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Bee's Knees Cocktail Recipe

Bee's Knees Cocktail Recipe

By What’s Baking

A bright, golden elixir balancing the floral sweetness of honey with zesty lemon and the botanical complexity of gin.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A crystal coupe glass captures the Bee's Knees cocktail in perfect golden-amber clarity, with honey-tinted liquid shimmering under soft bar lighting. Condensation beads the outside of the glass, suggesting refreshing coldness. A delicate lemon twist spirals along the rim, releasing citrus oils that catch the light. The background features blurred honeycomb patterns and wildflowers, complementing the cocktail's honey-forward profile, while a small jar of artisanal honey sits nearby, emphasizing the cocktail's star ingredient.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml gin (London Dry gin works best)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">20ml fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">20ml honey syrup (mix equal parts honey and hot water)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Lemon twist for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Hawthorne strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger for measuring</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Coupe or martini glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Citrus peeler or sharp knife</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Start by preparing your honey syrup if you haven't already. Mix equal parts honey and hot water (about 30ml each), stirring until fully dissolved. Allow to cool completely before using. Honey syrup integrates much better than straight honey, which can be difficult to mix into cold liquids.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Chill your coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice water or placing it in the freezer for 5 minutes. A properly chilled glass keeps your cocktail colder longer and enhances the drinking experience.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Fill your cocktail shaker with ice – ideally large, fresh cubes that won't dilute too quickly but will effectively chill the drink.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pour 60ml gin, 20ml fresh lemon juice, and 20ml honey syrup into the shaker. Precision is important here, as the balance between these three ingredients creates the signature Bee's Knees flavor profile.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Seal your shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds. You're not just mixing ingredients but also aerating the drink while introducing precisely the right amount of dilution. The shaker should become frosty on the outside – a good visual indicator of proper chilling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Empty the ice water from your glass if you used that chilling method. Double-strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer into your chilled glass to ensure no ice chips or lemon pulp make it into the final drink.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Create a lemon twist by using a peeler or sharp knife to remove a strip of lemon peel, about 5cm long. Twist it over the glass to express the oils onto the surface of the drink – you'll see these oils create a subtle rainbow effect on the surface. Then wrap the twist decoratively around a cocktail pick or place it on the rim of the glass.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Serve immediately while the cocktail is properly chilled. The Bee's Knees should appear a pale golden color with a slight frothiness on top from the shaking process.</li></ol>

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Why is honey syrup used instead of straight honey in gin cocktails?

Honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water) integrates much better in cold cocktails than pure honey, which can solidify and remain unmixed. The syrup ensures smooth incorporation, consistent sweetness throughout the drink, and proper dilution, making it essential for professional-quality honey-based cocktails.

What's the best gin to use for a honey and lemon cocktail?

London Dry gin is ideal for honey and lemon cocktails as its juniper-forward profile with botanical notes complements the floral qualities of honey while standing up to bright citrus. Choose a quality brand like Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Sipsmith for optimal results. Avoid overly botanical gins that might clash.

Can I batch make this prohibition-era gin sour for parties?

Yes! For parties, multiply the recipe by your guest count and pre-mix the gin, lemon juice and honey syrup in a bottle. Store refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When serving, portion into a shaker with ice, shake well, and strain. This maintains freshness while allowing you to serve multiple cocktails quickly.

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