25 May Bee’s Knees a classic prohibition cocktail
The Bee’s Knees is a classic cocktail built with gin, lemon and honey. Simple in structure, but refined in balance, it is one of the best examples of a sour done right.
The combination of fresh citrus and honey creates a softer and more rounded profile compared to other sour cocktails. Light, refreshing and easy to drink, it remains a timeless choice that works just as well today as it did during Prohibition.
The History of the Bee's Knees
The Bee’s Knees cocktail dates back to the Prohibition era in the United States during the 1920s. Like many cocktails from this time, it was created as a way to make lower quality spirits more enjoyable.
Gin during Prohibition was often harsh and unrefined. By combining it with fresh lemon juice and honey, bartenders were able to soften the edges and create a more balanced drink. The honey in particular gave the cocktail a smoother and more rounded sweetness compared to regular sugar.
The name “Bee’s Knees” comes from 1920s slang, where it meant something outstanding or of high quality. Calling a drink the Bee’s Knees was essentially saying it was the best.
Over time, the cocktail survived beyond Prohibition and became a staple among classic gin cocktails. Today, the Bee’s Knees is appreciated not for hiding poor spirits, but for highlighting quality ingredients and balance.
It remains one of the simplest and most elegant sour style cocktails, and a great example of how a few well chosen ingredients can create something timeless.
Choosing the ingredients
The Bee’s Knees is built on just a few ingredients, which means quality and balance are essential. Each component plays a clear role in shaping the final cocktail.
Gin:
We use Bombay Sapphire as the base spirit. It offers a clean and balanced profile with subtle citrus and floral notes that work naturally with lemon and honey.
In a Bee’s Knees, the gin should not overpower the drink. Instead, it should provide structure and light botanical complexity. A well balanced gin like Bombay Sapphire allows the cocktail to stay fresh and approachable.
While other gins can be used, overly juniper heavy or very herbal styles can dominate the drink and disrupt the balance.
Lemon Juice:
Fresh lemon juice is essential. It provides the acidity that cuts through the sweetness of the honey and keeps the cocktail bright.
Bottled lemon juice will not give the same result. It lacks freshness and can make the drink feel flat.
Honey:
Honey syrup replaces traditional sugar and defines the character of the Bee’s Knees. It adds a softer and more rounded sweetness compared to simple syrup.
To make honey syrup, mix honey with a small amount of warm water to thin it out. This ensures it integrates properly into the cocktail.
Garnish
You can use a lemon zest as garnish for the Bee’s Knees. However, we prefer to serve it clean without any visible garnish.
Instead, express a lemon zest over the cocktail to release the oils, then discard it. This adds a subtle citrus aroma without affecting the clean and minimal presentation of the drink.
Bee’s Knees recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chill the cocktail glass with chrushed ice or by placing it in the freezer for a few of minutes. Remove ice before serving.
- Cut a lemon zest using a citrus peeler.
- Add gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup to a shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for 8-12 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Express the oils from a lemon zest over the cocktail and serve.
What to Remember
- Keep it simple - Use fresh ingredients and a balanced gin. The cocktail relies on clarity and does not hide mistakes
Double strain the Bee's Knees - It removes ice shards and gives a cleaner finish
- Chill the cocktail glass - A cocktail served without ice, it warms quicly. A chilled glass prevents that.
Shake properly - A good shake chills and dilutes the drink, creating a smooth and balanced result
- Express the lemon zest - A quick squeeze of lemon zest over the drink adds aroma and lifts the cocktail without changing its clean profile
FAQ
- What glass should I use for serving? - Serve the Bee’s Knees in a chilled Martini or cocktail glass. It is typically served without ice to keep the drink clean and well balanced
- What gin is best for a Bee’s Knees? - A clean and balanced gin works best. Bombay Sapphire is a good choice, as it supports the lemon and honey without overpowering the cocktail
- What is the alcohol percentage of a Bee's Knees? - The alcohol percentage in a Bee's Knees typically ranges between 18 - 20 % ABV, depending on dilution and proportions.
- Can I use honey instead of honey syrup? - It is best to use honey syrup. Pure honey is too thick and will not mix properly into the cocktail
- How do I make honey syrup? - Mix honey with a small amount of warm water until it becomes smooth and easy to pour. This helps it integrate into the drink
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Carl-Ditlev is a bartender and co-founder of EOW Magazine, dedicated to keeping cocktails simple with quality spirits, fresh juice, and homemade syrups.
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