Bee's Knees Cocktail Recipe

Bee's Knees Nutrition Facts

Calories:215

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:18g

Alcohol:15%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

August 9, 2023

History

The Bee's Knees cocktail is a Prohibition-era classic, created in the 1920s as a way to mask the harsh taste of bathtub gin. The name 'Bee's Knees' is a slang term from the era, meaning 'the best'. This cocktail would be enjoyed by those who appreciate a bit of history and a refreshing, citrusy drink.

  • Originated in the 1920s
  • Named after a popular slang term
  • Created to mask the taste of poor-quality gin

How Bee's Knees Tastes?

The Bee's Knees cocktail is a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and floral flavors. The honey syrup adds a rich sweetness, while the lemon juice provides a tangy, refreshing sourness. The gin's botanicals shine through, giving the drink a complex and satisfying taste.

Interesting facts about Bee's Knees

  • The Bee's Knees is a classic Prohibition-era cocktail
  • The name 'Bee's Knees' means 'the best'
  • The cocktail was created to mask the taste of poor-quality gin

Ingredients

A few good options for Bee's Knees are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Recipe. How to make Bee's Knees Drink

  1. Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker
    • 2 oz gin
    • 0.75 oz honey syrup
    • 0.75 oz lemon juice
  2. Add ice to the shaker
  3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds
  4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor
  • Shake well to ensure the honey syrup fully mixes with the other ingredients
  • Chill your glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer

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What you could change in Bee's Knees

  • Gin: Can be substituted with vodka for a less botanical flavor
  • Honey Syrup: Agave syrup or simple syrup can be used as a substitute
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice can be used for a different citrus twist

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Frequently Asked Questions on Bee's Knees

What glassware is best used when serving the Bee's Knees cocktail?

The Bee's Knees cocktail is traditionally served in a chilled coupe glass.

How did the Bee's Knees cocktail get its name?

The name 'Bee's Knees' comes from a popular slang term during the Prohibition-era - a way of saying 'the best'.

What times of the year are most appropriate for serving the Bee's Knees cocktail?

While the Bee's Knees cocktail can certainly be enjoyed year-round, it's especially delightful in the summer because of its refreshing, citrusy notes.

Can the Bee's Knees be made into a mocktail?

Yes, one can create a alcohol-free variation by using a non-alcoholic gin or by simply leaving out the gin. Using non-alcoholic components, however, may alter the overall flavor of the drink.

Is there a specific gin brand that goes well with this cocktail?

The Bee's Knees cocktail is adaptable to a wide range of gin brands. The choice of gin can highly impact the overall taste, as different brands have different botanical profiles. A dry gin such as Beefeater or Tanqueray could work well.

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Extra information to help you make Bee's Knees

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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