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Get Your Buzz on with a Killer Bee

The tiny island of Nevis – a mere 36 square miles – is best known for its swanky hotels, tranquil beaches, lush mountains and the Killer Bee cocktail.  Nevis is the sister island to St. Kitts, with only a narrow waterway between the two tropical beauties. Most arrive on Nevis by ferry boat and no visit to the island is complete without a stop at Sunshine’s Beach Bar & Grill on Pinney’s Beach.  While this bee will only “sting” for a sip or two, you’ll be buzzing about the experience until sunrise.

Sunshine himself has been serving cocktails on the beach for over 25 years. The Killer Bee was created in the mid-90s after he won a bartending competition for the best rum punch, and the tasty concoction has been winning the hearts of locals and visitors ever since. It definitely won ours!

The recipe for his signature drink is top secret and the bartenders at Sunshine’s are known to mix the drink below the bar to keep this beloved cocktail’s ingredients hidden from prying eyes.  Sunshine will only  say, “First there’s some rum, then some passion fruit juice… and then some more rum. It’s topped off with some fresh grated nutmeg.”  Sounds good to us… the more rum, the better.

Many have taken a stab at reconstructing this popular boat drink. We think it’s worth a shot, too –  better yet, make that several shots (of rum, that is).

1 tbsp. honey
1 oz. orange juice
1 oz. passion fruit juice
1 oz. club soda
1 oz. golden rum
A dash of black pepper
Freshly grated nutmeg and limes for garnish

Warm up the honey with a bit of water (you can use the microwave or the stove). In a cocktail shaker, mix the rum, juices, club soda, honey and pepper.  Pour over ice in a glass, and garnish with a grate of nutmeg and slice of lime.  

Was your bee totally killer? Post a photo and let us know on Facebook!