All the Buzz: Meet The Drake Hotel’s Bees

High above the bustle of the Gold Coast, The Drake Hotel’s rooftop hives welcome thousands of honeybees who check in each season as some of the hotel’s most exclusive penthouse guests. From their perch atop the hotel, they enjoy panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the iconic Gold Coast, making them among the most enviably situated residents in Chicago.

The honey harvested from the hives is featured in select cocktails and culinary offerings throughout the property, adding a distinctly Drake touch to seasonal favorites and signature experiences.

Whether incorporated into a handcrafted cocktail at Coq d’Or or showcased in a chef-inspired specialty, guests can enjoy a distinctive ingredient harvested right here at the hotel. It’s a sweet piece of The Drake Hotel’s story and a taste of Real Chicago.

The Drake Hotel’s Famous Honey

And the sweetest part? The Drake’s honey is harvested fresh each year and featured in some of our signature recipes—like the Honey Trap and Cran Sparkle cocktails, or the drizzled-to-perfection Fillo Mozzarella Sticks at Coq d’Or. Stop by Coq d’Or and savor a taste of Real Chicago, straight from the hive. View Coq d’Or’s menu and hours here.

Crown Her Highness: Name the Queen Bee

The Drake Hotel knows a thing or two about treating royalty—after all, it’s hosted true icons like Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II, the Empress of Japan, and Elizabeth Taylor. Now, it’s time to roll out the red carpet for the hotel’s own royal resident: the Queen Bee. To celebrate her reign, the hotel hosted a naming contest with the name Her Drakeness being awarded as the final winner.