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Home » Eats & Drinks » How to Make a Bee’s Knees Cocktail

How to Make a Bee’s Knees Cocktail

Published on March 8, 2020 by Eden

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Sharing all the details for making a Bee’s Knees cocktail. It’s made with three simple ingredients and is perfect for all year! Easy to make, refreshing and absolutely delicious.

A bee's knees cocktail in a coupe with a purple flower floating on top.

Whether you’re sitting in a cozy cabin near a fireplace or outside on the patio during a warm summer day. A bee’s knees cocktail is the perfect simple and clean drink that you can make all year.

Two bee's knees cocktails with purple flowers and yellow striped towel.

The last time I had a bee’s knees what at Little Jack’s Tavern in Charleston. It was a rainy, winter day and we sat next to a fireplace. I ordered a burger and a bee’s knees and it was just perfect.

yellow cocktail in a coupe glass with a tiny purple flower

History of the Bee’s Knees Cocktail

Before making the cocktail, read these quick history facts about this classic drink!

  • Created in the Prohibition Era
  • The name comes from slang “the best”
  • It was created to hide the taste of poor gin. This was during the era of “bathtime” gin!
  • Bathtime gin is a term used for poorly concocted homemade spirits.

How to Make a Bee’s Knees Cocktail

Using only 3 simple ingredients, you can make this cocktail!

Ingredients

  • Gin
  • Lemon Juice
  • Honey Simple Syrup

Directions

Make the honey simple syrup by combing equal parts honey and water in a saucepan and melt it together.

Check out our guide for making simple syrups. Just like the name, they are very “simple” to make!

Squeezing fresh lemon using a citrus squeezer.

Squeeze fresh lemons for lemon juice.

Ice in a cocktail shaker.

Next, add gin, lemon juice and honey simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice.

Pouring a cocktail in a coupe glass

Shake for 30-40 seconds then strain in a coupe glass.

Bee's Knees with a tiny purple flower.

Garnish with a pretty flower or a lemon twist.

Tips for Making a Bee’s Knees

  • Always shake for 40 seconds, so the water can dilute the flavors and chill the cocktail.
  • Always use good quality gin and fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
  • If you prefer a sweeter drink add in a little more honey simple syrup.

What gin should I use?

  • Hendrick’s Gin
  • Gray Whale
  • St. George
  • The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
  • Tanqueray London Dry Gin

How many calories are in a bee’s knees?

The good thing about this cocktail is that it’s made with a light honey simple syrup! Calories will vary but this recipe has about 175 calories per drink.

Two ounces gin has around 115-130 calories. Again, this totally varies but you can use that as an estimate. Vodka has the lowest calorie count for a spirit.

Coupe glasses with Bee's Knees cocktail

Bee’s Knees Cocktail Variations

Add other flavors to the cocktail by adding herbs or flowers to the simple syrup. Here are some fun ways to switch it up!

  • Add dried lavender to the Bee’s Knees when shaking the cocktail.
  • Rosemary works really well with these flavors.
  • Use vodka instead of gin.
  • Try whiskey instead of gin.
Bee's Knees Cocktail in a coupe glass.

Large Batch Bee’s Knees

For a party make a large batch for a Bee’s Knees punch! To make a large batch punch, calculate two cocktails per guest and then multiply the recipe by that number.

When using more ingredients, the flavors will change, so make sure you taste test the punch before and add whatever you feel it’s missing.

A large cocktail shaker works really well for making a batch, shaken cocktails.

More Classic Cocktails You’ll Love!

How to Make a Negroni

How to Make a Manhatten

Old Fashioned Cocktail

How to Make a French 75

How to Make a Gin + Tonic

5 Best Gin + Tonic Recipes

Let us know if you make this cocktail by leaving a comment and review below!

We would also love to see your photos, so please tag us @sugarandcharm on social! Happy cocktail making!

Bee’s Knees Cocktail

Recipe for making your own Bee's Knees cocktail! This cocktail only uses 3 simple ingredients and is great to sip all year.
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Keyword: classic cocktail, cocktail, Lemons
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 Bee’s Knees
Calories: 175kcal
Author: Eden

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces gin
  • 1 ounce lemon juice, fresh-squeezed
  • 1/2 ounce honey simple syrup , 1/2 ounce is 1 tablespoon

Instructions

  • Make the honey simple syrup by combing equal parts honey and water in a saucepan and melt it together.
  • Squeeze fresh lemons for lemon juice.
  • Next, add gin, lemon juice and honey simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. 
  • Shake for 30-40 seconds then strain in a coupe glass.
  • Garnish with a pretty flower or a lemon twist.

Notes

Always use fresh squeezed juice. 
Shake in a cocktail shaker for at least 40 seconds, yes your hands will be cold but it’s worth it. 
Add more or less of any ingredient to make it exactly how you like it! 
Add in rosemary or lavender for an herb Bee’s Knees! 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Bee's Knees Cocktail
Amount Per Serving
Calories 175 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 9mg0%
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Sugar 11g12%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin C 11mg13%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @sugarandcharm or tag us #sugarandcharm!


4 Comments

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Comments

  1. stephanie says

    May 12, 2020 at 12:40 am

    5 stars
    Such a yummy adult beverage!!!

    Reply
  2. wilhelmina says

    May 12, 2020 at 12:50 am

    5 stars
    This is my new favorite drink! Honey simple syrup is to die for!

    Reply
  3. Julie Blanner says

    May 12, 2020 at 1:44 am

    5 stars
    Love this! Not only is it fun to say over and over, but it’s delicious too!

    Reply

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  1. Friday Favorites from Savor the Best, Aberdeen’s Kitchen, Life Currents, Sugar & Charm and More says:
    November 9, 2020 at 8:55 pm

    […] will be having a couple of these Bee’s Knees cocktails this weekend from Sugar & […]

    Reply

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Eden of Sugar and Charm

Adding a little charm to the everyday life with entertaining and lifestyle inspiration, sweet recipes and classic style… your daily dose of sugar and charm!

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