Bee’s Knees Cocktail

The Bee’s Knees cocktail is kind of a hidden gem in the world of mixology– but today, we’re exposing this gin-based drink for what it is: a delicious, honey lemon cocktail that is perfect for any day of the year.

This classic cocktail combines the simplicity of gin, sweetness of honey, and brightness of lemon juice. If you’re a fan of citrusy, refreshing libations, the Bee’s Knees should be on your must-try list.

(Note: Sometimes this drink is also spelled without the apostrophe — Bees Knees.)

 

 

Bee’s Knees History

The origins of this delightful cocktail date back to the Prohibition era in the United States. During this time, homemade concoctions often masked the flavor of bootlegged spirits.

The addition of honey and lemon in this cocktail was not only a clever way to do that but also gave it a pleasantly sweet and tangy profile. The Bee’s Knees quickly became a popular choice among those seeking a refreshing, easy-to-drink cocktail.

The actual creator of this bathtub gin cocktail is debated, with some crediting Frank Meier, head bartender of Hotel Ritz Paris. However, a news article from 1929 gave credit to socialite Margaret Brown.

No matter who actually originated this drink, it’s become more popular in recent years, perhaps due to Barr Hill gin’s “Bee’s Knees Week” event each year, which promotes attention to the importance of pollinators (pollinators = bees, and bees = honey).

 

 

Bee’s Knees Ingredients

This delightful drink is in the sour cocktail family. It’s structure is similar to the Gimlet, switching out the lime juice for lemon and regular sugar syrup for a mild honey syrup instead. This version, however, is kind of like an adult lemonade. To whip up a Bee’s Knees, you’ll need these ingredients:

• Gin: Opt for a quality gin with a balanced botanical profile.
• Fresh lemon juice: The bright acidity of fresh lemon juice plays with the sweetness of honey and brings this classic drink to life.
• Honey syrup: Mix equal parts honey and hot water to create this sweet elixir.
• Lemon twist: For garnish.

Each ingredient in this cocktail plays a vital role, from the gin’s herbal notes to the honey syrup’s rich sweetness.

 

 

How to Make a Bee’s Knees

This delicious drink is pretty easy to make; the only real prep time is in making the honey simple syrup before you want to make your cocktail.

Creating your own homemade honey syrup is just combining an equal-parts combination of honey and water. Bring to a boil, and stir until the honey dissolves. Let the mixture cool, and then fine strain; you can store leftover honey syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, having it on hand whenever you need it for another cocktail.

(Side note: We prefer a coupe style cocktail glass, but you can also use a Martini glass. Chill it beforehand, either with ice cubes as you make the drink, or in the freezer for a pleasantly cold cocktail.)

Check out how Chris makes this refreshing cocktail:

 

 

Variations on This Classic Prohibition-Era Cocktail

While the classic Bee’s Knees recipe is a timeless favorite, you can add your own twist to it:

 

 

• Experiment with Gin Styles:  The type of gin you use can really change the flavor profile of this fun cocktail. Try a gin with a lot of soft botanicals for a more floral drink, for example. Or use barrel-aged gin to create unique depth.
• Switch Out the Base Spirit or Split Base: Instead of gin, try mezcal or tequila for a totally different taste. Or do like Chris does in the video and split the alcohol portion between two base spirits (more on that below).
• Bitters: Some cocktail lovers even add a dash of orange bitters for a slightly more complicated cocktail than the traditionally citrusy, light drink.
• Flavored Honey: Add floral honey flavor to your cocktail by using something like lavender honey. Alternatively, you can create a honey infusion by adding lavender or another flower or herb to your honey mixture on the stove. Just make sure to fine strain before using!
• Chris’ Twist on the Bee’s Knees: 1 1/2 ounces of Raicilla, 1/2 ounce of Yellow Chartreuse, 1 ounce Lemon Juice, and 3/4 ounce Honey Syrup. Follow the same directions as with the classic version. (Note that, because yellow Chartreuse includes sweetness of its own, you’ll want to reduce the honey syrup.)

 

 

A Lovely Bees Knees: One of Our Favorite Cocktails

The Bee’s Knees cocktail proves that simplicity can be incredibly satisfying. Its timeless combination of gin, honey, and lemon juice creates an elegant but approachable drink with botanical flavors.

Whether you’re enjoying it at a 1920s-inspired speakeasy, mixing one up in your kitchen, or honoring the pollinators of the world, the Bee’s Knees is a a classic cocktail you shouldn’t miss. So, raise your glass and toast to the bee’s finest work: the Bee’s Knees cocktail. Cheers!