Bees Knees: Best Cocktail Recipe + 6 Delicious Variations

Jacqueline Eisenbraun (Senior Editor)

In this article, we’ll dive into the exciting flavors of this particular cocktail and the ingredients it entails. We’ll also explore the origin of this famous drink, its different variations, and the ideal pairings that add to its delight. So, let’s begin!

Imagine the golden radiance of a setting sun, the clinking ice melody, and the cocktail stirrer’s balletic swirl. Is your interest piqued? Get ready to discover the secrets of a much-cherished, honeyed delight.

Welcome to the intriguing world of Bees Knees, a drink that perfectly combines the citric tanginess of lemon, gin’s smoothness, and honey’s luscious sweetness.

The charm resides in the delicate balance of these simple ingredients, which results in a timeless combination that is calming, refreshing, and mildly energizing.

What Bees Knees Is: Brief History / Origin

What Bees Knees Is: Brief History / Origin

The Bees Knees is a charming representation of the Prohibition era, distinguished by its simple elegance and timeless appeal. Its whimsical name, which originates from the American slang term for "the best" in the 1920s, perfectly expresses the essence of this renowned cocktail.

This honey-infused cocktail was a clever deception to mask the harsh, unpleasant flavor of poor-quality alcohol.

However, this drink did more than just fulfill its immediate goal; it created a legacy that has endured time due to its wonderfully balanced flavors and refreshing appeal.

Its simple charm inspires mixologists and casual cocktail aficionados, resulting in various variants based on the original recipe. Despite the numerous interpretations, the essence of the Bees Knees stays constant; at its core, it celebrates harmonic simplicity.

Ingredients: What’s in Bees Knees

Ingredients: What’s in Bees Knees

The Bees Knees uses three main ingredients: gin, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice. The gin serves as a solid base, the honey syrup adds a luxurious sweetness, and the fresh lemon juice gives the drink an energizing punch.

The ideal balance between these three ingredients gives the Bees Knees their charm. The honey’s silky smoothness balances the lemon’s sharpness and the gin’s herbal edge. The result is a cocktail that is creamy-smooth, refreshing, and leaves a lasting sweetness on the tongue.

Best Gin for Bees Knees

Best Gin for Bees Knees

Choosing the right gin significantly influences how your Bees Knees cocktail turns out. In this section, we will explore some top-notch gin brands that can elevate the taste of your Bees Knees.

Tanqueray

Tanqueray is a London-based gin known for its excellent quality and distinct flavor. Tanqueray’s unique botanical blend adds depth to your Bees Knees.

The cocktail’s herbal undertones work perfectly with the honey and citrus to bring out another dimension of flavor. Its clear, vibrant taste stands up to the richness of honey and lemon, giving the Bees Knees a sophisticated edge.

Beyond the botanical flavor profile, Tanqueray is known for its remarkable smoothness, which enhances the overall texture of your Bees Knees.

This smoothness is vital to creating a cocktail that is as enjoyable to sip as it tastes. Tanqueray is more than simply an ingredient in your Bees Knees; it serves as the cocktail’s base and takes it to a whole new level.

Bombay Sapphire

Bombay Sapphire

Bombay Sapphire, an English-made gin, gives the Bees Knees an elegant fusion of citrus and spice. Its diverse flavor profile not only complements but also amplifies the sweet and sour ingredients of the cocktail.

The Bees Knees is made more enticing by the subtle exotic undertones of Bombay Sapphire, which transform it from a basic drink to a compelling creation.

Furthermore, Bombay Sapphire’s diverse taste and smooth finish give your Bees Knees a velvety consistency, contributing to the overall delight of the drink. Every sip of Bombay Sapphire Bees Knees is an aromatic adventure, a testament to the gin’s rich flavor and superb quality.

Hendrick’s

Hendrick’s Gin

Hendrick’s Gin, a Scottish product, adds a fresh, flowery edge to the Bees Knees with its blend of cucumber and rose.

The Bees Knees drink gains fascinating depth from this unique flavor combination, making it a modern masterpiece. Each sip becomes a vivid, sensory experience due to the perfect mixing of the refreshing flavors of cucumber and rose with honey and lemon.

Beyond flavor, Hendrick’s is well-known for its balance and smoothness. These characteristics ensure that the gin balances out the other ingredients in the Bees Knees rather than overpowering them.

Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or a cocktail newbie, Bees Knees mixed with Hendrick’s provides an exhilarating and refreshing experience.

