How to Make a Bee's Knees

The Bee's Knees is a classic cocktail born during the 1920s American Prohibition era. The name was popular slang of the time meaning "the best" or "the height of excellence." It's an elegant cocktail that perfectly balances dry gin's botanical notes with honey syrup's natural sweetness and fresh lemon juice's brightness.

During Prohibition, honey and lemon were reportedly used to mask the harsh taste of bootleg gin, but today we enjoy it with quality gin to fully appreciate its delicate flavors. It features a beautiful golden color and silky texture, with an outstanding balance of sweet and citrus notes.

History: The Bee's Knees is believed to have been created by bartender Frank Meier at the Ritz Hotel in Paris during the 1920s. It gained immense popularity in Prohibition-era America, and the expression "bee's knees" itself reflects 1920s Jazz Age culture. With the craft cocktail revival, it has regained attention and become a staple at modern cocktail bars.

Taste: The first sip delivers honey's smooth, sweet flavor enveloping the palate, followed by gin's subtle juniper and citrus notes. Lemon juice finishes the overall taste with brightness and freshness, ensuring the sweetness never becomes cloying and leaving a balanced finish. Honey's unique floral nuances create beautiful harmony with gin's botanicals.

Perfect For: Warm spring brunches, garden parties, or as an aperitif with light appetizers. Thanks to its smooth, balanced taste, it's also recommended for those new to gin cocktails.

Ingredients

• 52.5ml - Dry Gin
• 22.5ml - Honey Syrup
• 22.5ml - Lemon Juice

Recipe

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add 52.5ml dry gin, 22.5ml honey syrup, and 22.5ml lemon juice.
3. Shake vigorously until well combined.
4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Garnish with a lemon twist or honey-dipped lemon wedge for a beautiful presentation. Using lavender honey enhances the floral notes.