Ever heard someone describe something as “the bee’s knees”? And….what immediately comes to mind?
Long before it became a way of saying something was the absolute best, it was simply one of those delightfully quirky expressions that made people smile. Then, somewhere during the roaring 1920s, an ingenious bartender decided that a cocktail this good deserved a name just as memorable.
Many, many years (more like a century later), the Bee’s Knees has earned its place as one of the finest gin cocktails ever created.
If you’ve been following our “How to Make the Perfect“ cocktail series, you’ll know we have recently started celebrating the drinks that quietly shaped cocktail history. While the Mojito, Margarita and Martini often steal the spotlight, there are countless classics that remain favourites among bartenders despite flying under the radar.
The Bee’s Knees is one of them. Made with just three simple ingredients; gin, fresh lemon juice and honey syrup, it proves that exceptional cocktails don’t have to be complicated. Silky and beautifully balanced, it’s the kind of drink that feels at home regardless of the location or event.
So if you’re looking to expand your home bar repertoire or simply discover a cocktail that’s every bit as impressive as the household names, the Bee’s Knees deserves your attention.
What Is a Bee’s Knees Cocktail?
The Bee’s Knees is a classic Prohibition-era cocktail made with gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice and honey syrup. Unlike many gin cocktails that lean heavily on botanical flavours, the Bee’s Knees softens the spirit with the natural sweetness of honey while the lemon adds a refreshing citrus kick. The result is smooth, fragrant and remarkably easy to drink.
Elegantly simple….so simple in fact, that it reminds you of something else, right? Well, it did remind me of another cocktail that I love so much and was among the first cocktails I covered in this series. I am talking about thee Dawa cocktail.
Is the Bee’s Knees Similar to a Dawa?
At first glance, the Bee’s Knees and the popular Kenyan Dawa may seem similar because both combine honey, citrus and a spirit. However, they’re quite different. The Bee’s Knees is a classic gin cocktail that relies on honey syrup and lemon juice to complement the botanical flavours of the gin, creating a smooth, elegant drink. A traditional Dawa, on the other hand, is made with vodka, fresh lime, honey and often a muddling stick called a dawa stick used to mix the honey into the drink. While the Dawa is refreshing and slightly rustic, the Bee’s Knees is lighter, silkier and more refined, making it a favourite among classic cocktail enthusiasts.
The History of the Bee’s Knees Cocktail
The Bee’s Knees was born during the Prohibition era in the United States, when the production and sale of alcohol were banned between 1920 and 1933. At the time, homemade gin – often referred to as “bathtub gin” – could be harsh and unpleasant. Bartenders began using fresh lemon juice and honey to soften its rough edges, creating a cocktail that was both enjoyable and easy to make.
Its unusual name comes from one of the most popular slang expressions of the Jazz Age. Calling something “the bee’s knees” meant it was outstanding, fashionable or simply the best. The cocktail lived up to its name then, and it still does today.
How to Make the Perfect Bee’s Knees Cocktail
One of the reasons the Bee’s Knees has remained a favourite for more than a century is its simplicity. With just three main ingredients and a few minutes of preparation, you can create a cocktail that’s smooth and perfectly balanced.
Ingredients
- 60ml gin
- 22.5ml fresh lemon juice
- 22.5ml honey syrup (made by mixing equal parts honey and warm water)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist or lemon wheel, for garnish
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Hawthorne strainer
- Coupe or martini glass
Method
Step 1: Prepare the honey syrup
If you don’t already have honey syrup, combine equal parts honey and warm water in a small container. Stir until the honey has completely dissolved, then allow it to cool.
Step 2: Fill your shaker
Add plenty of ice to a cocktail shaker.
Step 3: Add the ingredients
Pour in the gin, fresh lemon juice and honey syrup.
Step 4: Shake well
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the cocktail is thoroughly chilled and slightly frothy.
Step 5: Strain and serve
Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
Step 6: Garnish
Finish with a twist of fresh lemon peel or a thin lemon wheel for a bright citrus aroma.
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Sometimes, the most memorable cocktails are the ones that don’t shout for attention and with just three simple ingredients, the Bee’s Knees proves that elegance often lies in simplicity.
If you’ve enjoyed making the Bee’s Knees, don’t stop here. Explore more hidden gems including the tropical Jungle Bird, a bittersweet rum classic that perfectly balances sweet, sour and bitter flavours, and the Last Word, a legendary Prohibition-era gin cocktail celebrated for its bold blend of green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and fresh lime.
Together, these recipes are part of our growing collection of lesser known classic cocktails designed to help you build your home bartending skills one exceptional drink at a time.
Please drink responsibly and only if you are of legal drinking age in your country.