Gordon’s

Gordon’s

Gordon’s, a traditional London Dry Gin, has a strong juniper-forward flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the Bees Knees. Despite the cocktail’s intense honey and lemon ingredients, its strong richness guarantees that the gin’s flavor is not overpowered by the other ingredients.

The fact that Gordon’s is one of the best-selling gins in the world also contributes to the quality of your Bees Knees. Every sip of a Bees Knees created with Gordon’s is a tribute to the gin’s iconic history—a legacy built on consistency, excellence, and an unyielding commitment to flavor.

Sipsmith

Sipsmith

Sipsmith, a London-based artisanal gin, has a nuanced flavor that pairs well with the honey and lemon in a Bees Knees. Sipsmith Gin’s high-quality, precisely handcrafted nature adds authenticity to your beverage.

The Sipsmith-infused Bees Knees is more than just a cocktail; it pays homage to the traditional practice of craft distilling.

Sipsmith’s unique botanical blend gives your Bees Knees a depth of flavor that no other gin can match. Furthermore, Sipsmith’s rich, complex taste assures that your Bees Knees drink will be remembered as well as enjoyed.

Recipe – How to Make a Bees Knees

Recipe – How to Make a Bees Knees

Making a Bees Knees cocktail is a simple exercise in mixing. Blend two parts gin with one part lemon juice and one part honey syrup. Shake it vigorously over ice, strain it into a glass, and garnish with a twist of lemon.

And remember, while shaking the cocktail, give it a good, hard shake; this not only chills the mix but also helps to incorporate the honey syrup better.

How to Serve and Drink a Bees Knees

How to Serve and Drink a Bees Knees

Want to make your first Bees Knees yourself? Here you will find the best tips for serving for example for the perfect pairing, as well as time and occasion for drinking the cocktail.

Time and Occasions for Drinking a Bees Knees

Time and Occasions for Drinking a Bees Knees

The Bees Knees is a marvelously versatile cocktail at home at a bustling party or a quiet night. Its refreshing quality makes it an ideal sundowner on a warm summer evening, while its smoothness and complexity make it a sophisticated choice for more formal affairs.

Perfect Pairings

Perfect Pairings

You have to pair your cocktail with the right food to enhance it further. So, let’s take a look at some meals that go well with the Bees Knees cocktail.

Seafood Dishes

Seafood Dishes

The Bees Knees' citrusy undertones go perfectly with seafood meals with a hint of lemon or garlic and other fresh flavors. Whether it’s oysters, clams, or a delicate filet of white fish, a Bees Knees on the side adds a wonderful addition to your dining experience.

The citrusy elements of the cocktail complement the natural, aquatic tastes of the fish, making every bite and sip a testament to the delights of marine cuisine.

Aside from the natural flavor compatibility, Bees Knees with a seafood dish provides a lovely contrast in textures. The smoothness of the cocktail balances the firm and meaty texture of the seafood, providing a sensory experience that is as intriguing as it is delicious.

Therefore, a Bees Knees and seafood combination is a journey of tastes and textures that’s as delightful to embark upon as it is to savor.

Grilled Chicken

Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken with the Bees Knees is a classic combination. The grilled chicken’s smoky, savory notes contrast and balance the Bees Knees' sweet and tangy essence.

The cocktail’s sharpness cuts through the meat’s richness, while its honeyed sweetness combines with the smokiness of the chicken. This combination of flavors results in a balanced and pleasant meal.

A Bees Knees and grilled chicken pairing is also visually appealing. The golden hue of the drink complements the enticing char marks on the chicken, making the meal as aesthetically pleasing as it is delicious.

So, whether you’re throwing a summer barbeque or having a quiet meal at home, Bees Knees with Grilled Chicken is a dish that will impress visually and gastronomically.

Salads

Salads

Combining a Bees Knees with a salad provides a refreshing, light meal choice that isn’t short on flavor. The Bees Knees works superbly to bring out fresh tastes, whether it’s a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or a more fancy fruit and cheese salad. The salad’s crisp and subtle flavors pair wonderfully with the light, tangy flavor of the cocktail, giving a refreshing boost to your dinner.

The salad’s brilliant greens and the cocktail’s rich gold make a visual feast that promises to be as nutritious as it is appealing.

Cheese Platters

Cheese Platters

Pairing your Bees Knees with a well-chosen cheese platter creates a variety of mouthwatering flavor combinations. The cocktail’s balanced sweetness and tartness complement the distinct flavor profiles of different cheeses, producing a wide range of sensory experiences.

