Bee's Knees: Liquid Gold in a Glass

IBA Cocktail

Sweet, tart, and smooth as Honey, the Bee's Knees is proof that necessity truly is the mother of invention. This Prohibition-era gem transformed bootleg spirits into liquid gold using nature's sweetest ingredients.

Bee's Knees: Liquid Gold in a Glass

The Bee's Knees is a testament to the ingenuity of Prohibition-era mixology, where honey and citrus were used to mask the harsh edges of bathtub Gin. Today, this delightful cocktail showcases the botanical brilliance of quality Gin rather than hiding it.

At its heart, this cocktail is a study in balance. The natural sweetness of Honey Syrup provides a rich, floral foundation that perfectly complements the botanical notes in the Gin. Fresh Lemon Juice adds a bright, zesty sparkle that lifts the entire drink, creating a harmonious blend that's both sophisticated and refreshing.

What makes the Bee's Knees particularly special is its chameleon-like ability to shift with the seasons. Spring honey creates a lighter, floral cocktail, while darker autumn honey yields a richer, more complex sipper. This versatility has helped the drink maintain its relevance in today's craft cocktail renaissance.

Modern mixologists have embraced this classic, often experimenting with different honey varieties and craft Gins to create unique interpretations while maintaining the drink's signature smooth, sophisticated character.

A Prohibition-era blend of Gin, Lemon, and Honey.

Did you know that Bee'S Knees...

was originally created to mask the taste of low-quality bathtub Gin during American Prohibition?

Who invented this cocktail

Frank Meier, the legendary bartender at the Café Parisienne in the Ritz Paris, is often credited with creating the Bee's Knees around 1921, though like many Prohibition-era cocktails, its true origins remain somewhat clouded in mystery.

The origin and history of "Bee'S Knees"

Born in the roaring twenties, the Bee's Knees emerged from the creative constraints of Prohibition. The phrase 'bee's knees' was popular 1920s slang for 'the best', and this cocktail lived up to its name by transforming rough spirits into something truly special through the clever use of honey and citrus.

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Bartender Tips for making the perfect "Bee'S Knees"

Create the perfect Bee's Knees with these golden rules:
  • Make your Honey Syrup with a 3:1 Honey to hot water ratio
  • Choose a floral Gin to complement the Honey notes
  • Always use freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
  • Shake extra hard to ensure proper dilution and Honey integration

Bee'S Knees recipe

Prep: 3 minTotal: 5 min

Ingredients

  • 50 ml GIN
  • 25 ml FRESH LEMON JUICE
  • 25 ml ORANGE JUICE
  • 2 tsp HONEY SYRUP
  • 1⅔ oz GIN
  • ¾ oz FRESH LEMON JUICE
  • ¾ oz ORANGE JUICE
  • 2 tsp HONEY SYRUP

Garnish

  • LEMON TWIST

Preparation

  1. Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice
  2. Shake well until it feels cold
  3. Strain into a chilled glass
  4. Garnish and serve

Nutritional Info

  • Calories:125 kcal
  • Alcohol units:2.0 units
  • ABV (Alcohol By Volume)~20%

Dietary Info

Gluten-free
Country of origin: Austria

"Bee'S Knees" Variations

  • Add Lavender Bitters for a Lavender Bee's Knees
  • Use Orange Blossom Honey for a Bee's Bonnet
  • Add a sprig of Fresh Rosemary for a Rosemary Bee's Knees
  • Substitute Gin with Bourbon for a Gold Rush

Whether you're a Honey enthusiast or a Gin lover, the Bee's Knees proves that sometimes the simplest combinations can create the most memorable cocktails.

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Current Comments: 4

Annette
Nov 6, 2024
Perfect balance of sweet and tart! I use local wildflower honey for the syrup - each batch tastes slightly different. Pro tip: warm your honey slightly before mixing with water for the syrup, it blends much easier.
gilberto moses
May 25, 2024
A wonderfully refreshing drink! I experimented with different gins and found that ones with strong floral notes work best with the honey. The mix of lemon and orange juices gives it this bright, complex citrus flavor.
Charlie P
Apr 9, 2024
Such an underrated classic! The honey syrup adds this wonderful depth you don't get with regular sugar. I like to garnish with a small orange twist to enhance those citrus aromatics. Always use fresh citrus juice!
Cory
Mar 6, 2024
The honey syrup makes this so much more interesting than drinks with plain simple syrup! Love how the orange juice adds another layer of citrus. Make sure to shake it really well to properly mix the honey syrup.