September 22, 2025
If you want a drink that’s bright, crisp, and easy to make, the bee’s knees cocktail recipe is a classic you’ll love. With just gin, lemon, and honey, you get a simple mix that’s refreshing and balanced. Even though it’s easy, it still feels a bit fancy, perfect for any time you want something special at home.
This cocktail first showed up in the 1920s, when bartenders used honey to make the harsh gin taste a little smoother. The name “bee’s knees” was slang back then for something excellent, and this drink really lives up to it.
You’ll find the Bee’s Knees at craft cocktail bars and in home kitchens everywhere. If you already like gin, it’s a no-brainer. If you’re just starting out with gin cocktails, this one is super approachable and a great way to try something classic.
Ready to give it a try? Let’s check out what goes into a Bee’s Knees and how you can make one at home.
What’s in a Bee’s Knees Cocktail?
This drink keeps it simple. All you need is gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup.
Ingredients Notes and Easy Swaps
- Gin - A classic London Dry gin like Beefeater is always a solid choice since it brings out those bold juniper and citrus flavors. If you’re into something a little smoother, go for a modern gin with softer notes. Not a fan of gin? You can use vodka instead, but just know you’ll miss out on those herbal gin flavors.
- Lemon Juice - Fresh-squeezed is the way to go here. It keeps the drink crisp and bright. Bottled lemon juice will work if you’re in a pinch, but it doesn’t taste quite as fresh. Usually, one medium lemon is enough for a single Bee’s Knees.
- Honey Syrup - Don’t just squeeze raw honey into your shaker. It's too thick and sticky. Instead, make a quick honey syrup by mixing equal parts honey and hot water. Stir until it’s smooth. Lighter honey gives a floral touch, while darker honey adds a richer taste. This syrup is handy to have around for other cocktails, too.
- You might also like: What to Mix with Gin
What You’ll Need to Make It
You really don’t need much to whip up this drink. Just a few basic bar tools that you probably already have.
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Peeler or sharp knife (if you want to add a little lemon peel for garnish)
- Coupe glass, martini glass, or even an old-fashioned glass works just fine
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, a mason jar with a tight lid does the trick. And if you’re looking to upgrade your bar gear, you might want to check out a stainless steel cocktail kit that has everything you need in one package.
How to Make a Bee’s Knees Cocktail
First, grab your cocktail shaker, a coupe glass, and anything else you’ll need to prep your drink. If you can, chill your glass and tools ahead of time.
Next, measure out your gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Pour everything into your shaker, then fill it with ice. Shake it hard and fast until the outside of the shaker feels nice and cold. (A good shake gives your drink the right texture. If you don’t shake enough, it can taste a little flat.)
Once you’re done shaking, strain your cocktail into your chilled coupe glass. Try to keep any ice chips out so the drink stays smooth.
To finish, cut a strip of lemon peel. Hold it over your glass and give it a quick twist to release the oils, then drop it in or rest it on the rim for a little extra flair.
If you want the full step-by-step with measurements, just check out the printable recipe card below.
Tips and Tricks to Make the Best Bee’s Knees and for the Best Flavor Balance
- Always use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice just isn’t as bright and can make your drink taste a little dull.
- Pick a gin you actually like. London Dry gin gives you those sharp, classic notes. A softer gin will bring out more floral flavors.
- If you want it sweeter, just add a little more honey syrup, for a brighter kick squeeze in more lemon juice, and if you like a smoother drink try using a lighter style of gin.
- Play around with different honeys. Wildflower honey adds more depth, while clover honey keeps it light and mild.
- For extra flavor, squeeze the lemon peel over the glass before dropping it in. The oils boost the drink’s aroma and brighten that first sip.
Bee’s Knees Recipe Variations
Switch the spirit - Want to change things up? Try vodka instead of gin for a smoother, cleaner drink. Or use bourbon for a richer Gold Rush-style cocktail.
Try different honey - Wildflower honey adds a deep, earthy flavor. If you want something lighter and a bit floral, go with orange blossom honey.
Add a floral touch - A splash of elderflower liqueur gives your Bee’s Knees a soft, floral lift. It goes perfectly with the lemon and keeps things tasting bright.
Make it bubbly - Pour your Bee’s Knees into a flute and top it with sparkling wine. You’ll get a French 75 vibe, just with honey instead of sugar.
Bring in bitters - A few drops of orange bitters will add a zesty citrus note. If you’re feeling adventurous, try lavender bitters for a more herbal twist.
Serve it long - Prefer a more refreshing drink? Serve your Bee’s Knees over ice and top it off with soda water. You’ll get a Collins-style cocktail with the smooth sweetness of honey.
Feel free to experiment and make this cocktail your own. If you find a combo you love, share it in the comments!
Other Gin Cocktails You’ll Love
Once you get a taste for the Bee’s Knees, you might want to try more gin cocktails. Here are a few favorites you’ll want to add to your list:
- French 75
- Tom Collins
- Gin Sour
- Gin Rickey
- Negroni
- Aviation
- Gin Basil Smash
- Gin and Tonic
- Ramos Gin Fizz
Give these a try next time you’re in the mood for something new!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bee’s Knees is almost always called by this name, but sometimes you’ll hear it referred to as a “gin honey sour.” It’s closely related to other classics like the Gin Sour and French 75.
London Dry gins such as Beefeater, Tanqueray, and Bombay are traditional choices for a Bee’s Knees cocktail. For a softer or floral flavor, try a gin like Hendrick’s or Barr Hill. Local craft gins work well too, and each gin brings its own balance of citrus, floral, and herbal notes.
A Bee’s Knees cocktail is bright, smooth, and balanced, with honey adding sweetness and lemon bringing tartness. The taste is rounded out by herbal and citrus notes from the gin, and the flavor changes a bit depending on your gin and honey choices.
A Bee’s Knees is usually made with about 2 ounces of gin, so it has an alcohol content of around 18–22% after shaking. It’s strong but well-balanced by the honey syrup and lemon juice, making it easy to sip as an aperitif or on its own.
Bee’s Knees Cocktail Recipe
The Bee’s Knees is one of those classic cocktails that just works. It’s a smooth mix of gin, lemon, and honey, giving you the perfect balance of sweet and tart. It’s simple, fresh, and always feels a little special.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Peeler or sharp knife if you want to add a little lemon peel for garnish
- Coupe glass, martini glass, or even an old-fashioned glass works just fine
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz honey syrup see note above
- *Lemon twist or wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Start by filling your shaker with ice. Pour in the gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Shake hard until the outside of your shaker feels nice and cold (that’s how you know it’s chilled).
- Strain your drink into a chilled coupe or martini glass. This keeps it crisp and smooth.
- Top it off with a lemon twist or wedge on the rim. When you add the peel, it gives the drink a burst of fresh citrus aroma.
Follow me
0 comments