Bee's Knees
The Bee's Knees cocktail is a refreshing and vibrant libation with a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Originating during the Prohibition era in the United States, its name is believed to have originated from the slang term "bee's knees," meaning "the height of excellence." Despite the limitations of Prohibition, this cocktail emerged as a popular choice, masking the harsh taste of homemade gin with honey and citrus.
Ingredients and Tools:
60 ml (2 oz) gin
22.5 ml (3/4 oz) freshly squeezed lemon juice
22.5 ml (3/4 oz) honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water, stirred to dissolve)
Ice cubes
Cocktail shaker
Jigger
Fine mesh strainer
Coupe glass
Lemon twist for garnish (optional)
Preparation Steps:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
Measure and pour 60 ml (2 oz) of gin into the shaker.
Add 22.5 ml (3/4 oz) of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the shaker.
Pour 22.5 ml (3/4 oz) of honey syrup into the shaker.
Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill the ingredients and properly mix the honey syrup.
Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass using a fine mesh strainer to remove ice shards.
Optionally, garnish with a lemon twist.
Flavor Profile:
The Bee's Knees cocktail offers a harmonious blend of botanical gin, zesty lemon, and sweet honey flavors. It's a bright and uplifting drink with a refreshing citrusy tang and a subtle floral sweetness from the honey syrup.
Mixoloco - Mixology Tips:
Gin Selection: Choosing the right gin is essential for a balanced Bee's Knees cocktail. Opt for a gin with a well-rounded flavor profile that complements the citrus and honey elements of the drink.
Honey Syrup Preparation: Making honey syrup is simple and adds a rich sweetness to the cocktail. I recommend using equal parts honey and hot water, stirred until fully dissolved, to ensure a smooth consistency.
Proper Dilution: Achieving the right balance of dilution is crucial for a well-rounded Bee's Knees cocktail. Shake the ingredients with plenty of ice to chill the drink while ensuring it's not overly diluted.
Garnish Enhancement: While a lemon twist is the classic garnish for a Bee's Knees, feel free to experiment with other citrus twists or even a sprig of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to add depth to the aroma.
