A Bee’s Knees cocktail is light, refreshing, lemon-y, and just screams spring/summer summer time. This cocktail balances the sweet and sour well. Also, it’s super simple to make and only requires 4 ingredients. Alright….lets get down to business.
The History of the Cocktail
Like many cocktails, there’s always a backstory. This cocktail was developed in the Prohibition Era. During this time, the United States placed a constitutional ban on importation, production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. This ban lasted for 13 years from 1920 to 1933. So like many other cocktails made during that era, it had to be kept on the hush-hush. The bee’s knees was created to hide the scent of the gin. The use of honey was considered unusually, since sugar was normally used in cocktails. But, the honey as the touch of sweetness to this drink. Making it bearable for non-gin drinkers.
Tools Needed for the Bee’s Knees
Alright…..before diving into how this simple drink is made. Let’s first discuss all the tools needed for this cocktail. To recreate the cocktail grab the following:
- Cocktail Shaker– The shaker is used to shake-up the cocktail right before serving.
- Jigger – The use of the jigger is to measure out the exact amount of gin needed for this cocktail.
- Peeler – A peeler is an optional bar tool for this recipe. It’s used to peel off the skin of the lemon for garnish.
- Citrus Squeezer – Of course, this cocktail would not be complete with fresh lemon juice. So, the citrus squeezer is used to get all of the juice out of the lemons.
- Measuring Cup – Since honey can be rather thick and sticky. A measuring cup is used to measure out hot water, as well as the honey.
- Cocktail Strainer – The cocktail strainer is used to prevent any chunks or lemon pulps from entering the cocktail.
- Glassware – Lastly you cannot serve any drink without a glass. So pick your favorite glass to serve this cocktail.
Making the Bee’s Knees Cocktail
Now on to this best and final part…..making and drinking the cocktail (insert happy emojis here). First, warm up some water and then drizzle about one-eighth cup of honey to the warm water. This “honey syrup” will serve as the simple syrup for this cocktail. Next, peel off some skin of a lemon. The lemon skin will be used as a garnish for this bee’s knees cocktail. After peeling the lemon, using the citrus squeezer juice an entire lemon. Now, drum roll please! It’s time for the star of the show to arrive the gin!
To a cocktail shaker add roughly two ounces of gin, followed by one ounce each of fresh lemon juice and the honey syrup. Next, drop in some ice and give this cocktail a good shake. Strain the drink over ice into your favorite glass of choice. Garnish with a few lemon peels and Enjoy!
Interested in more delicious cocktails? Check out the links below….
Bee’s Knees Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Gin
- Juice of one lemon
- 2 Lemon peels garnish
- 1/8 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Warm water
Instructions
Honey Syrup
- In a measuring cup add one-fourth cup of water. Heat this water on high for at least 35 seconds. Once heated add in the honey and give the mixture a good stir. Set aside.
Bee's Knees Cocktail
- To a cocktail shaker add: 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 1 ounce of honey syrup. Top the shaker off with ice and shake the cocktail for at least 15 seconds or until the shaker appears ice cold.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass with ice. Garnish the drink with the lemon peel.