The Bee's Knees
The Bee's Knees is a classic, elegant gin cocktail that artfully balances the botanical notes of gin with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice and the subtle sweetness of honey. It's a simple yet sophisticated drink, perfect for those who appreciate a well-balanced and refreshing libation.
Equipment
- 1 Jigger For accurate measurement of spirits and mixers
- 1 Cocktail Shaker Essential for proper chilling and dilution
- 1 Strainer To remove ice and any fruit pulp
- 1 Bar Spoon For stirring honey into hot water
- 1 Coupe or Nick & Nora Glass Classic serving vessel for this cocktail
Ingredients
Main
- 2 ounces Gin
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon honey dissolved in 1 tsp hot water
Instructions
- Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of honey in 1 teaspoon of hot water, stirring until fully incorporated to create a honey syrup. Set aside to cool completely.
- Measure 2 ounces of gin and 1/2 ounce of fresh lemon juice.
- Add the measured gin, lemon juice, and the cooled honey syrup to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the cocktail shaker with fresh ice cubes.
- Securely cap the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Strain the cocktail directly into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
- Optionally, express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink and use it as a garnish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
The key to a superb Bee's Knees lies in the honey syrup. Always dissolve your honey in hot water first and allow it to cool completely before mixing; this ensures it integrates smoothly without clumping or over-diluting the final drink. The 1:2 honey-to-water ratio specified here creates a lighter syrup, which is ideal for balance. Use fresh lemon juice, always. Its bright acidity is crucial against the gin's botanicals and the honey's sweetness. Adjust the honey syrup quantity to your preference or the specific sweetness of your honey. A vibrant gin will elevate the drink's aromatic complexity. Shake well with plenty of ice for optimal chill and dilution, then strain into a chilled glass.