the knee’s bees cocktail recipe

RECIPE BY: RICARDO DYNAN
WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

Created by Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, Rico Dynan, The Knee’s Bees is a riff on the Gin-based classic The Bee’s Knees but uses Vodka instead, together with Lemon, and Honey to offer a hive of flavor perfect for sipping any time of year.

Like the original, it’s a shaken and chilled drink…and it’s delicious. So, if you’re looking for a fun Bee’s Knees variation, you gotta try The Knee’s Bees.

How To Make The Knee’s Bees Cocktail

What You’ll Need

• Cocktail Shaker
• Cocktail Glass
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument
• Bar Spoon
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Fine Strainer
• Citrus Elbow (or Citrus Press)
• Glass Jug 
• Kettle 
• Measuring Jug 
• Paring Knife 

 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. Place 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 Vodka 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. Take a Paring Knife and thinly slice a few strips of Orange Peel.
12. Squeeze the Orange Peel over your Glass.
13. Sip and enjoy!

The History of The Knee’s Bees Cocktail

The Bee’s Knees is a classic cocktail containing Gin, Honey and Lemon and dates back to the early 1920s. But in 2024, while making a classic Bee’s Knees for the YouTube series, Absolut Drinks with Rico, Rico decided to substitute the Gin for Vodka to answer the question if the drink would work with Vodka. And it did! In turn, he created The Knee’s Bees. The rest you can say is history!

Tips for Making a Perfect Knee’s Bees Cocktail

Always Use Fresh Lemon Juice
If you want your drink to match the high quality you’d find in a bar, only fresh juice will do. Wherever possible, squeeze your own fresh juice. After all, you want your drink to taste as fresh and as best as possible.

Serve in a Chilled Glass
As Rico shares, you should “Never put hot food on a cold plate, and you should never put a cold drink in a hot glass”. Do as Rico suggests and place your glass(es) in a freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Variations of The Knee’s Bees Cocktail

The Bee’s Knees
Gotta give credit where credit is due. The Knee’s Bees is a Vodka twist on the classic Bee’s Knees. With this classic version, you get all the lovely floral notes from the Gin that combine wonderfully with the Lemon and Honey. It’s a classic for a reason! Mmm, mmm! Discover how to make a classic Bee’s Knees.

Mix Up Your Honey
Make the drink your own by using your favorite Honey. The type of honey you choose will change the drink quite dramatically. Mix it up and see what Honey you like best.

 Serving and Garnish Ideas for The Knee’s Bees

The Knee’s Bees should be served in a chilled and elegant Coupe Cocktail Glass.

Garnish The Knee’s Bees with fresh Orange Zest. Simply slice a few strips of Orange Peel and squeeze the peel over your freshly poured cocktail.