History & Heritage
“The Bee Sting represents the craft cocktail renaissance's approach to elevating classics with bold new flavors. This spicy interpretation of the Prohibition-era Bee's Knees injects fiery heat through chile liqueur while maintaining the original's refreshing gin, lemon, and honey framework, creating a dynamic modern cocktail that captivates contemporary palates.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in freezer for 15 minutes
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker
Fill shaker with high-quality ice cubes
Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until well-frosted
Double-strain into chilled glass
Express lemon peel oils over drink and drop in
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass
Garnish
Express oils over drink, rub rim, drop in
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use honey syrup, not straight honey, for proper mixing
Ancho Reyes provides gentle, smoky heat—don't overpower
Fresh lemon juice essential for brightness
Serve ice-cold to balance alcohol and spice
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Bee's Knees
Prohibition-era gin, lemon, and honey shaken into a bright, velvety sour whose sweetness once softened rough bathtub gin.
Bee's Knees Royale
A sophisticated evolution of the Prohibition classic topped with sparkling wine—transforming the gin, lemon, and honey base into an effervescent celebration.
Grapefruit Bee’s Knees
A citrusy riff—gin, grapefruit and lemon juices with honey syrup, shaken bright.