Bee’s Knees
During the Prohibition era, the Bee's Knees emerged as a popular cocktail consisting of gin, lemon juice, and honey. Its name was a product of the time, as "bee's knees" was a widely used slang term to describe something outstanding or excellent.
This delightful concoction is credited to Frank Meier, a talented bartender from Austria who honed his craft at the Hôtel Ritz Paris in the 1920s. The Bee's Knees is essentially an extension of the classic Gin Sour, with honey replacing the traditional sugar component. This substitution not only adds richness to the drink but also potentially served as a clever way to mask the inferior taste of the prevalent low-quality gin of that era.
Thankfully, the gin market today offers a vast array of exceptional options, allowing you to enjoy the Bee's Knees to its fullest potential. Opting for a London Dry gin will emphasize the juniper notes, while a more contemporary gin infused with citrus and floral flavors will enhance the lemon and honey elements of the cocktail. Feel free to choose the gin that best suits your palate, as it takes center stage in this libation.
To incorporate the honey, prepare a homemade honey syrup by combining honey and water. This syrup adds complexity and sweetness to the drink, which is beautifully balanced by the fresh and tangy acidity of the lemon juice.
The Bee's Knees is the perfect choice for a refreshing and effortless cocktail. With only three ingredients, it becomes an ideal option for parties and gatherings where serving a crowd is necessary. Armed with a bottle of gin, a batch of honey syrup, and an abundance of lemons, you can effortlessly shake up drinks for all your thirsty guests.
Ingredients
2 ounces gin
3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1/2 ounce honey syrup
Garnish: lemon twist
Steps
Add the gin, lemon juice and honey syrup into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.