Honey Old-Fashioned; Photography Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort

It’s been said that ingesting local honey may have medicinal benefits, such as treating allergy symptoms. But the main reason to reach for it in the kitchen and behind the bar is to soothe the soul with distinctive regional flavors that can be savored and sipped in culinary creations and cocktails.

Chef Daven Wardynski of the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort is hands-on when it comes to local honey. He oversees the entire beekeeping process, from tending to and splitting hives to making the honey syrup that goes into the Omni’s Honey Old-Fashioned.

The golden hue of the drink and the honeycomb and orange peel garnishes evoke nostalgia while delivering the essence of the coastal Florida landscape in a glass.

HONEY OLD-FASHIONED

Serves 1

• 3 ounces bourbon, such as Woodford Reserve
• 1 1/2 tablespoons honey syrup
• 10 dashes orange bitters
• orange twist
• honeycomb

PREPARATION: Mix bourbon, honey syrup and orange bitters and pour into an ice-filled Old-Fashioned glass. Garnish with twist and honeycomb.

Note: To make honey syrup, combine equal parts honey and water.

Learn more about Chef Daven Wardynski: recipes and dinners