Bee’s Knees is a classic cocktail dating back almost 100 years to the Prohibition era in America. It is a slightly sweet, citrus cocktail. The libation was invented in speakeasies, places where alcoholic beverages are illegally sold during Prohibition. Back in the day, Bee’s Knees (slang for describing something of excellence), added lemon juice and honey syrup to cheap, bathtub gin to mask the harshness of the bitter alcohol. Honey wasn’t typically used in cocktails at that time, but its floral undertones created a complex flavor profile for this simple drink.

This cocktail has long been a favorite of Kelly’s. She first had it in a modern speakeasy and was drawn to it due to her love of most anything with honey. With alcohol no longer illegal, modern speakeasies are essentially bars shrouded in secrecy, with the feeling of discreetness and dim lighting to embody a prohibition vibe. Some are even hidden inside other restaurants or venues.

In preparation for this post, Eric & I experimented with three versions of a Bee’s Knees. For me, the combination of lemon and orange juices was most preferrable. It is best to make a syrup of honey and water for the drink so the honey does not form a solid mass in the cocktail shaker.

Lemon & Orange Bee’s Knees

Lemon & Orange Bee’s Knees Cocktail (adapted from honey.com)

Time Required: 5 minutes, Makes: 1 drink

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 tablespoon warm water
• 2 ounces gin
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
• lemon slices or peels for garnish
• orange slices or peels for garnish

Preparation:
Stir together the honey with the warm water, until they are well combined.

Make the honey syrup.

Add the honey syrup, gin, and juices to a cocktail shaker half filled with ice.

Add the ingredients to the cocktail shaker.

Shake until the cocktail is well chilled and condensation forms on the outside of the shaker. Strain into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with lemon & orange slices or peels.

Pour into a coupe or martini glass and serve.

Simple yet delicious!  ~Linda

Lemon & Orange Bee’s Knees Cocktail (adapted from honey.com) Time Required: 5 minutes, Makes: 1 drink

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 tablespoon warm water
• 2 ounces gin
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
• lemon & orange slices or peels for garnish

Preparation:
Stir together the honey with the warm water, until they are well combined. Add the honey syrup, gin, and juices to a cocktail shaker half filled with ice. Shake until the cocktail is well chilled and condensation forms on the outside of the shaker. Strain into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with lemon & orange slices or peels.