Bee’s Knees
The Bee’s Knees is a delightfully refreshing Prohibition-era cocktail that brings together the vibrant flavors of gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup. With its perfect balance of tartness and gentle sweetness, this drink is sunshine in a glass—elegant enough for a special occasion, yet easy enough to whip up on a lazy afternoon. If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s both classic and approachable, the Bee’s Knees will have you buzzing with joy!
Bee’s Knees
The Bee’s Knees is a delightfully refreshing Prohibition-era cocktail that brings together the vibrant flavors of gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup. With its perfect balance of tartness and gentle sweetness, this drink is sunshine in a glass—elegant enough for a special occasion, yet easy enough to whip up on a lazy afternoon. If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s both classic and approachable, the Bee’s Knees will have you buzzing with joy!
- Gin60 ml (2 oz)A classic London Dry gin works well, but experiment with floral gins for a twist
- Fresh lemon juice25 ml (0.75 oz)Freshly squeezed for the brightest flavor
- Honey syrup25 ml (0.75 oz)Mix equal parts honey and hot water for easy blending
- Cocktail shaker
- Hawthorne strainer
- Jigger (for measuring)
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, for a smoother drink)
Chill a coupe glass by filling it with ice water and setting aside.
Add gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
Discard the ice water from your glass and double-strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist for aroma and a touch of elegance.
- Bright and refreshing balance of sweet and tart flavors
- Simple to make with only three main ingredients
- Naturally sweetened with honey instead of refined sugar
- Easily customizable with different gin or honey varieties
- A beautiful story and vintage appeal for cocktail lovers
The Bee’s Knees emerged during the Prohibition in the 1920s, a time when creative bartenders found clever ways to mask the harshness of bootleg gin. Honey and lemon were used to smooth out the flavors, creating a cocktail that was not only palatable but downright delicious. The phrase 'bee’s knees' itself was popular slang for 'the best' or 'the height of excellence,' making this cocktail’s name a nod to both its ingredients and its reputation. Over the years, the Bee’s Knees has made a comeback as bartenders and home enthusiasts rediscovered its simple, timeless charm.
A thin lemon twist, coiled atop the drink, adds visual flair and releases citrus oils to enhance the aroma.
Approx. 170 calories per serving. Contains carbohydrates from honey and lemon juice, with no fat or protein. Nutritional values will vary based on your choice of gin and honey.