Name: Bee's Knees Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: ? ounce honey syrup (see step 1); 1 ounce lemon juice (about ? medium lemon); 2 ounces gin; Lemon twist (for garnish)

The image shows bee's knee cocktail serve in a glass

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Bee's Knees Cocktail Recipe

A quick and easy-to-make Honey Lemon Gin Cocktail with a perfect blend of sweet honey, tangy lemon, and a kick of gin, served chilled for a delightful experience.

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Welcome Readers, Austin Carter here from Beyond the Bayou Blog to serve you a refreshing recipe today that dates back to the Prohibition era in the United States, where it was created as a way to mask the harsh taste of homemade gin i.e., Bee’s Knees Cocktail.

I got to know about it for the first time while scrolling my feed when it came in front of me and its different name made me explore it more. Moreover, it looks so refreshing that I could not stop myself from searching for its recipe.

I felt even more attracted to it when I got to know that it requires three ingredients and just five minutes to be the charm of the party when served with seafood like Poached Fish and Swai Fish. So here I am today trying it for the first time so that it could be a party pleaser later on in my home.

Let’s just begin this journey of learning this amazing recipe.

Why Is It Called Bee’s Knee Cocktail?

The Bee’s Knees Cocktail got its quirky name from the slang of the 1920s, where “bee’s knees” meant something excellent or top-notch. During the Prohibition era, homemade gin could taste harsh, so people added lemon juice and honey to make it more enjoyable. This sweetened the drink and masked the rough flavors, making it the “bee’s knees” of cocktails. The name stuck, and today, the Bee’s Knees remains a classic favorite known for its refreshing taste and historical charm.

How to Make Bee’s Knees Cocktail?

Step 1: Make Honey Syrup

The image shows the process of making simple syrup for bee's knee recipe

Combine equal parts honey and water (e.g., 2 tablespoons each) in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan.
Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until the honey completely dissolves into the water. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Lemon Zest

The image shows peeling lemon for honey bee cocktail

Use a vegetable peeler or channel knife to peel off a strip of lemon zest for garnish.

Step 3: Mix the Cocktail

The image shows mixing ingredients for honey bee cocktail

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Pour in the honey syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and gin.
Securely fasten the lid and shake vigorously until the mixture is very cold about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Serve

The image shows honey bee cocktail serve in a glass

Strain the cocktail into a coupe or martini glass.
Twist the lemon peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in.
Enjoy your refreshing Honey Lemon Gin Cocktail while it’s cold.

This cocktail offers a perfect balance of sweetness from the honey, tanginess from the lemon, and a kick of gin, making it a delightful drink for any occasion.

Here Are Some Tips for You!

Lemon Juice Freshness: To ensure the best taste, use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled juice. It gives a vibrant and zesty flavor that complements the gin perfectly.
Gin Selection: Choose a quality gin that suits your taste preferences. London dry gin works well for a classic and crisp cocktail, while a floral or citrus-forward gin can add a unique twist to the drink.
Ice Quality: Use high-quality ice cubes made from filtered water to avoid any unwanted flavors from affecting your cocktail. Clear ice cubes also look visually appealing in the glass.
Shaking Technique: When shaking the cocktail, make sure to shake it vigorously for about 30 seconds. This not only chills the drink but also helps to properly blend the flavors for a well-balanced cocktail.
Glassware Choice: Serve the cocktail in a coupe or martini glass to showcase its elegant appearance. Chilled glasses enhance the drinking experience and keep the cocktail cold for longer.
Garnish Style: For a professional touch, twist the lemon peel over the cocktail to release its aromatic oils. This adds a fragrant essence to the drink before dropping the peel in for a visual garnish.
Enjoyment: Sip and savor your Honey Lemon Gin Cocktail slowly to fully appreciate its flavors. It’s best enjoyed chilled, so take your time and enjoy the refreshing taste.

Variations You Can Try!

French 75 Variation: Divide one drink into two Champagne glasses and top up with Champagne to make a French 75.
Casual Sipper: Pour the ingredients over ice and add club soda for a Tom Collins-style drink.
Floral Twist: Use St. Germain instead of honey syrup for an elderflower-flavored variation.
Adjust Sweetness: Add more honey syrup for a sweeter taste, according to your preference.
Alternative Spirit: Swap gin with vodka if you prefer a different flavor profile.

What to Try with Bee’s Knees Cocktail?

What Kind of Honey Should I Use?

For cocktails like the Honey Lemon Gin Cocktail, use a mild-flavored honey that won’t overpower the drink. Clover honey or wildflower honey are good choices as they add sweetness without dominating the cocktail’s flavors. Avoid strongly flavored honey-like buckwheat for a more balanced taste.

Why Make Honey Simple Syrup?

Honey doesn’t blend smoothly in cold liquids. It tends to form clumps, which can be problematic. To solve this issue, we create honey simple syrup by combining equal parts honey and water.

This syrup mixes effortlessly into cold cocktails. That’s all there is to it! Any leftover honey syrup can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to two weeks.

What’s the Difference Between Honey Syrup and Simple Syrup?

Honey syrup is like simple syrup but made with honey and water in equal parts. It retains honey’s flavor but becomes thinner for mixing into cocktails. You can also use it in lemonade or sweet tea. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks.