Bee’s Knees Cocktail
A bright, refreshing Prohibition-era classic made with gin, honey, and lemon, the Bee’s Knees cocktail is simple, smooth, and perfectly balanced.
This easy gin cocktail comes together in minutes with fresh lemon juice and homemade honey syrup, creating a crisp honey lemon drink that highlights the botanicals of the gin. It’s a classic vintage cocktail recipe that’s perfect for spring entertaining, summer happy hours, or an elevated yet effortless drink at home.
What you'll need: Makes 1 cocktail
2 oz gin (Flavor profiles explained below)
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
¾ oz honey syrup
Lemon twist, for garnish
Honey Syrup
½ cup honey
½ cup warm water
* Warm together gently on the stove over low-medium heat just until it melts and stirl easily together. Do not let it boil. Store in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
How to make it:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup.
Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
Great gin choices for Bee’s Knees:
• A classic London Dry gin like Tanqueray or Beefeater — crisp, juniper-forward and citrusy, it pairs beautifully with lemon and honey.
• Plymouth Gin — smoother and slightly earthy than London Dry, balanced and refined.
• Botanical or citrus-forward gins like Aviation or The Botanist — they offer floral or herbaceous notes that elevate the cocktail’s floral honey and bright lemon.
• Barr Hill Gin — made with raw honey, which naturally complements the honey syrup in the drink.
• Bombay Sapphire — a solid, affordable option with vibrant citrus botanicals that work well here.
Tip: If you want the gin to stand out, choose one with citrus or floral botanicals; if you want the honey and lemon to shine, go with a more traditional London Dry.
Optional Variations:
Lavender Bee’s Knees: Add a splash of lavender syrup.
French 75: Top with a splash of chilled brut Champagne.
Herbal Twist: Muddle fresh thyme in the shaker before adding ice.
