The Bee’s Knees is more than just a cocktail—it’s a sip of history, a relic of the Prohibition era that’s become a beloved classic in modern mixology. This drink, evocatively named after a 1920s slang term meaning “the best” or “the height of excellence,” perfectly encapsulates its era’s spirit of ingenuity and elegance.
The origins of the Bee’s Knees can be traced back to the 1920s, a time when the United States was under the strict constraints of Prohibition. With the sale, production, and distribution of alcohol banned, the public turned to clandestine speakeasies and bootleggers for their libations. However, the quality of spirits available was often subpar, with “bathtub gin” being a common, harsh-tasting substitute for well-distilled liquor. Creative bartenders had to find ways to mask the imperfections of these spirits, giving rise to a colorful era of cocktail innovation.
Enter the Bee’s Knees, a triumph of simplicity and balance. Its three core ingredients—gin, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice—were chosen not just for their flavors but also for their practicality. Honey syrup, made by diluting honey with a bit of water, served as a natural sweetener, both accessible and versatile. It provided a silky texture and a floral aroma, cleverly softening the rough edges of the gin. Lemon juice added a bright, citrusy tang, which complemented the honey while helping to further conceal the harshness of the Prohibition-era spirit. And, of course, gin provided the drink’s botanical backbone, with its juniper-forward or floral notes weaving seamlessly into the flavor profile.
Despite the Bee’s Knees being born of necessity, its popularity has endured long past Prohibition, and for good reason. This cocktail is a masterclass in balance: the tartness of the lemon juice, the sweetness of the honey syrup, and the complexity of the gin harmonize beautifully. Its simple construction also makes it highly adaptable, allowing for countless variations depending on the type of gin used or even the variety of honey chosen. Floral gins, such as Hendrick’s or Monkey 47, bring out the drink’s delicate sweetness, while a classic London dry gin cuts through for a more robust, crisp profile. Try lavender or wildflower honey in the syrup for a subtle twist on the original recipe.
Today, the Bee’s Knees is no longer an improvisational solution to bootleg spirits but a celebrated cocktail that highlights the magic of minimalism. Whether served as an aperitif or enjoyed on a sunny afternoon, it’s a drink that feels timeless in its charm. Easy to make at home or order at a high-end cocktail bar, it’s as approachable as it is elegant—a testament to the idea that the best drinks don’t need to be complicated.
So, the next time you sip on a Bee’s Knees, remember its storied past: a cocktail crafted in defiance of an era’s limitations, now elevated to an enduring symbol of taste and sophistication. Simple, refreshing, and versatile, it’s truly “the bee’s knees.”
Bee’s Knees
Ingredients
- 60 ml gin Preferably a floral gin like Hendrick’s or a classic London dry gin
- 20 ml fresh lemon juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor
- 20 ml honey syrup 2 parts honey to 1 part hot water, stirred to dissolve
- 1 slice lemon Thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds until the exterior frosts over and the mixture is well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass using a fine mesh strainer to ensure a silky texture.
- Garnish with a thin slice of lemon for a touch of visual flair.
