Bee's Knees Recipe
The Bee's Knees is a classic, refreshing gin cocktail that perfectly balances sweet and tart notes. Combining gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup, it's shaken with ice and served chilled, offering a sophisticated and aromatic drinking experience. A simple yet elegant choice for any occasion.
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker Essential for proper chilling and dilution.
- 1 Jigger or Measuring Spoons For accurate ingredient measurements.
- 1 Fine-Mesh Strainer To ensure a smooth, ice-chip-free cocktail.
- 1 Citrus Juicer For extracting fresh lemon juice.
- 1 Coupe or Martini Glass Traditional serving vessel for this cocktail.
Ingredients
Main
- 2 ounces gin
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce honey syrup see note
Instructions
- Prepare honey syrup if not already done: Combine equal parts honey and hot water, stir until dissolved, and let cool completely.
- Chill your serving glass (e.g., coupe or martini glass) in the freezer or by filling with ice water.
- Measure 2 ounces of gin, 1/2 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of cooled honey syrup into a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with fresh ice cubes.
- Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
- Empty the ice water from your chilled serving glass.
- Strain the cocktail mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass using a fine-mesh strainer.
- Garnish with a fresh lemon peel twist, expressing its oils over the drink before placing it on the rim.
Notes
The quality of your ingredients is paramount for a simple cocktail like the Bee's Knees. Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice; bottled juice will compromise the brightness and balance. For the honey syrup, a 1:1 ratio of honey to hot water, stirred until dissolved, is ideal. Ensure it's cooled before mixing. The choice of gin can significantly alter the drink's profile; a floral gin will enhance the honey and lemon, while a more juniper-forward gin will give it a sharper, classic edge. Adjust the honey syrup amount slightly to taste based on your preference for sweetness and the tartness of your lemon. A lemon twist or expressed lemon peel makes for an elegant garnish and adds aromatic oils.