how to make a classic bee’s knees

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Bee’s Knees is a classic Gin-based cocktail that’s shaken and chilled with the beloved flavor combination of Honey and Lemon.

While the thought of Lemon and Honey might remind you of cold or cough lozenges, rest assured, the duo harmonizes flawlessly here. Together with the floral notes from the Gin, The Bees Knee’s is a wonderful cocktail for sipping on a warm spring day – or any other day.  

The Bee’s Knees – “It’s the Gin Sour you didn’t know you needed,” says Rico. And after one sip, we can say we understand the buzz.

So, grab your Shaker and let’s get this hive humming!

How to Make The Bee’s Knees Cocktail

What You’ll Need

• Cocktail Shaker
• Cocktail Glass
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument
• Bar Spoon
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Fine Strainer
• Citrus Elbow 
• Glass Jug 
• Measuring Jug 
• Kettle (for Boiling Water)

 How to Mix

1. Measure 3 parts Honey and pour it into a Measuring Jug.
2. Boil Water using a normal house-hold Kettle.
3. Add 1 part Boiling Water into the Measuring Jug with the Honey.
4. Stir gently with a Bar Spoon until the Honey loosens and becomes easier to pour. Put the Honey Syrup to one side.
5. Squeeze Fresh Lemon Juice into a Glass Jug using a Citrus Elbow.
6. Pour the Honey Syrup into the Glass Jug.
7. Grab your Cocktail Shaker and pour in the Lemon Juice, followed by Honey Syrup.
8. Measure and pour Gin into the Cocktail Shaker.
9. Fill the shaker with Ice Cubes and then shake vigorously until ice-cold.
10. Strain into a chilled Cocktail Glass using a Hawthorne Strainer and Fine Strainer.
11. Sip and enjoy!

The History of The Bee’s Knees Cocktail

Like so many old cocktails, the origins of the Bee’s Knees are murky. What we do know, however, is that the birthplace of this classic 3-ingredient Gin-based cocktail is Paris, France. Some say it was possibly created by an Austrian-born bartender who became the first head bartender at a prestigious hotel in Paris in 1921.

Tips for Making The Perfect Bee’s Knees

• Don’t Forget to Juice Fresh
  Wherever possible, squeeze your own Fresh Lemon Juice. This will really make a difference if you want to drink to reach bar-level standards.

• A Cold Drink Needs a Cold Glass
  Rico often shares that mixing an ice-cold cocktail is similar to cooking – “Never put hot food on a cold plate, and you should never put a cold drink in a hot glass”. Keep your glass(es) in a freezer.

• Experiment with Different Honey and Gin Types
  You can make this drink using your favorite Honey. But keep in mind that the type of honey you choose – whether it’s light or dark – will transform and change the drink quite dramatically. For example, you could experiment with Floral Honey for a delicate sweetness or Buckwheat Honey for a richer depth.

  The same thing with your choice of Gin – you could use a citrus-forward Gin like Beefeater Zesty Lemon (Lemon-Flavored Gin) for a zesty kick or a botanical-heavy gin for a more complex profile.

Variations of The Bee’s Knees 

Knee’s Bees
Named by Rico, created by Rico. While making a classic Bee’s Knees for the ‘Absolut Drinks with Rico’ series, Rico answers the all-important question, will it work with vodka? Yes, it will! But what does it taste like? Let’s ask Rico: “You no longer have the floral notes from the Gin, but the Orange notes from the zest, the Lemon, and the good quality Honey that we used has made a very, very elegant drink, perfect for any time of the year”. Looking for Bee’s Knees with Vodka? Check out Rico’s Knee’s Bees recipe.

Add Orange Juice
Although the classic recipe is as shown above, some later recipes suggest adding a small amount of Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice. Together with the Orange Peel garnish, you’re obviously going to get a lot more citrus in your drink, with the sweetness of the Orange Juice pairing well with the tartness of the Lemon Juice.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for The Bee’s Knees

Although Rico’s version doesn’t have a garnish, some people suggest garnishing with a Lemon Peel. Others suggest a sprig of Basil or Thyme instead of Lemon Peel.

With or without garnish, the Bee’s Knees is best served in a chilled Coupe Cocktail Glass. A chilled glass enhances the drinking experience with its elegant shape, allowing you to savor the aromas and flavors with every loving sip.