The Americas United States

Bee's Knees

Name: Bee's Knees
Prep time: 10 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: The Americas
Ingredients: 60 ml / 0.25 cup honey; 60 ml / 0.25 cup hot water; 60 ml / 2 oz. gin; 30 ml / 1 oz. honey syrup; 30 ml / 1 oz. lemon juice; 1 lemon twist or edible flower

Honey Gin Cocktail, Gin And Honey Sour

Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 1
Prep Time: 10 mins
Make Time: 0 mins
Calories: 180 / serving
Diet: Non-Veg

The essentials, at a glance

The Americas Drink - Alcoholic Dairy-FreeGluten-Free

The Bee's Knees is a classic Prohibition-era cocktail known for its bright, citrusy profile. It balances the botanical notes of gin with the natural sweetness of honey and the tartness of fresh lemon. This refreshing drink is a sophisticated choice for any social gathering.

ProteinProtein 0.0g

FatFat 0.0g

CarbsCarbs 22.0g

Above values do not change with any serving size changes you make below

Ingredients

Servings: 1

For the Honey Syrup

60 ml / 0.25 cup honey

60 ml / 0.25 cup hot h2o

For the Cocktail

60 ml / 2 oz. gins

30 ml / 1 oz. honey syrup

30 ml / 1 oz. lemon juice

1 lemon twist or edible flower

Ingredients at a glance

Adjust quantities to your preferred serving size.
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Instructions

For the honey syrup

Combine the honey and hot water in a liquid measuring cup.

Whisk until combined and set aside to cool to room temperature.

Refrigerate the syrup until ready to use.

For the cocktail

Combine the gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice with ice in a cocktail shaker.

Cover and shake vigorously for approximately 10 seconds.

Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.

Serve garnished with a lemon twist or an edible flower.

Other considerations for this recipe

Syrup Storage

The honey syrup recipe makes enough for eight cocktails and can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Nutritional Benefits

Honey provides a natural source of energy.

Lemon juice contributes vitamin C for immune support.

Gin contains botanical extracts that may offer mild antioxidant properties.

The hydration from water in the syrup helps balance the alcohol content.

Nutritional information is provided as a general guide only. Values may vary and should not replace professional medical or dietary advice.

Recipe Credit

thepioneerwoman.comToast the Arrival of Spring with a Bee's Knees CocktailIt's just three ingredients: honey, lemon, and gin. 🍯

A Taste of the Jazz Age

Andrew T. 1 Nov 2026

From the Blog

All Contributions

Bee's Knees · Andrew T.

Honey and fresh lemon juice were originally used in the 1920s to mask the harsh taste of illicit bathtub gin during the Prohibition era. It is fascinating how a necessity born from poor-quality spirits evolved into such a sophisticated, timeless classic. The natural sweetness of the honey syrup creates a velvety texture that perfectly complements the botanical punch of a modern craft gin.

Perfecting the Pour

For the best results, ensure your honey syrup is completely cooled before shaking. This prevents the ice from melting too quickly, keeping the cocktail crisp and bright. I love how the tart citrus cuts through the richness of the honey, making it an ideal choice for a sunny afternoon or a lively social gathering. Serve it in a chilled coupe glass with a lemon twist to really elevate the experience.

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Nourished by History

Yumpedia: United States

The Bee's Knees emerged during the Prohibition era in the United States during the 1920s. During this time, the production and sale of alcohol were illegal, leading to the rise of speakeasies. The gin available in these underground bars was often of poor quality, referred to as "bathtub gin," and possessed a harsh, unpleasant taste.

To mask the pungent flavour of low-grade spirits, bartenders began adding strong sweeteners and acidic components. Honey and lemon juice were ideal for this purpose, as they effectively covered the chemical aftertaste of illicit gin while creating a palatable and refreshing beverage. The name "the bee's knees" was a popular slang term of the era, meaning something was outstanding or the height of excellence.

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