Bee's Knees

The Bee's Knees is a bright, refreshing cocktail that's surprisingly easy to make at home. With gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup, it's smooth, citrusy, and beautifully balanced.

Bee's Knees cocktail in a coupe glass with a jar of honey behind it.

I love how simple the Bee's Knees is while still feeling a little special. The combination of fresh lemon juice and honey softens the gin's sharp edge, creating a cocktail that's smooth, lightly sweet, and wonderfully refreshing. The honey adds a gentle floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with the gin's botanical notes.

Fresh lemon juice really makes a difference here. It gives the drink its bright citrus flavor and keeps everything tasting crisp and balanced. When shaken with gin and honey syrup, the result is a light, elegant cocktail that's easy to sip.

The Bee's Knees dates back to the Prohibition era and has remained a favorite ever since. Its simple ingredients and bright flavor make it a classic cocktail that's just as enjoyable today.

Bee's Knees cocktail in a coupe glass with a jar of honey behind it.
Kristen Stevens

Bee's Knees

The Bee's Knees is a classic cocktail made with gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup. It's bright, citrusy, and beautifully balanced, with the honey softening the gin and letting its botanical flavors shine.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ounces London Dry gin or other botanical gin
  • ¾ ounce lemon juice fresh is best!
  • ½ ounce honey syrup see notes
  • Lemon twist for garnish

Method
 

  1. Add a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker, then pour in the gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
    2 ounces London Dry gin, ¾ ounce lemon juice, ½ ounce honey syrup
  2. Shake until icy cold, then strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
    Lemon twist

Notes

Honey syrup: like simple syrup, but made with honey. Mix equal parts honey and hot water until the honey dissolves. If you like a sweeter cocktail, you may want to add ¾ ounce. 

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