Bees Knees co*cktail Recipe (2024)

Gin, lemon juice, orange juice & honey simple syrup combine in this delicious Bee’s Knees co*cktail. Served straight up in a martini glass.

Looking for more ways to use up that bottle of gin? Be sure to try my Aviation co*cktail Recipe, French 75 co*cktail Recipe and Gin and Tonic Recipe with 3 ways to customize it.

Lately, I have been noticing lots of co*cktails featuring honey popping up on bar menus around town. Most feature some type of citrus along with the honey and are served straight up. Perhaps bartenders are taking a cue from the Hot Toddy – A classic wintertime drink consisting of whiskey, hot water, honey and lemon and believed to cure colds.

It does make sense though. Honey is a sweetener and can function in any co*cktail much like a simple syrup would. As the base for this Bees Knees Drink, I’m making a honey simple syrup.

The reason we’re turning the honey into a syrup is so that it won’t clump up when you add it to your co*cktail. Instead, it will incorporate nicely and lightly sweeten your drink.

Bee’s Knees co*cktail history

According to Gin Foundry:

TheBee’s Kneesis thought to have emerged during Prohibition era America, when bathtub gin was all the rage. Adding spoonfuls of honey to such bitter alcohol certainly would have helped to mask the harshness, and when mixed with the lemon would create a more appetizing and sweet concoction.

– The Gin Foundry

Ingredients needed

• Honey Simple Syrup – See info on how to make it below. Or, check out this full post on how to make it.
• Gin – Not a gin fan? You can also make this co*cktail with vodka. Learn all about the differences between gin vs. vodka here.
• Orange Juice & Lemon Juice – Fresh squeezed is best here!

How to make it

• First, make a honey simple syrup by combining equal parts honey and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until well blended.
• Combine honey simple syrup, gin, lemon juice and orange juice in a co*cktail shaker filled with ice.
• Shake vigorously and strain into a co*cktail glass.
• Garnish with a lemon wheel.
• Enjoy!

Bee’s Knees co*cktail variations

• If you’re not a fan of gin, you could also use vodka or bourbon in this co*cktail. Learn all about the differences between gin vs. vodka here.
• Want a sweeter co*cktail? Simply add more honey simple syrup.
• Don’t want to make the honey simple syrup? Take a shortcut by substituting plain simple syrup, maple syrup or agave.
• Add a hint of floral by adding in a splash of St. Germain.
• Make a lavender bees knees by infusing your simple syrup with lavender.
• If you divide your co*cktail between two champagne flutes and top it with sparkling wine, you’ve essentially got a French 75 co*cktail.
• For a drink that’s not as strong, simply add a splash of soda or tonic water and serve it over ice.

Recipe FAQs

How long does honey simple syrup last?

• This honey syrup will last, stored in the refrigerator, for up to one month.

What gin is best for a bees knees?

• Use your favorite dry gin in this recipe. Some great options are Beefeater, Hendricks, Tanqueray and Aviation.

More co*cktail recipes

• Aperol Spritz
• Aviation Gin Fizz
• Paloma co*cktail with Honey Simple Syrup
• Blackberry Moscow Mule with Elderflower
• Harvest Moon Applejack co*cktail
• More → 15+ Honey co*cktail Recipes
• More → 25+ Gin co*cktails

Did you try this bee’s knees co*cktail recipe?

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This recipe was originally published in 2015. It was updated in 2019 to add new photographs and update the content. The original lemon honey co*cktail recipe remains the same. Enjoy!

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