HotelChatter

The Inn at Little Washington has created the "Bee's Knees" cocktail just for the summer. The refreshing sippers are made with honey from Little Washington’s own in-house bees, fragrant lavender from the garden and Catoctin Creek Watershed gin from Virginia. Can’t make it to the Inn? They’ve nicely provided the recipe so you can try and recreate the drink at home: 3 oz. Gin (the more herbal the better to bring out the lavender) .5 oz. lemon juice 1 oz. honey syrup Pinch of fresh lavender (dried is fine too if fresh is not available!) Honey powder (available on line at www.savoryspiceshop.com - 8 oz. is only $5 and it can be used in everything from tea to baking, so it won’t go to waste!)

Katsuya at the Andaz San Diego has just added a double Social Hour in its bar and lounge from 4-7 pm and 9pm until closing.On offer are $7 specialty cocktails like the Burning Mandarin, made with mandarin vodka, hand-crushed serrano chili, fresh lemon, orange juice and a splash of cranberry, and the Berry Evocative, a tropical mixer of Bacardi Oakheart rum, muddled strawberries,fresh lime juice,and a splash of citrus soda. There are also $6 beers and wines, and $5 well drinks for the less fancy and $7 signature dishes for everyone of all drink persuasions to soak up the booze. Plus, during the summer they have "Sunday Funday", an all day Social Hour!

Waist watchers will appreciate the “Skinny Cocktails” being served at Fairmont hotels and resorts. The bartenders at various properties use agave nectar and organic honey in place of sugar, and hydrating coconut water in popular drinks like margaritas, martinis, and coolers. Ask for these the next time you’re visiting: The 220-calorie “Skinny Daisy” martini at The Fairmont San Francisco’s Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar is made with Belvedere citrus vodka, lemon juice, Fruit Lab Organic Jasmine Liqueur, and Splenda syrup.

At only 87 calories, you can probably get away with sipping a few Cucumber & Habanero margaritas at The Fairmont Mayakoba in Mexico’s Riviera Maya region, thanks to the use of agave nectar in place of sugar. The other ingredients are a spicy cucumber and habanero chili mix, tequila and fresh lime juice.

In honor of the 2012 Olympics, the W New York – Downtown is now pouring a signature cocktail called Lady Chatterley. It's a kick-ass blend of Kettle One, raspberry puree, Aperol, vanilla syrup, and fresh Lemon juice topped with soda and served on the Rocks.

[Photos: Kimpton Hotels/Inn at Little Washington/Andaz San Diego/Fairmont Hotels]