Simple Steps for a Bees Knees Cocktail

How to make a Bee’s Knees Cocktail   

The great thing about this time-honoured recipe is that it contains only three ingredients, which means you can really focus on your technique. This simple flavour profile also allows each of the ingredients to come into their own, so you can appreciate how the gorgeous trifecta of smoothness, sweetness, and tartness comes together in the end. Such is the beauty of the best gin cocktails.   

What is the best gin to use?

Ostensibly first poured by a bartender called Frank Meier at the Hotel Ritz Paris around 1920, the honey was at first used to mask the taste of the questionable gin available at the time. These days, however, this ingredient only serves to highlight the beautiful herbaceous nature of the spirits we are lucky enough to have at our disposal.  

We favour a London Dry Gin that has undergone a quadruple distillation process, with maceration of the plants in the still, which makes its aromas finer. Bulldog Gin contains 12 botanicals that were sourced from 8 different countries. Among them are exclusive components such as dragon’s eye, poppy, and lotus which give it subtle spicy notes. Exceptionally round, smooth, and pure, the Bulldog is ideal for making classic mixed drinks like the Bee’s Knees cocktail.   

How to make honey syrup for Bee’s Knees

The thing that will really set your Bee’s Knees cocktail apart is if you take the time to make the honey syrup at home. The great news is that this is also super easy to do. Simply add equal parts honey and water to a pot on the stovetop and whisk until it becomes a syrup. That’s it! You can also do it in the microwave using a microwave-safe container.  Honey syrup stays good to use for up to two weeks when stored in a covered container in the fridge.  

Bee’s Knees cocktail origin

Let’s rewind to the Roaring Twenties. It was a time of jazz, speakeasies, and bathtub gin. The Bee’s Knees cocktail was born smack in the middle of the Prohibition era, where clever mixology wasn’t just trendy, it was necessary. With access to quality spirits limited, bartenders had to get creative, masking harsh flavours with sweeteners like honey and bright citrus juice.

When it comes to Bee’s Knees cocktail history, there are a few theories on who deserves the credit. Some say it was Frank Meier, the legendary head bartender at the Ritz Paris. Others point to American socialite Margaret “Molly” Brown. Yes, the same Molly Brown who famously survived the Titanic.

Either way, the name itself was 1920s slang for “the absolute best,” and this bee’s knees gin cocktail lived up to the hype. Its classic trio of Bee’s Knees cocktail ingredients (gin, honey, and lemon), delivered balance, flair, and a way to sip in style even when the gin was… questionably legal.

Today, the Bee’s Knees is back on bar menus across the globe, not to cover up bad booze, but to showcase how simplicity and balance can truly shine.

Bee’s Knees cocktail variations

The original Bee’s Knees cocktail recipe is iconic for a reason: three ingredients, maximum impact. But that doesn’t mean you can’t shake things up a little. Whether you’re feeling fancy or just want to switch up your standard serve, there are loads of ways to put a twist on this classic.

Here are a few Bee’s Knees cocktail variations worth trying:

• French 75-style fizz: Split the cocktail between two Champagne flutes and top it with bubbly for a spritzy, party-ready spin.
  Vodka swap: Not vibing with gin? Use SKYY Vodka instead (the citrus variant slaps) for a mellow, fruit-forward vibe.
• Try it with bourbon: Want something a little warmer? Swap the gin for Wild Turkey 101 bourbon to set the scene for a Bee’s Knees cocktail bourbon variation that’s golden, cosy, and totally unexpected.
• Collins-style sipper: Pour the classic mix into a Collins glass and top with soda water for a longer, lighter bee’s knees gin cocktail that still brings the zing.
• Bee’s Knees cocktail lavender twist: Add a few drops of lavender syrup or infuse your honey syrup with dried lavender for a dreamy floral note that feels straight out of a summer garden.

Whether you’re going floral, fizzy, or full-bodied, the Bee’s Knees drink is super versatile. So go ahead, play with your ratios, try a new glass, or garnish with something wild like a sprig of thyme or edible flowers. This isn’t just a cocktail; it’s a canvas.

Keen on gin cocktails? See these recipes:  Gin Sour | Gin Rickey

Loved this recipe? Learn more…

If you love the idea of whipping up a Prohibition-era sipper that has enough swagger to hold its own (and then some!) in the modern era, here are a few other articles you should check out:

The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Reposado Tequila Cocktails You Must Try
10 Super Simple Tequila Drinks You Can Make at Home
36 Easy Summer Cocktails That Impress Your Guests
Types of Gin: A Complete Guide to Different Gin Varieties

There you have it, honey! The short (and sweet!) intro to whipping up a fabulous Bee’s Knees cocktail. Visit the Bulldog Gin site to stock up on essentials, and remember to sign up for our newsletter to get the tastiest recipes and hosting tips delivered straight to your inbox.