Bee’s Knees Cocktail: A Bright, Balanced Classic with a Honeyed Twist

Welcome, friend! Whether you’re winding down after a long day, looking to impress at your next cocktail hour, or just love a clean, citrus-forward sip, the Bee’s Knees cocktail delivers.

This Prohibition-era gem is a brilliant balance of botanical gin, fresh lemon juice, and sweet honey syrup—a combo that’s both elegant and refreshing. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels fancy with very little effort. A true “sip and sigh” kind of drink.

Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

• Fresh and zesty—the lemon juice cuts through for bright acidity
• Honey syrup adds natural sweetness and smooth texture
• Gin-forward, but mellow and approachable
• Simple and classic, with only a few ingredients
• Perfect for spring and summer, or anytime you want something light yet sophisticated

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• 2 oz Gin (London dry or your favorite botanical blend)
• ¾ oz Honey Syrup (see below for how-to)
• ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• Ice Cubes
• Lemon Twist (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Make Honey Syrup

In a small saucepan or jar, combine:

• 1 part honey
• 1 part water

Stir or warm gently until fully combined. Let it cool before using.

Pro tip: Store leftover syrup in the fridge for up to a week!

2. Shake It Up

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add:

• 2 oz gin
• ¾ oz honey syrup
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

Shake hard for about 15 seconds until well chilled.

3. Strain & Serve

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or coupe.

4. Garnish

Express a lemon twist over the top (for oils and aroma) and drop it in for that final zing.

Notes

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best balance—bottled won’t do it justice!
• Adjust the honey syrup depending on how sweet you like your drink. Start with ¾ oz and add more to taste.
• This drink is incredible with infused honeys like lavender or ginger for an aromatic spin.

Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time (for syrup): 3–5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 cocktail
• Category: Cocktails
• Method: Shaken
• Cuisine: American / Classic
• Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
• Keywords: bee’s knees cocktail, gin honey cocktail, lemon gin drink, easy shaken cocktail

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or measuring tools
• Fine strainer (optional)
• Citrus juicer
• Coupe or cocktail glass

Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 cocktail
• Calories: ~190
• Sugar: ~12g
• Carbohydrates: ~15g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: ~5mg
• Alcohol: ~2 oz

Helpful Tips

• Chill your glass ahead of time for that crisp first sip.
• Add a splash of club soda if you want to turn it into a light spritz.
• Swap in bourbon or vodka if gin isn’t your go-to spirit (though gin is perfect here).
• Try it with infused honeys like orange blossom or thyme for a gourmet twist.

Conservation and Storage

• Honey syrup: Make ahead and store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Fresh lemon juice: Juice in advance, but use within 24 hours for best flavor.
• Cocktail itself: Always shake fresh and serve immediately.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Honey Syrup: Use maple syrup or agave for a slightly different sweetness.
• Gin: Vodka works in a pinch for a milder profile.
• Lemon Juice: Lime juice creates a tarter cousin to the original.

Variations

• Add a dash of orange bitters for more citrus depth.
• Shake with egg white for a Bee’s Knees Sour with a silky foam.
• Use sparkling wine instead of gin for a bubbly brunch version!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?

You can pre-mix the gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup and refrigerate. Shake with ice just before serving for best texture and chill.

Is it very sweet?

Not overly. The lemon keeps it bright and tangy while honey smooths it out. Adjust to your taste!

What’s the best type of gin for a Bee’s Knees?

London Dry for a traditional taste, or go with a floral or citrus-forward gin to play up the aromatics.

Conclusion

The Bee’s Knees Cocktail is simple, classic, and utterly refreshing. It’s perfect when you want something light but still flavorful—with just a touch of sophistication. Whether you’re a gin lover or just starting your cocktail journey, this beauty is buzz-worthy in every way.

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