I have always wanted to keep bees, but (to the probable great relief of my neighbors) understand that I live on a very tiny city lot that I've already jam-packed with animals of the non-stinging sort. We just don't have enough space to have them. But, alas! Bees do what they want. No space for a proper hive? No problem. We'll just move into your walls. 

So yeah. There's a beehive inside the wall of our house.

This is what I get for having a chemical-free, pollinator-friendly garden. I get squatters. I also get an extended "real talk" from my husband about how NO, we can't just leave them there and make it our space-efficient urban honey factory. (Sad trombone).

So while the bee guy is working to safely move "my bees" to a nearby apiary, I'll just be hiding inside making cocktails.

G R A P E F R U I T   B E E   S T I N G

To make one cocktail:

• 1.5 oz. tequila

• .75 oz. fresh grapefruit juice

• .75 oz. Honeyed Jalapeño Simple Syrup (instructions below)

• Edible flower/leaf, or grapefruit peel for garnish

To make the Honeyed Jalapeño Simple Syrup:

• 1/2 cup organic honey

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 jalapeño sliced in half lengthwise (if you like more heat, leave the seeds intact)

In a small saucepan, combine honey, water, and jalapeño over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until honey is completely dissolved. Allow mixture to come to a brisk simmer, remove from heat, cover, and allow to steep for a half hour. Strain mixture into an air-tight container and store in fridge for up to a week.

To make the cocktail:

Combine tequila, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup in cocktail shaker over ice. Shake until chilled, and strain into a coupe. Garnish. Drink. Wince at the pain because it's bitey. It is called a Bee Sting.