Bee’s Knees: the delicious, zesty drink recipe

Bee's knees is an easy, refreshing cocktail recipe that dates back to Prohibition era. Super quick and easy to make, it is made of only 3 ingredients – gin, lemon juice and honey syrup.

The name bee's knees is based on a popular slang first recorded in the late 18th century which referred to "something small and insignificant". It was in the 1920s that the term took on its current meaning, which is "an outstanding person or thing."

The drink is believed to have been first created by Frank Meier, a bartender of Austrian origin who worked at the Hôtel Ritz in Paris during the 1920s. Very similar to the classic gin sour, here it is used honey instead of sugar, making the drink richer and sweeter. Some believe this ingredient was even used to hide the taste of low quality gin which was very common at that time.

Use the best gin for this Bee's knees recipe. London Dry gin is perfect for bringing emphasis to the drink, whereas a modern spirit will bring out the citrus notes of lemon and the sweet notes of honey syrup. In any case, gin balances very well with both the sweet flavor of honey and the acidic, fresh side of lemon.

How to make Honey Syrup

It is necessary to make a honey syrup when preparing the Bee's knees as simple honey uses to clump into liquids.

For making a perfect honey syrup, just combine honey and water with a ratio 1:1 and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. The mixture ill mix easily into cocktail.

How to make Bee's Knees

In a shaker with ice, add the gin, lemon juice and honey syrup.

Shake well, then strain the mixture into a chilled glass.

Garnish with a zest peel. Serve and enjoy!