Bee’s Knees: A Classic Gin Cocktail
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The Bee’s Knees is one of my top 5 classic cocktails, and a must-try if you haven’t yet indulged. It’s the perfect spring and summer gin cocktail for an elegant bridal shower, wedding, garden party or just because you want to drink something delicious!
This cocktail had me at Bee’s Knees…the prohibition-era phrase is one I’ve always adored, and the cocktail of the same name is no different. The botanical flavors of gin go hand in hand with fresh lemon juice and sweet honey, making this one of the best cocktails of all time.
Why you’ll love a Bee’s Knees:
Spring Flavors. Gin is a perfect spring spirit as it exudes botanical and floral notes. Paired with honey and fresh lemon juice it turns into a delightfully refreshing libation for spring.
Elegant. This presents as an elegant cocktail in any situation. Served “up” in a coupe glass this looks impressive with an edible flower or lemon garnish.
Easy. With just 3 ingredients this is a simple cocktail to make that your guests will love. Make a large batch of honey simple syrup and you will be able to whip these up again and again with minimal effort.
Ingredients for a Bee’s Knees Cocktail:
- Gin. A good quality gin will stand out. One of my favorites is Farmer’s Organic Gin which has a subtle nuttiness with notes of lemongrass. A good London dry gin like Bombay Sapphire will put more emphasis on the juniper berry.
- Honey Syrup. Make this from scratch…it takes 2 minutes or less!
- Lemon Juice. Fresh squeezed is necessary for this cocktail. Don’t skimp.
Tools you will need:
- Measuring Jigger. This copper jigger from Cocktail Kingdom is my go-to.
- Boston Shaker. A good quality shaker is a staple for any bar. My new favorite cocktail shaker is the YETI Rambler. With the strainer built right in there is no need for extra tools, and the seal on this shaker is phenomenal. No messes! I highly recommend it.
- A Coupe Glass. Pre-chilled so the drink stays cold for as long as possible.
How to make a Bee’s Knees Cocktail:
- Start by making the honey syrup.
- Combine equal parts honey and water in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until the honey dissolves into the water. You can also do this on the stovetop if preferred.
- Juice your lemon. Note: You can use a channel knife to peel off a strip of the rind for garnish before you cut the lemon.
- Combine gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice in your shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain into your chilled coupe glass.
- Rub lemon peel around the rim of the glass to add extra zest and aromatics if desired.
- Garnish with lemon peel or edible flowers.
How to chill a cocktail glass:
These are two tried and true ways to quickly chill a glass:
Option 1: Rinse the inside of the glass with water and put it in the freezer for 5 minutes. This method will chill your glass the fastest.
Option 2: Add ice and water to the glass and let sit while you make the drink. This is the best method for multiple glasses if you are low on freezer space.
Why make a honey simple syrup?
Honey by itself will not mix into cold liquids very well. It tends to clump up like hard candy. By melting it into water it becomes more dissolvable and blends with the other ingredients seamlessly.
When to serve a Bee’s Knees Cocktail:
- For your 21st Birthday Party. Not every 21-year-old needs to start with Jello shots and Irish Car Bombs.
- A Bridal Shower. A sophisticated drink for the ladies.
- Mother’s Day Brunch. Mom will appreciate the delicate flavors and smack of gin.
- A Signature Wedding Cocktail. Because your wedding is the Bee’s Knees after all.
- A Bee-themed Birthday Soire. Bee cocktail…Bee everything.
More spring cocktails to try:
Bee’s Knees Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 3/4 oz Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 oz Honey Syrup
Instructions
- For the Honey Syrup: Combine equal parts honey and water in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until the honey dissolves into the water.
- Juice your lemon.
- Combine gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice in your shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass
- Rub lemon peel around the rim of the glass to add extra zest and aromatics if desired.
- Garnish with lemon peel or edible flowers.
- Cheers!
