Bees Knees cocktail is a widely loved beverage and is a beautiful harmony between citrus and sweet. It’s one of the well-crafted cocktails appreciated worldwide for its bold and simple taste. Bees Knees cocktail has Honey, Gin, and lemon juice and together they explode like a taste bomb in your mouth.
Today, we will explore everything about the bee’s knees cocktail and how you can craft this beauty all by yourself.
How To Make Bee’s Knees Cocktail
Bees Knees Cocktail came into the spotlight when it was illegal to sell or buy alcohol in the US. Some hidden bars would use honey and lemon to overpower the low-quality harsh taste of Gin. Later, this drink became popular and was named Bee’s Knees which means making something excellent as it did! Transformed ordinary Gin into exquisite cocktails.
Bees Knees is a very simple alcohol. It uses three ingredients and this is how they work.
- Gin is a base spirit in Bees knees and adds a botanical element to the cocktail. It complements both the sweetness of honey and the citrusy flavour of lemon juice.
- Honey Syrup is used as a sweetener in the bee’s knees cocktail. It is made by diluting honey with water. Honey also adds a sweet floral scent and notes to the drink.
- Lemon juice adds tartness to a cocktail that balances the sweetness of the honey and the strong flavour of Gin.
All three ingredients perfectly blend to create an exquisite and tasty beverage. To make a classic bee’s knees cocktail at home you will need
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup (made by mixing equal parts honey and warm water)
- First, prepare the honey syrup by mixing warm water with honey. You may take one-fourth cup of honey and one-fourth cup of water and mix until the honey is fully dissolved. This mixture can be stored in a cool and dry place for up to one week.
- Mix Lemon juice, Gin and Honey Syrup in a cocktail shaker and add ice. Now shake it for 15 seconds so the mixture is well-chilled.
- Pour in a glass and garnish with lemon or honeycomb for an extra touch of sophistication and elegance.
Variations of the Bee’s Knees Cocktail
Bees Knees cocktail has lots of variations and here are some of them.
- You can add herbs to a bee’s knees to add herbal notes to the flavour palette. Herbs like thyme, rosemary and basil add a refreshing twist to the cocktail.
- Use dried lavender flowers to honey syrup and make a lavender bee’s knees cocktail. This adds floral notes to the cocktail that complement lemon and honey.
- Add spices to make a spiced bee’s knees cocktail. Use cinnamon, star anise or ginger. They add both scent and flavour to the drink.
- You can also substitute lemon juice with other citrusy juices like orange or grapefruit to add complexity to the cocktail.
- Add sparkling wine to create a festive drink.
- Mix soda water to create a fizzy drink.
How To Make Perfect Bee’s Knees Cocktail
- The type of gin used will surely alter the flavour. Use Gin that has a balanced botanical profile so it doesn’t overpower the taste of a cocktail.
- Lemon juice is also available in bottled form but it doesn’t have the freshness of fresh lemon juice. So we suggest squeezing a fresh lemon in your cocktail.
- Don’t add too much honey syrup and use high-quality honey. Add honey to the cocktail according to your taste preferences.
- To elevate your overall drinking experience, keep your glassware in the refrigerator for a chilling effect.
Why to Use Honey In Bees Knees For Sweetness?
Honey is naturally sweet and has a particular aroma to it. Honey is not like any other sweetener in the bee’s knees cocktail.
- It adds a floral, earthy sweetness that balances the acidity and botanical taste profile of the drink.
- Honey can overpower the taste of low-quality Gin too.
- It is naturally sweet and doesn’t taste odd to the taste buds.
- It gives a rich and exquisite taste to the drink.
Even though honey is the best sweetener for bees knees, you can still substitute it with maple syrup. It adds a rich and earthy flavour. Agave Nectar also adds a light-toned sweetness to the drink.
Snacks To Go With Bees Knees Cocktail
Bees knees can be served at lunch or dinner. If you are hosting a party at home, you can pair bees knees with food that complements the drink. Food and snacks that pair well with bees knees are
- Soft cheese like brie or camembert complements the floral sweetness of honey in bees knees cocktail.
- Meats like salami or prosciutto complement the acidity of the cocktail.
- Fresh Oysters and Ceviche are excellent choices to go with a bees-knees cocktail. Together they taste like a rich delicacy.
- Peppery Arugula or goat cheese pair well with the drink.
- Add honey-glazed desserts and lemon tarts to your menu. They also go well with bees knees.
In short, Bees Knees is a simple yet sophisticated drink that can give you a rich experience of cocktails. You can make it with ease and serve it in any party. The drink is perfect on its own but you can create variations to go with the theme.
