One sip of this sweet cocktail and you’ll agree that it’s the Bee’s Knees.
Prohibition must’ve been a pretty wild time. Alcoholic beverages outlawed. Gangsters and bootleggers becoming dangerous romantic public figures, as well as the lawmen tasked to stem the tide of illegal hooch. At some point in our lives, we’ve seen a television show or movie that takes us back to the time of speakeasies and the terrifying shout of “This is a raid!”
For an era in history that supposedly did away with the evils of booze by making it illegal, we have a decent amount of classic cocktails that were invented back then. Elliot Ness and his Untouchables might have won a lot of battles for Johnny Law and the Temperance Movement, but whenever we enjoy a drink invented during those days, we’re reminded that our good times won the war. And the Bee’s Knees is one of those concoctions we can toast our victory with.
While nobody knows the exact origin of the Bee’s Knees, most drink historians believe the recipe came about to cover up the rough flavor of illicit bathtub gin. The combination of lemon juice and honey masked the harsh qualities of the spirit, making its taste more palatable.
The drink was obviously a popular one and is still enjoyed around the world today. The name itself, “Bee’s Knees” comes from 1920s slang, meaning “the best”. For example, your friend surprises you by making one of these refreshing beverages on a hot, sweltering day… they are definitely the bee’s knees.
What was Prohibition?
From 1920 until 1933, the manufacturing, sale, transportation and import of alcoholic beverages was prohibited under the 18th Amendment in the United States. It didn’t stop people from imbibing and having a good time, however. Secret, illegal bars called speakeasies popped up all over the country, serving homemade hooch and smuggled spirits. This period in history directly resulted in the rise of organized crime and gangsters like Al Capone.
What is the Best Gin to Use in a Bee’s Knees?
I love gin. I could sit here all day and recommend anything from a classic, juniper-forward London Dry, or a seaside botanical infused California style. Old Tom gin is a slightly sweeter-tasting spirit that will meld with the lemon creating a wonderfully balanced experience. For something a little different, try Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret gin, which is a stone fruit distilled variety, and mixes beautifully in just about every cocktail I’ve made with it.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce honey syrup
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix equal parts of honey and hot water to create the honey syrup. Stir until the honey is completely dissolved.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Pour the gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and honey syrup into the shaker.
- Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon peel over the drink to add a zesty aroma.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
Chill a cocktail coupe in your freezer for at least fifteen minutes before serving. Add a lemon twist to express the fruit’s oils over your drink and place it on the glass’s rim.
I would recommend prepping and storing your honey syrup ahead of time, so you can make one of these whenever the mood strikes. However, the cocktail is best enjoyed fresh so the lemon and syrup don’t begin to separate from the gin.
At 179 calories, this sweet treat isn’t that guilty a pleasure, so enjoy two if you like.
A Gin Sour uses simple syrup or sugar instead of honey, and will sometimes be made with egg white for a foamy top.
Similar Cocktails to the Bee’s Knees
Thinking of throwing a Roaring Twenties themed party? Does turning your house into a speakeasy for the night as your friends dance the Charleston sound like a good time? You’ll need some drinks for your good-time buddies, and the Bee’s Knees is just one of many perfect Prohibition-era cocktails you can serve. Twist & Toast has some recipes with a little history behind them that would’ve gotten you arrested. Thankfully, times have changed while these drinks haven’t.
- Southside Cocktail – This sweet and minty gin concoction was said to be Al Capone’s tipple of choice.
- Gin Rickey – Invented in Washington DC in the late 1800s, this fizzy beverage became very popular during Prohibition.
- Sidecar – This classic, smooth and citrusy drink is another famous recipe that was a big hit in the speakeasies.
- French 75 – This WWI-era cocktail made good use of the champagne that found its way into thirsty hands.
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