Need a refreshing cocktail that’s as sweet as it is zesty? Look no further than the Bee’s Knees Cocktail! This classic drink blends honey, lemon juice, and gin to create a perfect mix of sweet and tart. 🍋🍯
I love how simple and quick it is to make. Just three ingredients and a few shakes, and you’ve got yourself a sunshine-filled glass of deliciousness. Perfect for a summer evening or any time you need a pick-me-up! ☀️
Have you tried making the Bee’s Knees before? Share your thoughts and tweaks in the comments below! Let’s mix up some magic together! 🍸✨
Bee’s Knees Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: Essential for mixing all the ingredients.
- Strainer: To remove ice and any pulp from the lemon juice.
- Jigger for measuring the ingredients.
- Citrus juicer: To extract fresh lemon juice.
- Cocktail glass: A chilled coupe or martini glass works best.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin: Use a gin you enjoy as it’s the main flavor.
- 3/4 oz honey syrup: Mix equal parts honey and water to make this syrup.
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for the best taste.
- Ice: For chilling the cocktail.
You can adjust the sweetness or tartness by playing with the ratio of honey syrup to lemon juice.
Instructions
- Make honey syrup: Combine equal parts honey and warm water. Stir until the honey dissolves. Let it cool.
- Juice the lemon: Freshly squeeze the lemon to get the juice. Strain out any seeds.
- Combine ingredients: Add gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well: Shake for about 15 seconds, until well-chilled.
- Strain: Using a strainer, pour the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish (optional): Add a lemon twist or a small piece of honeycomb.
- Enjoy your Bee’s Knees cocktail immediately while it’s nice and cold. 🥂
Notes
Gin selection: The flavor of the cocktail changes with different gins, so pick one you like.
Garnish ideas: Lemon zest, a slice of lemon, or even lavender sprigs can add a nice touch.
Serving size: This recipe is for one cocktail, but you can easily scale it up for a party.
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients to make this cocktail your own. 🍹 Can’t wait to hear how your Bee’s Knees cocktail turns out! 🍯🍋 Share your thoughts and any tweaks you made in the comments below.
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
The Bee’s Knees cocktail brings a bright and sunny taste to any gathering. 🍯🍋
First, I notice the fresh lemon juice. It’s tangy and sharp, waking up my senses as soon as I take a sip.
Next, the honey syrup adds a smooth, sweet note. This balances the lemon’s tartness perfectly. The honey gives the drink a nice, rich flavor.
Lastly, I can taste the gin. It adds botanical and herbal notes, tying all the flavors together. The gin gives the cocktail its depth and complexity.
Here’s what I love most:
- The refreshing citrus
- The natural sweetness from the honey
- The herbal hints from the gin ✨
Pro tip: Serve it cold, with a twist of lemon peel on top for a bit of extra zing. 🍋
Share your thoughts about the Bee’s Knees in the comments below! Have you tried it? What did you think? 💬👀
Substitute
If you want to switch things up 🌈 or don’t have the exact ingredients for a Bee’s Knees cocktail, here are some easy substitutes you can use:
Honey Syrup
Instead of honey syrup, you can use:
- Simple syrup: Equal parts sugar and water.
- Agave syrup: Slightly different flavor but still sweet.
Gin
If you’re out of gin, try:
- Vodka: It doesn’t have as strong a flavor.
- Rum: Adds a tropical twist.
Lemon Juice
No lemons? You can use:
- Lime juice: It’s a little more tart but works fine.
- Orange juice: Sweeter and a bit different but tasty!
Feel free to experiment ✨! What combinations have you tried? Let me know in the comments.

Tips & Tricks
Making the perfect Bee’s Knees cocktail 🍋🍯 is fun and easy! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you make it just right.
Use Fresh Ingredients
- Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference. Store-bought juice just doesn’t cut it.
- Real honey brings out the best flavor. Try not to use honey substitutes.
Balance is Key
- Taste as you mix. Sometimes you might need a little more lemon juice or honey.
- Use a good quality gin. It really makes a difference in taste!
Chill Your Glass
- Place the glass in the freezer for a few minutes before you pour in the cocktail. It keeps your drink refreshing.
Shake, Don’t Stir
- Always shake your Bee’s Knees with ice to mix and chill it properly.
- Shake for about 15 seconds to achieve a nice, frothy texture.
Serve Immediately
- Enjoy your cocktail right after making it. Freshness is key to its delicious taste.
Feel free to share your own tips or tricks in the comments below! 🐝🍹 What else have you tried to make your Bee’s Knees cocktail even better? Let’s chat!