3 reimagined classics
While mead is great on its own, at Beebuzd, we’re interested in how it can work behind the bar too. Mead already brings alcohol, sweetness, and flavour to the table, which means it can replace multiple components in a cocktail without overcomplicating the build.
When we experiment with cocktails, we start with formats people already know. That way, the structure stays familiar and the focus stays on how the mead changes the drink rather than on learning something entirely new.
1. berry espresso martini
The espresso martini is one of those cocktails that feels firmly established at this point. Traditionally, it relies on vodka for alcohol and liqueurs for sweetness. We swap in Berry Buzd to handle both roles at once.
Ingredients
• 45 ml Berry Buzd
• 30 ml fresh espresso (cooled)
• 30 ml coffee liqueur
• 1 drop Claus & Effect (vanilla)
• 1 drop Cherry on Top
We shake everything with ice and strain it into a martini glass, just like the classic version. The berry notes sit quietly in the background while the espresso remains the main focus. The vanilla drop smooths the bitterness, and the cherry drop adds depth without turning the drink into something dessert-like.
2. berry cosmopolitan
The cosmopolitan is instantly recognisable, which makes it a good candidate for experimenting with substitutions. In this version, we use Berry Buzd instead of vodka and rely on flavour drops to fine-tune the balance.
Ingredients
• 45 ml Berry Buzd
• 30 ml orange liqueur
• 15 ml fresh lime juice
• 1 drop Mistle Toast (cranberry)
• 1 drop Orange You Glad?
Shaken and served in a coupe, the drink keeps the same citrus-forward profile as the original. Using mead reduces the need for extra cranberry juice or sugar, while the drops let us adjust tartness and aroma without changing the overall structure.
3. honey mule
The mule is simple by design, which makes it one of the easiest cocktails to adapt. We use OG Nectar as the base because its honey profile blends easily with ginger beer.
Ingredients
• 60 ml OG Nectar
• 120 ml ginger beer (top)
• 1 drop Santa’s Little Sipper (cinnamon)
• 1 drop Polar Pour (peppermint)
Built directly in the glass, this version stays close to the original. The cinnamon and peppermint drops add contrast rather than dominance, keeping the drink recognisable while giving it a slightly different seasonal feel. We usually finish it with a lime wedge, mint, or a candy cane depending on the time of year.
These cocktails show how we approach mixology at Beebuzd. We’re not trying to replace the classics. We’re using them as a framework to show where mead naturally fits and how small adjustments can change the experience without complicating it.