The Bee’s Knees is a gin cocktail with a delightful balance of sweet honey and zesty lemon, perfectly complemented by the botanical notes of gin. It’s a drink that’s both simple and sophisticated, with a rich history rooted in the Prohibition era. In a time when inferior spirits were masked with sweeteners, the Bee’s Knees emerged as a flavorful and refreshing solution, using natural honey and fresh lemon to create a cocktail that transcended its era.
Today, the Bee’s Knees is celebrated for its light, citrus-forward profile, making it a favorite among gin lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. This blog will delve into the origins of the Bee’s Knees, explore its key ingredients, offer variations, and discuss its enduring appeal in the modern cocktail world.
A Brief History of the Bee’s Knees
The Bee’s Knees was born during the 1920s, a period when Prohibition was in full swing in the United States. During this time, the quality of alcohol was often questionable, and bartenders had to get creative to make these spirits palatable. Honey, with its natural sweetness and rich texture, was a perfect solution to mask the harshness of the illicit spirits being consumed.
The name “Bee’s Knees” was a common slang term during the Roaring Twenties, meaning “the best” or “the height of excellence.” It’s fitting that this cocktail carries such a name, as it became a bright spot in the dark days of Prohibition.
After Prohibition ended, the Bee’s Knees remained popular and found new life as bartenders began experimenting with higher-quality spirits and ingredients. Today, it is recognized as a classic gin cocktail that brings together the sweetness of honey, the tartness of lemon, and the complexity of gin in perfect harmony.
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
The simplicity of the Bee’s Knees makes the quality of the ingredients especially important. With just three main components, each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors.
1. Gin
The type of gin you use will significantly affect the flavor of your Bee’s Knees. Traditionally, a London Dry Gin is recommended, as its bold juniper notes and dry profile provide the ideal base for the honey and lemon to shine. However, you can experiment with different styles of gin to create your own twist on the classic recipe. A New Western Dry Gin, with its more subdued juniper and enhanced citrus or floral notes, can add an extra layer of complexity to the cocktail.
2. Fresh Lemon Juice
As with most citrus-based cocktails, using freshly squeezed lemon juice is key to achieving the bright, tangy flavor that defines the Bee’s Knees. Pre-bottled lemon juice often lacks the vibrant acidity and aroma needed for a well-balanced drink.
3. Honey Syrup
The use of honey syrup (rather than pure honey) is important for creating a smooth, well-blended cocktail. Honey on its own is too thick and viscous to mix properly with the other ingredients, so diluting it with warm water ensures that it is incorporated evenly. The natural sweetness and slight floral notes of honey make it an excellent complement to the botanicals in gin.
Bee’s Knees Variations: Experimenting with Flavor
One of the reasons the Bee’s Knees remains popular is its versatility. By adjusting the ingredients or adding new ones, you can create different versions of the cocktail that suit your personal taste. Here are a few popular variations:
1. Lavender Bee’s Knees
Adding a floral note to your Bee’s Knees can elevate the drink to new heights. Lavender pairs beautifully with honey and lemon, adding a subtle, aromatic quality to the cocktail. To make a Lavender Bee’s Knees, simply infuse your honey syrup with a few sprigs of lavender before mixing the drink. The result is a fragrant, sophisticated take on the classic.
2. Grapefruit Bee’s Knees
For a zesty twist, substitute some or all of the lemon juice with fresh grapefruit juice. The slight bitterness of the grapefruit adds an extra dimension of flavor, while still keeping the drink light and refreshing. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a more complex citrus profile.
3. Spiced Bee’s Knees
Add a bit of warmth to your Bee’s Knees by infusing your honey syrup with cinnamon, cloves, or ginger. The spices add a rich, cozy flavor that makes this version ideal for colder months or when you want a drink with a little more depth.
4. Herbal Bee’s Knees
Muddle fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil in your shaker before adding the other ingredients to create an herbal version of the Bee’s Knees. The herbs complement the botanical elements of the gin while adding a refreshing and aromatic twist.
Pairing Bee’s Knees with Food
The Bee’s Knees is a versatile cocktail that pairs well with a wide range of foods. Its bright, citrusy flavor and hint of sweetness make it an excellent complement to both light appetizers and heartier dishes.
1. Cheese and Charcuterie
A cheese and charcuterie board is a great accompaniment to a Bee’s Knees. The sweetness of the honey syrup balances the saltiness of cured meats and aged cheeses like parmesan or manchego, while the lemon juice cuts through the richness, refreshing the palate.
2. Seafood
The fresh citrus and botanical notes of the Bee’s Knees make it an ideal match for seafood dishes. Try pairing it with grilled shrimp, scallops, or oysters for a delightful combination of flavors. The acidity of the cocktail enhances the freshness of the seafood, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances briny flavors.
3. Lemon-Based Desserts
For a sweet treat, pair your Bee’s Knees with a lemon tart, lemon meringue pie, or citrus sorbet. The tartness of the dessert complements the lemon in the cocktail, while the honey adds a rich layer of sweetness that ties the two together.
The Bee’s Knees in Modern Cocktail Culture
In recent years, the Bee’s Knees has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity as part of the broader craft cocktail movement. Bartenders and mixologists have embraced the simplicity of the drink while also experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to give it a modern twist. From incorporating locally sourced honey to using small-batch gins, the Bee’s Knees has evolved into a canvas for creativity.
Additionally, the trend toward natural ingredients and sustainable practices in bars has further elevated the Bee’s Knees. With its focus on fresh citrus and honey, it aligns perfectly with a growing preference for cocktails made with wholesome, unprocessed ingredients.
Conclusion: A Cocktail That’s Truly the Bee’s Knees
The Bee’s Knees is more than just a classic gin cocktail—it’s a celebration of balance, simplicity, and natural flavors. Whether you enjoy it in its traditional form or experiment with one of the many variations, the Bee’s Knees is a drink that delivers a refreshing and sophisticated experience every time.
As you sip on your Bee’s Knees, take a moment to appreciate the history behind this Prohibition-era cocktail, and enjoy the perfect harmony of gin, honey, and lemon. Cheers!
