Bee's Knees cocktail in a coupe — Lemon juice

Bee's Knees Cocktail Recipe

sour sweet floral

gin, lemon juice, honey syrup

History

The Bee’s Knees is a classic Prohibition-era gin sour. Honey was used in place of sugar—both for its flavor and to help mask the harshness of bathtub gin. The name comes from 1920s slang meaning “the best.” While often linked to American speakeasies, the drink is most credibly attributed to Frank Meier, head bartender at the Ritz Paris in the 1920s. Simple, bright, and floral, it remains one of the most elegant three-ingredient cocktails of the Jazz Age.

Ingredients

gin 2 oz

Buy
lemon juice 0.75 oz

Buy
honey syrup 0.75 oz (1:1 honey + water)

Buy

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Details on Privacy.

Missing a bottle? Stock your pantry to see what else you can mix.

How to make

Add gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup to a shaker with ice.
Shake hard until well chilled.
Double-strain into a chilled coupe.
Garnish with a lemon twist.

Glassware

Coupe

A wide bowl shows aroma and holds stirred or shaken drinks without stemware tipping over as easily as a V-shaped martini glass.

Buy on Amazon

Bee's Knees FAQ

What ingredients are in a Bee's Knees?

A Bee's Knees is made with gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Amounts and pantry matching are in the ingredients list on this page.

How do you make a Bee's Knees?

Add gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake hard until well chilled. Double-strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lemon twist.

What glass do you serve a Bee's Knees in?

Serve a Bee's Knees in a Coupe. A wide bowl shows aroma and holds stirred or shaken drinks without stemware tipping over as easily as a V-shaped martini glass.