A Prohibition-era classic, the Bee’s Knees is a simple yet elegant gin cocktail that combines the bright zest of lemon with the floral sweetness of honey. Light, refreshing, and effortlessly sophisticated, it’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
📋 Cocktail Overview
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🍸 Style: Sour / Classic
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🌿 Flavor Profile: Citrusy, floral, slightly sweet
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🕰 Time to Make: 5 minutes
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🥃 Glassware: Coupe or Martini glass
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🧊 Method: Shaken
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Combine 1 part honey and 1 part hot water in a small saucepan or jar.
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Stir until fully dissolved.
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Let cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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Cocktail shaker
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Jigger or measuring tool
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Fine mesh strainer
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Citrus juicer or reamer
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Coupe or Martini glass
1. Chill the Glass
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Place the coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while preparing the cocktail.
2. Mix the Cocktail
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In a cocktail shaker, combine:
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2 oz gin
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¾ oz honey syrup
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¾ oz fresh lemon juice
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Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled and slightly frothy.
3. Strain & Serve
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Discard the ice water from the glass.
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Double strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into the chilled glass to ensure a silky texture.
4. Garnish & Finish
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Express the oils from a lemon twist over the surface of the drink, then drop it in or rest it on the rim.
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For a floral touch, add an edible flower for visual appeal.
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Floral Twist: Add a few drops of lavender bitters or muddle fresh thyme for a more herbal profile.
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Spicy Kick: Infuse the honey syrup with a slice of ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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Light & Refreshing: Top with a splash of soda water for a Bee’s Knees Fizz.
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Boozier Version: Use a barrel-aged gin for a deeper, more robust flavor.
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Winter Honey: Infuse the honey syrup with cinnamon sticks or star anise for a warm, spiced profile.
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Appetizers: Goat cheese crostini, lemon-garlic shrimp, or rosemary spiced nuts
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Desserts: Lemon tart, honey cake, or shortbread cookies
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Occasions: Afternoon tea, brunch, or pre-dinner cocktail hour
Ingredients
Directions
-
Combine 1 part honey and 1 part hot water in a small saucepan or jar.
-
Stir until fully dissolved.
-
Let cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
-
Cocktail shaker
-
Jigger or measuring tool
-
Fine mesh strainer
-
Citrus juicer or reamer
-
Coupe or Martini glass
1. Chill the Glass
-
Place the coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while preparing the cocktail.
2. Mix the Cocktail
-
In a cocktail shaker, combine:
-
2 oz gin
-
¾ oz honey syrup
-
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
-
-
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled and slightly frothy.
3. Strain & Serve
-
Discard the ice water from the glass.
-
Double strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into the chilled glass to ensure a silky texture.
4. Garnish & Finish
-
Express the oils from a lemon twist over the surface of the drink, then drop it in or rest it on the rim.
-
For a floral touch, add an edible flower for visual appeal.
-
Floral Twist: Add a few drops of lavender bitters or muddle fresh thyme for a more herbal profile.
-
Spicy Kick: Infuse the honey syrup with a slice of ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
-
Light & Refreshing: Top with a splash of soda water for a Bee’s Knees Fizz.
-
Boozier Version: Use a barrel-aged gin for a deeper, more robust flavor.
-
Winter Honey: Infuse the honey syrup with cinnamon sticks or star anise for a warm, spiced profile.
-
Appetizers: Goat cheese crostini, lemon-garlic shrimp, or rosemary spiced nuts
-
Desserts: Lemon tart, honey cake, or shortbread cookies
-
Occasions: Afternoon tea, brunch, or pre-dinner cocktail hour