Bees Knees
The Bees Knees is a delightful Prohibition-era cocktail that perfectly balances the botanicals of gin with the bright tartness of lemon juice and the smooth sweetness of honey. Its name, slang for 'the best,' truly reflects its taste. This refreshing concoction is simple to make yet sophisticated in flavour, making it a favourite for both home bartenders and seasoned mixologists. Ideal for warm evenings or celebratory gatherings, the Bees Knees offers a glimpse into cocktail history with every sip. Learn how to craft this timeless classic for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 6 cl gin
- 2 cl lemon juice
- 2 cl simple syrup
- 1 piece lemon peel
- ice cubes
Accessories
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
- 1 coupe glass
Instructions
Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
Prepare the honey syrup: Gently warm equal parts honey and water (e.g., 1/2 cup each) over low heat, stirring until the honey fully dissolves. Do not boil. Let it cool completely before use. (This recipe uses the Simple Syrup ingredient ID, please ensure you use HONEY syrup).
Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and cooled honey syrup to your shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the shaker is well-chilled.
Discard the ice from your chilled coupe glass.
Double strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass to remove any ice shards or lemon pulp.
Garnish with a fresh lemon peel, expressing its oils over the drink before dropping it in or placing it on the rim.
Trivia
- What is a Bees Knees cocktail?
The Bees Knees is a classic cocktail originating from the Prohibition era in the United States. It's made primarily with gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup. The name is 1920s slang meaning 'the best' or 'excellent'.
- What does a Bees Knees taste like?
A Bees Knees offers a balanced flavour profile. It's refreshingly tart from the lemon juice, subtly sweet from the honey syrup which also adds floral notes, and features the botanical complexity of the gin. It's smooth, bright, and generally considered very palatable.
- How do you make honey syrup for a Bees Knees?
To make honey syrup, combine equal parts honey and warm water (e.g., 100ml honey and 100ml water). Stir gently over low heat until the honey is completely dissolved into the water. Do not let it boil. Allow the syrup to cool completely before using it in your cocktail. Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it can last for a couple of weeks.
- What type of gin is best for a Bees Knees?
A London Dry gin is the traditional choice and works exceptionally well, allowing the juniper and citrus notes to complement the lemon and honey. However, more contemporary or floral gins can also create interesting variations. Choose a quality gin that you enjoy drinking.
- What is the origin of the Bees Knees cocktail?
The Bees Knees cocktail is believed to have been invented during the Prohibition era (1920-1933) in the United States. The honey and lemon were purportedly used to mask the harsh flavour of bathtub gin, which was often poorly made. Despite its practical origins, the combination proved delicious and has remained a classic.
- Can I make a Bees Knees without honey syrup?
While honey syrup is the defining ingredient that gives the Bees Knees its name and characteristic flavour, you could substitute it with simple syrup (sugar and water). However, this would technically make the drink a Gin Sour, altering its unique taste profile derived from the floral notes of honey.