The original purpose of honey in this simple Prohibition Era cocktail was to mask the smell of the bathtub gin. Now you can enjoy it without having to hide a thing.
The key to an exceptional Bee's Knees lies in the quality and balance of its components. Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice; bottled juice will dull the drink's vibrancy. For the honey syrup, a simple 1:1 ratio of good quality honey to hot water, stirred until dissolved and then cooled, works best – this ensures it integrates smoothly without clumping. Adjust the sweetness to your preference, as honey varieties differ in intensity. Shaking with ample ice until the shaker is frosty indicates proper chilling, which is crucial for dilution and temperature. A pre-chilled coupe glass also maintains the drink's ideal temperature longer. Consider a lemon twist or a thin lemon wheel as a garnish to add an aromatic flourish and visual appeal.