The Bee’s Knees: A Classic Cocktail with a Sweet Twist of Honey

The Bee’s Knees is a cocktail as charming as its name. Made with gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup, this Prohibition-era drink is known for its simplicity and natural sweetness. In this post, we’ll dive into the history of the Bee’s Knees, its ingredients, and how to make this timeless cocktail at home.

The History of the Bee’s Knees

The Bee’s Knees cocktail was born during Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933), a time when the sale and consumption of alcohol were outlawed. Gin, one of the few spirits that was relatively easy to produce illegally, became a common choice. However, the gin of this era was often rough and unrefined, so bartenders used ingredients like honey and citrus to mask its harsh flavors. The name “Bee’s Knees” was a popular slang expression in the 1920s, meaning “the best” or something truly special—apt for a drink that brought brightness to otherwise rough gin.

The cocktail is widely attributed to Frank Meier, an Austrian bartender who worked at the Hôtel Ritz in Paris. He is said to have created the Bee’s Knees in the 1920s, making it a refreshing, sophisticated drink that reflected the Jazz Age’s flair.

The Ingredients that Make It Buzz

The Bee’s Knees cocktail combines just three main ingredients, each bringing a distinct quality:

Gin: A London Dry or botanical gin works well, as the gin’s floral notes complement the honey without overpowering it. If you prefer a softer touch, try a less juniper-forward gin, which will let the honey and lemon flavors shine even more.
Honey Syrup: The sweet core of the Bee’s Knees, honey syrup, is made by diluting honey with water (usually 1:1). This makes it easier to blend with other liquids, allowing the cocktail to reach a smooth, consistent sweetness.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for a crisp, bright taste. The acidity balances the sweetness of the honey and the depth of the gin, making for a well-rounded drink.

How to Make the Perfect Bee’s Knees Cocktail

Ingredients:

60 ml gin
20 ml honey syrup (1 part honey to 1 part water)
20 ml fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

Start by making honey syrup if you haven’t already. Simply combine equal parts honey and warm water, stirring until fully dissolved. Let it cool.
In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice with ice.
Shake well until the mixture is chilled, about 10-15 seconds.
Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist or a small sprig of fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to enhance the drink’s aroma.

Variations on the Bee’s Knees

While the classic Bee’s Knees is a beauty on its own, there are several ways to experiment with this cocktail and make it your own:

Herbal Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary to the honey syrup. This adds an aromatic layer and gives a unique twist to the drink.
Lavender Honey Syrup: Use lavender-infused honey for a floral version of the Bee’s Knees. It pairs beautifully with the gin’s botanicals.
Grapefruit Bee’s Knees: Substitute a splash of grapefruit juice for a slightly bitter, citrusy take on the drink.

These small adjustments can bring out different notes in the cocktail, enhancing its versatility.

The Bee’s Knees Legacy

The Bee’s Knees remains popular not only for its taste but also for its story. It embodies the creativity and resilience of a time when cocktail culture faced strict limitations, with people seeking out ways to elevate whatever ingredients they had on hand. Today, it’s celebrated as a symbol of ingenuity and a reminder of how classic cocktails can transform simple ingredients into something remarkable.

Conclusion

The Bee’s Knees is the perfect cocktail for anyone looking for a refreshing, lightly sweet drink with historical roots. With its balance of gin, honey, and lemon, this Prohibition-era classic offers a smooth yet complex flavor profile that’s both timeless and modern. So whether you’re a fan of gin or simply curious to try a vintage drink, the Bee’s Knees is sure to become a favorite.

Try it out, and don’t forget to share your creation—cheers to enjoying “the best” of cocktails!

Liquid – Atlas