The Bee’s Knees cocktail is a delightful mix of gin, honey, and lemon, offering a simple yet perfectly balanced drink with just the right amount of sweetness and zing. This Prohibition-era classic has endured for nearly a century, thanks to its refreshingly light and elegant flavor. With the natural sweetness of honey, the brightness of lemon, and the botanical complexity of gin, the Bee’s Knees is a timeless cocktail that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
The History of the Bee’s Knees Cocktail
The Bee’s Knees cocktail was born during the Prohibition era in the 1920s when bartenders were often tasked with masking the harsh flavors of bootlegged spirits. The combination of honey and lemon did an excellent job of sweetening and smoothing out the rough edges of gin, making it much more palatable. The name “Bee’s Knees” was a popular slang term at the time, meaning something that was “the best” or “the height of excellence.” Much like its namesake, the cocktail was considered a classy, sophisticated drink—despite its humble origins during a time of illegal drinking.
Legend has it that the drink was created by Frank Meier, a famous bartender at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, who was known for serving ex-pats and American tourists during Prohibition. However, the drink quickly spread to American cocktail culture, becoming a popular choice both during and after the end of Prohibition.
Unlike many cocktails from the Prohibition era, the Bee’s Knees has stood the test of time. Its simplicity, elegance, and the natural sweetness of honey have made it a favorite among bartenders and cocktail lovers alike, offering a fresh alternative to more spirit-heavy gin drinks like the Martini.
The Classic Bee’s Knees Cocktail Recipe
The Bee’s Knees is made with just three simple ingredients: gin, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice. These components come together to create a cocktail that’s bright, light, and refreshing, with a sweet honeyed finish. It’s also incredibly easy to make at home, making it a great go-to recipe for any occasion.
Classic Bee’s Knees Cocktail Ingredients:
- 2 oz (6 cl) gin
- 0.75 oz (2.2 cl) fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz (2.2 cl) honey syrup (recipe below)
- Ice
- Lemon twist for garnish
Honey Syrup Recipe:
To make honey syrup, simply mix equal parts honey and warm water (1:1 ratio) until fully combined. This makes the honey easier to mix into the cocktail than using it straight from the jar.
Method:
- Combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist for a bright citrus aroma.
The result is a beautifully balanced cocktail that’s sweet but not overly so, with the tartness of the lemon perfectly offsetting the richness of the honey. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for sipping at any time of day.
Breaking Down the Ingredients
1. Gin
Gin forms the base of the Bee’s Knees, and its botanical complexity adds depth and nuance to the drink. A London Dry Gin, such as Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Bombay Sapphire, works wonderfully here, providing the classic juniper-forward notes that complement the sweetness of the honey and the brightness of the lemon. However, if you prefer a gin that’s more citrus-forward or floral, you can experiment with brands like Hendrick’s or The Botanist for a slightly different flavor profile.
2. Honey Syrup
Honey syrup is what gives the Bee’s Knees its signature sweetness. Unlike simple syrup, honey syrup adds a richer, more complex flavor that brings a natural, floral sweetness to the drink. Honey’s natural flavor pairs beautifully with the botanicals in gin and the acidity of lemon, making it a standout ingredient in this cocktail.
You can also experiment with different types of honey to add subtle variations to the flavor of your Bee’s Knees. For instance, wildflower honey will give the drink a more floral note, while buckwheat honey will add a deeper, earthier flavor.
3. Lemon Juice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the acidity needed to balance the sweetness of the honey syrup. The tartness of the lemon brightens the drink, making it crisp and refreshing. As always, using fresh lemon juice is key to achieving the best flavor, as bottled juice tends to lack the vibrancy needed for cocktails.
4. Garnish
A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish for the Bee’s Knees, adding a burst of citrus aroma as you sip. For a more rustic presentation, you could also garnish with a thin slice of lemon or even a small sprig of fresh thyme for an herbal touch.
Variations of the Bee’s Knees Cocktail
The beauty of the Bee’s Knees lies in its simplicity, which makes it easy to customize and adapt with different ingredients. Here are a few popular variations you can try to put your own spin on this classic cocktail:
1. Lavender Bee’s Knees
For a floral twist, add a touch of lavender to the honey syrup. This creates a fragrant and delicate variation on the Bee’s Knees, perfect for spring and summer gatherings. To infuse your honey syrup with lavender, simply steep a few sprigs of fresh or dried lavender in the syrup while it’s warm, then strain before using.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (6 cl) gin
- 0.75 oz (2.2 cl) fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz (2.2 cl) lavender-infused honey syrup
- Lemon twist or lavender sprig for garnish
2. Thyme Bee’s Knees
For an herbal take on the Bee’s Knees, try adding a few sprigs of fresh thyme to the honey syrup. This adds an earthy complexity to the cocktail, making it a bit more savory and sophisticated. You can also garnish with a sprig of thyme to enhance the herbal aroma.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (6 cl) gin
- 0.75 oz (2.2 cl) fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz (2.2 cl) thyme-infused honey syrup
- Thyme sprig for garnish
3. Spiced Bee’s Knees
For a warming, autumnal twist, add a touch of cinnamon or ginger to your honey syrup. This variation is perfect for colder months when you want a comforting, cozy cocktail with a bit of spice.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (6 cl) gin
- 0.75 oz (2.2 cl) fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz (2.2 cl) spiced honey syrup (infused with cinnamon or ginger)
- Lemon twist or cinnamon stick for garnish
4. Orange Bee’s Knees
For a sweeter, more citrus-forward version, swap the lemon juice for fresh orange juice. This creates a more mellow cocktail with a slightly sweeter flavor profile, perfect for those who prefer a less tart drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (6 cl) gin
- 0.75 oz (2.2 cl) fresh orange juice
- 0.75 oz (2.2 cl) honey syrup
- Orange twist for garnish
Why You Should Try the Bee’s Knees
The Bee’s Knees is a cocktail that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying to drink. Its balance of sweet honey, tart lemon, and gin’s botanicals creates a cocktail that’s bright, refreshing, and light on the palate. Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm summer afternoon or mixing one up for a cozy night in, the Bee’s Knees is versatile enough to suit any occasion.
Beyond its delicious flavor, the Bee’s Knees is also a cocktail that’s endlessly customizable. With just a few simple variations, you can create a range of different flavor profiles—from floral to spicy to herbal—making it a great choice for experimenting with new ingredients.
A True Classic
The Bee’s Knees Cocktail is a true classic that offers a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus, with the added complexity of gin’s botanicals. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or explore one of the many variations, this Prohibition-era drink is sure to become a favorite in your cocktail rotation.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something light, refreshing, and naturally sweet, why not shake up a Bee’s Knees? It’s a drink that’s truly the bee’s knees—and that’s not just 1920s slang talking!
Cheers!