Description
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz honey syrup (a mixture of equal parts honey and hot water, stirred until combined)
Instructions:
- Combine gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist if desired.
The Origin of the Bee’s Knees Cocktail
The Bee’s Knees is a classic Prohibition-era cocktail that originated in the United States in the 1920s. The term “bee’s knees” was a popular slang term during that time, meaning “the best” or “the height of excellence.” The cocktail was created as a way to mask the unpleasant taste of the low-quality gin that was commonly available during Prohibition.
Some sources credit the origin of the Bee’s Knees to the Hotel Ritz in Paris, where it was allegedly served to American expats during the Prohibition era. However, most historians believe that the cocktail was actually invented in the United States, possibly in speakeasies or private clubs.
Despite its Prohibition-era origins, the Bee’s Knees remains a popular cocktail today and is often featured on modern cocktail menus. Its simple yet flavorful combination of gin, lemon, and honey syrup makes it a refreshing and versatile drink that can be enjoyed year-round.
Bee’s Knees Cocktail Traditions
The Bee’s Knees cocktail is a classic cocktail that was popular during the prohibition era in the United States. It was said that the strong flavors of the gin and the sweetness of the honey masked the harsh taste of bootlegged liquor. It is also believed that the use of honey as a sweetener was a way to disguise the smell of alcohol on the breath. The cocktail is often associated with the speakeasy culture and is considered to be a symbol of the roaring twenties.
Modern Bee’s Knees Cocktail Trends
In recent years, the Bee’s Knees cocktail has experienced a resurgence in popularity as bartenders have rediscovered classic cocktail recipes. Modern variations on the recipe often include the addition of other ingredients such as lavender, elderflower, or grapefruit to add complexity and depth to the drink. Some bartenders have also experimented with different types of honey, such as wildflower or clover, to bring out unique flavor notes in the cocktail. Additionally, there has been a trend toward using locally sourced, organic ingredients, including honey, to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly cocktail.
What are some tips for choosing the best gin for a Bee’s Knees cocktail
When selecting gin for a Bee’s Knees cocktail, consider the following tips:
- Look for a London Dry Gin: London Dry Gin is a classic gin style with a dry, juniper-forward flavor profile that works well in a Bee’s Knees cocktail.
- Experiment with different brands: There are many excellent gin brands available, and each one has its unique flavor profile. Experiment with different brands to find the one that works best for your tastes.
- Consider the botanicals: Gin is made with a blend of botanicals, including juniper, coriander, angelica, and more. Consider the botanicals used in the gin when choosing one for your Bee’s Knees cocktail.
- Choose a high-quality gin: Higher quality gins will have a more complex flavor profile and smoother finish, making them a better choice for cocktails.
- Taste the gin before using it: When selecting gin for a Bee’s Knees cocktail, taste it before using it to ensure you enjoy its flavor profile and that it complements the other ingredients in the cocktail.
Related Сocktails
The Bee’s Knees cocktail is a classic cocktail that is popular on its own, but it also serves as the base for many variations. Here are some related cocktails:
- Gold Rush: A modern take on the Bee’s Knees that uses bourbon instead of gin.
- Grapefruit Bee’s Knees: This variation uses grapefruit juice instead of lemon juice to give the cocktail a tangy twist.
- Lavender Bee’s Knees: This version adds lavender syrup to the mix to give the cocktail a floral flavor.
- Elderflower Bee’s Knees: This variation uses elderflower liqueur to add a sweet and floral note to the cocktail.
- Bee’s Tease: This cocktail uses honey syrup and lemon juice like the Bee’s Knees, but adds tequila and a dash of orange bitters to the mix for a unique twist.
Enjoy your Bee’s Knees cocktail!
