Bee's Knees
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Bee's Knees
Cocktail recipe

Rating

3.91 / 5
The Bee's Knees is a fun and very easy cocktail from the Prohibition era. Some stories claim that the drink was concocted because the honey masked the odour of the ... more The Bee's Knees is a fun and very easy cocktail from the Prohibition era. Some stories claim that the drink was concocted because the honey masked the odour of the alcohol. A London dry gin will create a completely different profile than one of the new American-style gins, and whatever botanicals are more apparent in the gin you choose will be accented by the honey syrup and lemon.
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100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)
Base ingredient
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Gin
Alcohol content
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25.26% | 2.4 units *

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
15ml ½oz 1.5cl
60ml 2oz 6cl
20ml ⅔oz 2cl

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Method
How to make a Bee's Knees

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice
Shake well then strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Shake  ·  Strain  · 

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FAQ's

ORIGINS_HISTORY

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.

INGREDIENT_SPECIFICS

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.

PREPARATION_TECHNIQUES

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.

SERVING_SUGGESTIONS

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.

GARNISHING_TIPS

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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