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The Bee’s Knees Cocktail

Avery Wiseman

Photo Credit: Unsplash

The Bee's Knees cocktail is a classic gin-based cocktail that originated in the 1920s. Here's how you can make it.

History of the Bee's Knees Cocktail

The “Bee’s Knees” cocktail is a classic Prohibition-era cocktail that gained popularity in the 1920s. The origins of the name are unclear, but one theory is that “bee’s knees” was slang for “the best,” and so the drink became known as a top-notch cocktail.

The traditional recipe for the Bee’s Knees calls for gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup. The ingredients are shaken together with ice and strained into a chilled glass. The result is a smooth and balanced cocktail that is both tart and sweet, with a bright and refreshing flavor profile.

During Prohibition, when alcohol was illegal in the United States, many people turned to gin as a way to continue drinking. The gin used during this time was often of poor quality, so bartenders sought to mask its harsh flavors with sweet and citrusy ingredients like lemon juice and honey.

Today, the Bee’s Knees is considered a classic cocktail and continues to be enjoyed by bartenders and drinkers alike. It remains a popular choice for those who appreciate the bright and refreshing flavors of gin, lemon, and honey.

How To Make The Bee's Knees Cocktail

The Bee’s Knees cocktail is a classic gin-based cocktail that originated in the 1920s. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

2 oz gin
3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
3/4 oz honey syrup
Ice
Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

To make the honey syrup, mix equal parts honey and warm water in a saucepan until the honey has dissolved. Set aside and let it cool.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup to the shaker.
Shake until well combined and the outside of the shaker has become frosty (around 15-20 seconds).
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist and serve.

Enjoy your Bee’s Knees cocktail!

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