Bee's KneesCocktail recipe
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The Bee's Knees is a bright, gin-forward sour that comes out of America’s Prohibition era, when bartenders and home mixologists lean on citrus and honey to make rougher spirits taste smoother. You’ll find it sitting in the same family as other simple, three-part sours: spirit, fresh juice, and a sweetener—clean, quick, and built for balance. Over time it sticks around because it delivers a lot of character with very little fuss, and it still feels timeless in a cocktail glass.
On the palate, gin brings crisp botanical backbone, while lemon juice cuts straight through with a sharp, refreshing tartness. Honey syrup softens that edge with rounded sweetness and a gentle, lingering finish, knitting the gin and citrus together so the drink tastes bright rather than sour. Expect a clean, zesty first sip that settles into a smooth, lightly floral sweetness.
Serve it when you want something elegant and refreshing without being heavy—ideal as an aperitif, for warm-weather evenings, or whenever you’re craving a classic-style cocktail that isn’t overly sweet. If you like gin and you enjoy citrus-driven drinks with a softer, more mellow sweet note, this one lands right in your wheelhouse.
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Cocktail Colin says:
Gin leads with crisp botanicals sharpened by lemon juice, while honey syrup rounds the edges into a smooth, lightly floral sweetness that lingers after the tart snap. The balance works because lemon’s acidity lifts the gin and keeps the honey from cloying; it’s ideal for sour lovers who want something bright, clean, and not too sweet.
Method
How to make a Bee's Knees
- Gin 50ml, Lemon juice 20ml, Honey syrup 10ml
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- Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice
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- Shake well then strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve
Power tips
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Find out more- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice to bring a vibrant freshness to the cocktail that cannot be matched by bottled versions.
- Warm the honey slightly before mixing to ensure it blends seamlessly with the gin and lemon juice, preventing it from settling at the bottom of the glass.
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FAQ's
What is the origin of the Bee's Knees cocktail?
The Bee's Knees cocktail dates back to the Prohibition era in the United States, around the 1920s. It was created as a way to mask the harsh flavors of homemade 'bathtub' gin. The sweet ingredients like honey and lemon juice helped to smooth out the gin, making it more palatable. Its name, 'Bee's Knees', was slang at the time for something excellent or of high quality.
Can I use any type of honey to make the honey syrup for the Bee's Knees?
Yes, you can use any type of honey you prefer to make the honey syrup for the Bee's Knees cocktail. However, different types of honey will impart slightly different flavors and sweetness levels. For a classic taste, a mild-flavored honey like clover is recommended, but feel free to experiment with darker, more flavorful honeys like buckwheat for a deeper taste profile.
Why is the Bee's Knees cocktail shaken and not stirred?
The Bee's Knees cocktail is shaken and not stirred to thoroughly mix the honey syrup with the other ingredients, ensuring a smooth texture and even distribution of flavors. Shaking also chills the cocktail faster and adds a slight dilution, which is desirable for balancing the sweetness of the honey syrup and the acidity of the lemon juice.
What is the ideal glass for serving a Bee's Knees?
The ideal glass for serving a Bee's Knees is a cocktail glass, also known as a martini glass. This type of glass showcases the cocktail's clarity and elegance. It also helps to concentrate the aromatics for a better tasting experience.
What garnishes work well with the Bee's Knees cocktail?
A lemon twist or a slice of lemon works well as a garnish for the Bee's Knees cocktail, adding a touch of elegance and enhancing the citrus aroma. You can also add a sprig of fresh lavender or a small edible flower to introduce a floral note that complements the honey's sweetness.
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