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Lavender Bee's Knees Recipe

Lavender Bee's Knees Recipe

By What’s Baking

A delicate balance of bright citrus, fragrant honey-lavender sweetness, and botanical gin creates a sophisticated cocktail that's both refreshing and elegantly aromatic.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
An elegant coupe glass captures the Lavender Bee's Knees cocktail in golden hour lighting, the pale yellow liquid shimmering with hints of purple undertones. Droplets of condensation form on the glass's exterior, suggesting perfect chilling. A delicate lavender sprig garnish rests across the rim, casting subtle shadows across the drink's smooth surface. In the background, bottles of artisanal gin and a small jar of lavender-infused honey sit slightly blurred, while a halved lemon provides color contrast. The crystalline clarity of the cocktail highlights its perfect dilution and meticulous preparation.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml gin (preferably London Dry)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">22ml fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">20ml lavender-infused honey syrup*</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh lavender sprig for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">*For lavender honey syrup: 100ml honey, 50ml water, 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender</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">Fine mesh strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger or measuring tool</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Coupe or Nick & Nora glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small saucepan (for syrup)</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>First, prepare the lavender honey syrup. Combine honey and water in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until fully dissolved. Add dried lavender, remove from heat, and let steep for 20 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and let cool completely. This can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice and water, then set aside while preparing the cocktail. A properly chilled glass maintains the drink's temperature longer and enhances the overall experience.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Fill your cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. The ice should be fresh and dry to ensure proper dilution and chilling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Measure and pour the gin, fresh lemon juice, and lavender honey syrup into the shaker. Precise measurements are crucial for balance - the sweetness of the honey syrup should complement rather than overwhelm the citrus.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds. This duration provides optimal dilution while creating a silky texture and ensuring proper integration of the honey syrup. The shaker should become frosty on the outside.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Discard the ice water from your glass and double-strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe, using both the Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer. This technique ensures no ice chips or lavender particles make it into the final drink, giving you a beautifully clear cocktail.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Garnish with a fresh lavender sprig, gently tapping it between your palms first to release its aromatic oils. Place it delicately across the rim of the glass. The aroma will enhance the drinking experience by engaging your sense of smell.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
🔥 Calories: 215 calories
🥑 Fat: 12 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 7 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 25 g
🍭 Sugar: 15 g
🍗 Protein: 2 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 35 mg
🧂 Sodium: 75 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What's the best gin to use for a Bee's Knees variation with floral notes?

A London Dry gin works best for this lavender variation as its juniper and botanical character complements the floral notes without overwhelming them. For a more pronounced floral profile, consider gins with existing lavender or violet notes like Hendrick's or The Botanist.

Can I prepare the lavender honey syrup in advance?

Yes, the lavender-infused honey syrup can be prepared up to two weeks in advance when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes cocktail assembly much quicker and allows the flavours to fully develop and integrate in the syrup.

Why is double-straining important for gin cocktails with infused syrups?

Double-straining (using both a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer) removes ice shards and botanical particles from infused syrups, resulting in a silky-smooth texture and crystal-clear appearance. This technique is essential for presentation and mouthfeel in premium gin cocktails with delicate flavour profiles.

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