Looking for a new cocktail to try out this weekend? Want to wind down with a fresh new drink? We’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should drink this weekend.
With spring in full swing, it’s time to bust out some warm weather cocktails. Light, refreshing, and maybe a touch sweet. The prohibition-era Bee’s Knees is perfect for a sunny afternoon. Credited to Austrian-born bartender Frank Meier who made this drink at the Ritz in Paris in the early 1920s, the Bee’s Knees is a simple, three-ingredient cocktail. It’s a rework of the classic Gin Sour swapping in honey for sugar.
While the Bee’s Knees cocktail is easy to make, perfecting this drink requires quality ingredients. We’ve actually pulled this recipe from our friends at Caledonia Spirits, makers of Barr Hill Gin in Vermont, who use raw honey in their version of the Bee’s Knees. Here’s what you’ll need to make this drink at home.
Bee’s Knees Ingredients
Gin – Your choice of gin can really elevate this cocktail from a simple mixed drink to an exceptional concoction. London Dry gins like Tanqueray or Beefeater are perfectly serviceable options. However, we’d suggest opting for a gin with a bit more character. Barr Hill Gin is a fantastic option as is Nikka Coffey and Green Hat.
Honey/Honey Syrup – While you can certainly go for any old honey at the grocery store, we’d recommend finding some locally produced honey at a farmer’s market or specialty store. Barr Hill Raw Honey is also a great option if you’re looking to order some online. And, while you can use straight honey in your Bee’s Knees cocktail, we’d recommend making a honey simple syrup by combining equal parts honey and water in a saucepan over medium heat until the honey dissolves completely.
Lemon Juice – Again storebought lemon juice is fine in a pinch but nothing beats freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Bee’s Knees Cocktail Recipe
- Combine 2 ounces of gin, 3/4 ounce of lemon juice, and 3/4 ounce of honey syrup in a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice and shake until chilled, about 20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or lemon peel.
- Enjoy!
