Bee's Knees

The Bee's Knees is a refreshingly bright and balanced cocktail from the American Prohibition era. It masterfully blends the botanical notes of gin with the tartness of fresh lemon juice and the floral sweetness of honey syrup. This simple three-ingredient drink is a testament to the idea that classic recipes often endure for their perfect harmony of flavors. It's a sophisticated yet approachable gin sour that is both easy to make and delightful to drink.
Bee's Knees

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Bee's Knees is classified as a classic cocktail. It falls into the "sour" family of drinks, which are characterized by a base spirit, a sour element (lemon juice), and a sweet element (honey syrup).

Serving

Serve this cocktail chilled, straight up in a pre-chilled coupe glass for an elegant presentation. It is a relatively strong drink, typically around 3-4 oz in volume.
Serving size
Approximately 90-120 ml / 3-4 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Bee's Knees was created during Prohibition in the 1920s. The name is a popular slang term from the era, meaning "the best." It is believed that the honey and lemon were added not just for flavor, but to mask the harsh taste of the illicitly produced, low-quality "bathtub gin" that was common at the time. The cocktail's invention is often attributed to Frank Meier, a bartender at the Ritz in Paris.
Origin
United States, Prohibition Era (circa 1920s).

Bee's Knees

The drink is primarily known as the Bee's Knees, a Prohibition-era slang term meaning "the best" or "excellent". It is sometimes generically referred to as a gin and honey cocktail, highlighting its core ingredients. However, the original name is overwhelmingly the most common.
Original name
Bee's Knees
Alternative name
Gin and Honey Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a beautiful balance of sweet and sour, with floral honey and botanical gin notes. It has a smooth texture, a pale golden appearance, and a refreshingly crisp finish perfect for warmer seasons.
Flavor
Sweet, Sour, Citrusy, Floral, Botanical, Honey
Aroma
Lemon, Juniper, Floral, Honey
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Lingering sweetness, Herbal
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pale yellow, Hazy, Golden
Texture
Smooth, Silky, Crisp
Seasonality
Refreshing, Spring, Summer

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink is primarily sour with a balancing sweetness from honey and a moderate alcohol presence. It is not salty, spicy, creamy, or carbonated, offering a straightforward and intense flavor profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need three simple ingredients: gin as the base spirit, freshly squeezed lemon juice for sourness, and a homemade honey syrup for sweetness. The quality of each ingredient directly impacts the final taste.
  • Gin60 ml / 2 oz
    A London Dry Gin is classic, but a more floral or botanical gin also works beautifully.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
  • Honey Syrup22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    To make, mix 2 parts honey with 1 part hot water until dissolved. Let cool before use.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

The essential tools are a cocktail shaker to mix and chill the drink, and a strainer to ensure a smooth pour. A jigger is recommended for measuring ingredients accurately.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours
  • Fine-mesh strainer for a smooth texture
  • Citrus juicer for fresh lemon juice

Instructions

The process involves shaking gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup with ice, then double-straining the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. The final touch is an aromatic garnish of a lemon twist.
1. If you don't have honey syrup, prepare it by mixing two parts honey with one part hot water in a small bowl or jar. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved, then allow it to cool completely.
2. Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice and water or by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
3. Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup to a cocktail shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with cubed ice, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds until the outside is well-chilled.
5. Empty the ice from your chilled coupe glass.
6. Double-strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled coupe glass using a standard cocktail strainer and a fine-mesh strainer to catch any small ice chips.
7. Prepare a lemon twist. Express the oils from the peel over the surface of the drink by squeezing it, then drop it into the glass or place it on the rim.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish. Expressing the oils from the peel over the glass before garnishing adds a wonderful citrus aroma.
  • Lemon twist or peel, expressed over the drink and dropped in or placed on the rim

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from caffeine, dairy, egg, soy, nuts, and gluten. However, it is not considered vegan due to the use of honey.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and the honey syrup. The sugar content is notable due to the honey, contributing most of the carbohydrates.
Calories
Approximately 190-220 kcal / 795-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 11-14 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This bright and refreshing cocktail is perfect for a sophisticated cocktail hour or as a pre-dinner aperitif. Its floral and citrus notes make it especially well-suited for spring and summer gatherings, garden parties, or any elegant social event.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Spring and Summer Gatherings
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Garden Party

Pairing suggestions

The Bee's Knees pairs well with light and savory foods that complement its citrus and sweet notes. Consider appetizers like goat cheese, spicy nuts, or light salads. It also works well with simple grilled chicken or fish dishes.
  • Goat cheese and crackers
  • Light salads with vinaigrette
  • Spicy nuts
  • Grilled chicken or fish

The Bee's Knees: A Timeless Taste of the Roaring Twenties

The Bee's Knees is a quintessential Prohibition-era cocktail that remains popular for its delightful simplicity and balanced flavor profile. A member of the sour family, it elegantly combines gin's botanical complexity with the straightforward tartness of lemon and the floral sweetness of honey. This refreshing and sophisticated drink is easy to prepare yet offers a rich taste experience. It is a timeless classic perfect for any occasion that calls for a bright, well-crafted cocktail.