Bee’s Knees

The Bee’s Knees is a Prohibition-era classic that proves simplicity can be spectacular. Combining gin, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice, this cocktail strikes a perfect balance between botanical brightness, natural sweetness, and crisp citrus tang. The honey syrup softens the sharpness of lemon while enhancing the gin’s herbal and floral notes. Served in a chilled cocktail glass and finished with a lemon twist, the Bee’s Knees is light, refreshing, and timeless. Ideal for spring afternoons, garden parties, or any moment that calls for a drink that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.

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Tasting Notes

The Bee’s Knees offers a bright, refreshing balance of botanicals, citrus, and honeyed sweetness. The gin provides a clean yet complex backbone, with its herbal and floral notes shining through. Fresh lemon juice brings crisp acidity that cuts through the sweetness, making the drink lively but not overpowering. Honey syrup adds a natural richness and smooth mouthfeel, blending the flavors into a unified whole. The lemon twist garnish releases aromatic oils over the surface, giving each sip a gentle citrus aroma. This cocktail’s simplicity allows its fresh ingredients to take center stage, making it timeless, light, and full of character.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare the Bee’s Knees, you’ll need a cocktail shaker for thoroughly blending the gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice. A jigger ensures precise measurements, crucial for balancing the sweet and tart elements. Use a fine mesh strainer to achieve a clean pour without ice chips. A citrus juicer or reamer is helpful for extracting fresh lemon juice efficiently. A small paring knife or peeler makes creating a neat lemon twist garnish easier. Serve the cocktail in a well-chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass to maintain the drink’s temperature and highlight its clear golden hue.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 3/4 oz honey syrup
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• Garnish: lemon twist

Instructions

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice.
• Shake firmly until well chilled.
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a lemon twist.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness.
• Chill your glass beforehand to keep the drink cold longer.
• Adjust honey syrup sweetness by changing the honey-to-water ratio.
• Shake until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.
• Express lemon twist oils over the drink before garnishing.
• Choose a gin with botanicals that complement honey.
• Fine strain to ensure a clear, crisp pour.

When to Serve

The Bee’s Knees is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, offering a crisp and refreshing option for warm afternoons. It also works well as a pre-dinner cocktail due to its balanced acidity and light body. Its simple ingredient list makes it an easy choice for home entertaining, and it pairs nicely with fresh salads, seafood, or light appetizers. The honey syrup adds a warm note, making it just as enjoyable in early autumn when citrus flavors still appeal. Its bright golden color and fresh garnish make it visually pleasing for both casual get-togethers and more polished occasions.^

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Gin

• The Botanist
• Bombay Sapphire
• Tanqueray No. Ten
• Hendrick’s Gin
• Aviation Gin

Similar Cocktails

• Gin Mandarin Smash
• Butterfly Bees Knees
• Raspberry Sorbet 75
• Honey Lavender Gin Lemonade
• Fig and Honey Gin Smash