The Bee's Knees cocktail is believed to have been created during the Prohibition era in the United States, around the 1920s. It is attributed to a bartender in New York City, though the exact identity of the creator is somewhat unclear. The cocktail was likely developed as a way to mask the taste of poorly made, low-quality gin, which was common at the time due to Prohibition restrictions. The name "Bee's Knees" was a popular slang phrase at the time, meaning something excellent or "the best."
The Bee's Knees cocktail is a refreshing and flavourful classic, combining gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup. The honey plays a crucial role in balancing the tartness of the lemon juice while adding a rich, natural sweetness. Its unique flavour profile brings a smooth, floral sweetness that can subtly change the overall taste of the drink. Unlike sugar, which dissolves quickly and provides a more neutral sweetness, honey adds complexity with its distinct notes, which can vary depending on the type of honey used. Whether it's a mild clover honey or a more robust wildflower variety, honey enhances the cocktail by giving it depth and a smooth texture, transforming it into a sophisticated and enjoyable sip. So yes, honey does significantly influence the flavour, contributing both sweetness and a touch of warmth to this classic cocktail.
Ease of Making: Easy
Glass Type: Coupe
Taste: Blend of sweet and citrusy flavours.
Recipe:
- 50 ml Great Bustard Gin
- 40 ml Lemon Juice
- 20ml Honey (Try Noble Bees)
- Ice
Method:
- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake hard, longer you shake the greater the spice / heat.
- Zest the rim with lemon peel
- Strain cocktail into your glass.
- Garnish with either lemon or Jalapeno.
Alternative Options:
- Add 20ml of Ancho Reyes which is a chilli liqueur.
- Switch the sugar syrup for honey
- Switch the sugar syrup with 30ml of Bärenjäger – a German honey liqueur.
- Switch gin for a tequila.
- Garnish with Jalapeno instead of lemon.
