Bees Knees
- Dakota Delights
- Date Created:
Bees Knees
- Dakota Delights
- Date Created:
Bright, refreshing, and timeless — the Bee’s Knees Cocktail blends gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup for the perfect balance of sweet and tart. This Prohibition-era classic is elegant yet simple, made with just three ingredients and ready in minutes. Serve it chilled for a smooth, floral drink that truly lives up to its name — it’s the bee’s knees! 🍸
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Bright, refreshing, and naturally sweet, this Bee’s Knees Cocktail mixes gin, lemon, and honey for a timeless, effortless Prohibition-era classic.
Simple & elegant: Just three ingredients — gin, lemon, and honey syrup — come together effortlessly.
Naturally sweet: Honey adds a soft, floral sweetness without refined sugar.
Bright & refreshing: The balance of tart lemon and smooth gin makes every sip crisp and lively.
Timeless classic: A Prohibition-era favorite that feels both vintage and modern.
Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for brunch, cocktail hour, or cozy evenings in.
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PRO TIPS
When I developed this Bee’s Knees recipe, I knew I wanted a cocktail that was simple, refreshing, and naturally sweet, yet sophisticated enough to impress. I aimed for a balance of bright citrus, smooth gin, and just the right touch of honey — a drink that feels effortless but elevated.
Use fresh lemon juice — it makes a huge difference in brightness and flavor compared to bottled juice.
Honey syrup works best — mix equal parts honey and warm water to make it pourable and blend smoothly with gin.
Shake well with ice — chilling and aerating the cocktail balances sweetness and tartness perfectly.
Garnish for flair — a lemon twist or edible flower adds elegance and visual appeal.
- Experiment with different gins — This time I used Bombay Sapphire because it was what I had on hand. My favorites are actually Citadelle and Monkey 47!
KEY INGREDIENTS
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These are the ingredients you need for making the Bees Knees Cocktail. Find the full ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below
Gin: The backbone of this cocktail — choose a quality gin with bright, botanical notes. It pairs perfectly with the tart lemon and sweet honey.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the drink its bright, zesty flavor.
Honey Syrup: Combining honey with warm water creates a smooth, pourable syrup that blends seamlessly with the gin. It adds natural sweetness without overpowering the citrus.
Ice (optional): Used for shaking, ice chills the cocktail.
Garnish (optional): A lemon twist or edible flower adds visual appeal and a hint of aroma, making the cocktail feel extra special.
VARIATIONS TO TRY
Jive with your Bees Knees with these variations / additions!
Flavored Honey Syrup: Try lavender, orange, or ginger-infused honey syrup for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
Virgin Version: Swap gin for sparkling water or a non-alcoholic gin alternative to make a refreshing mocktail.
Extra Citrus Kick: Add a splash of fresh orange or grapefruit juice for a tangy, fruity variation.
Herbal Twist: Muddle fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary in the shaker for an aromatic, garden-fresh flavor.
Sparkling Bee’s Knees: Top the cocktail with a splash of champagne or sparkling wine for a festive, bubbly version.
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HOW TO MAKE
Below I’ve highlighted proportions with step-by-step process images, along with instructions for making a bees knees gin cocktail. You can find the full set of instructions in the recipe card below.
- Add equal parts honey and water to a microwave safe dish. (I used 3.5 ounces each. 7 ounces will make 14 drinks! Please drink responsibly and do not consume this much gin by yourself.)
- Microwave honey water for 15 seconds so that the honey can mix in with water. Chill syrup in fridge for at least 30 minutes or freezer for at least 15 minutes.
3. Pour 2 ounces of gin.
4. Add 2 ounces of water.
5. Add 1/2 ounce honey syrup.
6. Add 1/3 ounce of lemon juice.
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Bees Knees
Equipment
- 1 scale (or shot glass)
- 1 cup for drinking
- 1 microwave safe dish (for honey syrup)
Ingredients
- ¼ oz water (for honey syrup)
- ¼ oz honey
- 2 oz gin
- 2 oz water
- 2 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Make your honey syrup by combining ¼ oz water and ¼ oz honey. Heat for a couple seconds so that the honey mixes in to the water. Put syrup in fridge of freezer to chill
- Add 2 oz gin, 2 oz water, 2 tsp lemon juice, and ½ oz of the honey syrup you just made to serving cup or shaker.
- Optional: Add ice or herb garnish
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MAKE AHEAD INSTRUCTIONS
Make Ahead:
You can make Bees Knees Components and Cocktails in Advance. Here’s how.
Honey Syrup: Mix equal parts honey and warm water up to 1 week in advance. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge — it stays smooth and pourable.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeeze and store in the fridge for 1–2 days. Use airtight containers to preserve brightness.
Pre-Chill Glasses: Keep your cocktail glasses in the fridge or freezer so drinks stay cold longer when served.
Batch Prep: You can combine gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice in a sealed bottle and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice right before serving to maintain freshness and froth.
Tip: Avoid pre-shaking with ice — it dilutes the cocktail and reduces its bright, zesty flavor.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is best — but bottled will work in a pinch.
What’s the best honey to use?
Mild-flavored honey, like clover, works best so it doesn’t overpower the gin. You can experiment with infused or darker honeys for a richer flavor.
Can I make this cocktail non-alcoholic?
Yes! Replace the gin with a non-alcoholic gin alternative or sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail version.
How should I garnish it?
A lemon twist is classic, but edible flowers or a sprig of thyme or rosemary make it extra elegant.
Can I batch this cocktail for a party?
Absolutely! Mix gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice in a sealed bottle and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice just before serving to keep it fresh.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes — increase or decrease the honey syrup to taste.
If you’ve tried this bees knees recipe, then don’t forget to leave a rating and let me know how it went in the comments below! I love hearing from you!
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Level up your basics and make the chef level mashed potatoes pictured above.
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If you’ve tried this _this recipe title_ recipe, then don’t forget to rate it and let me know how it went for you in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
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Meet Dakota
Hi I’m Dakota! Welcome to my kitchen. I’m obsessed with the beauty of fresh, whole foods and embracing the best of the season.
I believe the most wonderful recipes in the world shouldn’t be complicated or intimidating. I use reliable methods for delicious, crowd-pleasing dishes that you’ll be proud to make again and again.
My goal is simple: To give you the skills and confidence to explore new cuisines, discover new flavors, and find joy in your own kitchen!
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