Bee's Knees
Prohibition-era gin, lemon, and honey shaken into a bright, velvety sour whose sweetness once softened rough bathtub gin.
25%
ABV
163
Calories
Coupe
Glass
Flavor Journey
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
Combine gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice
Shake hard for 15 seconds until frosty
Double-strain into the chilled glass
Express and garnish with a lemon twist
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe glass
Garnish
Express oils and drop in
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Warm honey gently with water to make a smooth syrup
Use fresh lemon juice and a vigorous shake for proper texture
Experiment with different honeys to tweak flavor
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Bee's Knees.
Lavender Bee's Knees
A modern classic that elevates the Prohibition-era Bee's Knees with the aromatic allure of lavender, showcasing the beautiful synergy between botanical gin, tart lemon, sweet honey, and herbal lavender.
Grapefruit Bee’s Knees
A citrusy riff—gin, grapefruit and lemon juices with honey syrup, shaken bright.
Gold Rush
Bourbon, honey, and lemon. A honey-sweetened whiskey sour that's become a modern classic.
Bee Sting
A spicy modern interpretation of the Bee's Knees with gin, lemon, honey, and Ancho Reyes chile liqueur—sweet, sour, and fiery heat in perfect balance.
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.
History & Heritage
“Credited either to Paris Ritz bartender Frank Meier or to socialite Molly Brown, the Bee's Knees emerged in the 1920s when honey and lemon tempered the bite of illicit gin. Its name comes from flapper-era slang for something outstanding. Though it faded mid-century, the craft cocktail revival restored this simple three-ingredient sour to prominence as bartenders embraced classic recipes and artisanal honeys.”
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
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.
Bee Sting
A spicy modern interpretation of the Bee's Knees with gin, lemon, honey, and Ancho Reyes chile liqueur—sweet, sour, and fiery heat in perfect balance.
Grapefruit Bee’s Knees
A citrusy riff—gin, grapefruit and lemon juices with honey syrup, shaken bright.