Bee’s Knees Cocktail

Back in February 2023, I found myself on an unforgettable girls’ trip to Savannah, Georgia, with my dear friends Amanda and Kristi. We’re not just brunch aficionados, but also members of a tiny book club that’s obsessed with historical fiction. We had read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, along with a few other novels set in Savannah, and figured it was high time to experience the city’s charm firsthand.

Between stops at iconic spots like The Mercer Williams House and the divine Olde Pink House restaurant, we stumbled upon a speakeasy-style cocktail class in the American Prohibition Museum. We spent two glorious hours learning the fine art of mixing prohibition-era cocktails—two of my favorite drinks that evening were the Chatham Artillery Punch and the Classic Daiquiri. 

That night piqued my interest in Prohibition-era cocktails, and I've been on a quest to try as many of those classics as possible. This Bee’s Knees cocktail is a beautiful throwback to the 1920s—simple, refreshing, and with a touch of elegance that makes it the perfect drink for any occasion. 

Whether you’re hosting happy hour, reading about the unsinkable Molly Brown, or just feeling nostalgic for prohibition days, this drink is the bee’s knees (pun intended).

Ingredients:

Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this classic cocktail:

• Gin: Use a dry gin with bold juniper flavors for authenticity, but the best gin is the one you love.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, zesty tang that balances the sweetness of the honey syrup.
• Honey Syrup: Made by mixing equal parts honey and hot water. This adds a rich, floral sweetness.
• Lemon Twist: A fresh lemon peel adds a lovely aromatic garnish.

Equipment:

• Cocktail shaker: Essential for mixing and chilling the cocktail.
• Chilled Coupe cocktail glass: A must to serve this drink in style.
• Strainer: Ensures you pour a smooth, clean cocktail.
• Citrus juicer: Helps you squeeze out every last drop of lemon juice.

How to Make the Bee’s Knees Cocktail:

1. Make the Honey Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine equal parts honey and hot water over medium heat. Stir gently until fully dissolved, then let cool. Store it in the fridge, and you’ll have this magical syrup ready for any future cocktail endeavors.
2. Mix the Cocktail: In your shaker tin, combine 2 ounces of dry gin, ¾ ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and ½ ounce of honey syrup. Add ice, shake vigorously until well-chilled, and strain into your chilled cocktail glass.
3. Garnish: Top it off with a lovely lemon twist, giving the rim a slight rub for that citrusy aroma.

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Chef Secrets:

• Double Strain: To ensure a silky smooth cocktail, double strain it through a fine mesh to catch any ice shards or pulp from the lemon juice.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of your lemon juice and honey syrup makes all the difference. Avoid lemon juice concentrate—it just doesn’t have the same zing.
• Chilled Glass: Pre-chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving. It keeps the drink cool and refreshing from the first sip to the last.

Serving Suggestions:

The Bee’s Knees cocktail is perfect as a pre-dinner drink or for a classy happy hour with friends. Pair it with light appetizers like a charcuterie board, smoked salmon, bruschetta, or even some crispy crostini. The balance of sweet and tart flavors complements a variety of foods, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make honey syrup ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before storing.

What if I don’t have gin?
You can substitute gin with white rum for a variation of the classic cocktail, though it won’t be the same authentic taste.

How do I get the perfect lemon twist?
Use a vegetable peeler to carefully peel off a strip of lemon rind, avoiding the bitter white pith. Twist it over the cocktail to release its fragrant oils.

Storing and Make Ahead Tips:

The Bee’s Knees cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to prep it ahead of time, you can mix the ingredients (sans ice) and store them in a jar in the fridge. 

When ready to serve, give it a good shake with ice and pour. 

Keep extra honey syrup handy in the fridge for your next round of cocktails.

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Enjoy this Prohibition-era gem and share it with your friends—it's sure to make any occasion a little more special!

More Classic Cocktail Recipes

• The Classic Tom Collins
• Whiskey Sour
• The Classic Godfather
• French Martini