The smoky, savory meat brings out the bourbon’s depth and the honey’s sweetness.
– Grilled Peach Salad: Fresh, tangy, and a little charred—this dish matches the citrus and complements the mint.
– Pecan Pie: A classic Southern match. The nutty, caramel flavors pair beautifully with the drink’s honey and lemon notes.
Try These Variations
Georgia Dew
– Add 0.5 oz (15 ml) peach schnapps before shaking.
– Garnish with a peach slice for extra Southern flair.
Winter Dew
– Muddle a pinch of cinnamon and clove with the lemon juice before adding the other ingredients.
– Adds a warm, spiced twist for colder months.
Citrus Dew
– Mix 0.25 oz (7.5 ml) each of lemon, lime, and orange juice for a tangy citrus blend.
– Swap honey syrup for agave if you want a lighter sweetness.
Virgin Dixie Dew
– Replace bourbon with ginger ale.
– Shake lemon juice and honey syrup with ice, top with ginger ale, and garnish with mint.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Common Questions
Can I make a batch ahead of time?
Yes! Mix the bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice in a pitcher and store in the fridge. Shake with ice before serving.
What’s the best bourbon to use?
Choose a bourbon you like to sip. A medium-bodied one with a little sweetness and spice works great.
Can I use store-bought lemonade instead of fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best, but in a pinch, a good-quality lemonade can do the trick. Just reduce or skip the honey syrup if it’s already sweetened.
Can I serve Dixie Dew in winter?
Absolutely! Try the Winter Dew variation with warming spices—it’s cozy and festive.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
Start with less honey syrup, then taste and tweak. Everyone’s sweet tooth is different!
What should I avoid when making this cocktail?
Don’t over-shake—it can water the drink down. Use fresh lemon juice and don’t skip the garnish. That little mint sprig really ties it all together.
Whether you’re new to mixing drinks or you’ve got a home bar full of bottles, the Dixie Dew is a fun and flavorful cocktail that’s easy to fall in love with. Try it once, and it might just become your favorite too.