From the smoothness of brie to the tanginess of blue cheese, each type of cheese offers a unique yet delicious contrast with the Bees Knees.

Furthermore, this pairing is about more than just taste. The Bees Knees' creaminess contrasts with various cheeses' rich and varied textures to create an appetizing combination.

Desserts

Desserts

The honeyed richness of the Bees Knees makes it an ideal dessert partner. The drink adds a sweet and elegant layer to your dessert course, whether you enjoy honey-drizzled baklava, a tangy lemon tart, or a creamy cheesecake.

The Bees Knees doesn’t just complement the dessert; it also provides its own unique flavor profile, enhancing the overall dessert experience.

Furthermore, serving Bees Knees with dessert is a celebration of balance. The cocktail’s vibrant citrus undertones and strong gin cut through the richness of most desserts, ensuring that the sweetness never becomes overpowering.

Best Glass to Serve a Bees Knees

Best Glass to Serve a Bees Knees

Presentation is key when serving cocktails, and the Bees Knees is no exception. Traditionally, it is served in a chilled coupe glass. The stem of the coupe ensures that the warmth of your hand doesn’t heat the drink, keeping it cool and refreshing.

Variations of the Bees Knees

Variations of the Bees Knees

While the original Bees Knees is a treat in and of itself, a little variation can occasionally add a little spice to your drink experience.

In the following section, we’ll look at some exciting twists that can add new depth to your standard Bees Knees drink.

Lavender Bees Knees

Lavender Bees Knees

By infusing lavender into your honey syrup, you can give the classic Bees Knees a floral twist. The aromatic lavender adds depth to the cocktail, creating a refreshing and calming drink.

This variation is an ode to the versatility of the Bees Knees and its ability to evolve and adapt while retaining its essential charm.

Furthermore, lavender’s floral aroma adds sensory depth to the cocktail, making each sip as relaxing to the mind as it is to the tongue. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or having a leisurely brunch, the Lavender Bees Knees is an option that promises to relax, refresh, and rejuvenate.

Thyme Bees Knees

Thyme Bees Knees

Adding a sprig of fresh thyme to your Bees Knees adds an earthy, slightly minty flavor. Thyme gives the cocktail a touch of rustic charm, producing a Bees Knees that is captivating and refreshing.

Thyme, in addition to its earthy flavor, lends an aesthetic element to the Bees Knees. The vivid green sprig against the golden liquor produces a visually pleasing contrast, making the cocktail as beautiful to behold as it is to taste.

Spiced Bees Knees

Spiced Bees Knees

A Bees Knees cocktail with honey syrup and warming spices like cinnamon or cloves is ideal for a chilly evening. These ingredients give the beverage a warm, comforting touch and give the traditional recipe a seasonal twist.

The Spiced Bees Knees is another example of how versatile the cocktail is. The traditional Bees Knees can be transformed entirely by merely changing the infusion in the honey syrup. It’s a reminder of the Bees Knees' versatility, which makes it an all-time favorite among cocktail aficionados.

Bees Knees Royale

Bees Knees Royale

A splash of champagne in your Bees Knees can turn it into a wonderfully festive cocktail. The champagne adds a subtle effervescence to the cocktail, elevating it from classic to decadent. The Bees Knees Royale is a celebration in a glass rather than just a beverage.

The Bees Knees Royale is a fantastic option for special events. Its dazzling appearance and exquisite taste make it a favorite at parties. So, whether you’re ringing in the New Year or toasting a personal success, the Bees Knees Royale promises to add a touch of grace and excitement to your festivities.

Berry Bees Knees

Berry Bees Knees

A handful of fresh berries in your Bees Knees provides a naturally sweet and colorful beverage. The berries add a natural sweetness and a visually striking hue to the cocktail, making it appealing and delicious.

Similar Cocktails to the Bees Knees

Similar Cocktails to the Bees Knees

If you enjoy the Bees Knees, you’ll like other cocktails with similar flavors. Let’s look at other drinks that share one or more ingredients with the Bees Knees, possibly introducing you to new flavors.

Gin Sour

Gin Sour

The Gin Sour, a relative of the Bees Knees, uses sugar syrup instead of honey to provide a more traditional gin and lemon taste.

If you appreciate the Bees Knees' balance of sweet and sour flavors, the Gin Sour gives a similar but slightly tangier taste. It’s a reminder of the simplicity and elegance of gin-based cocktails and proof of the enduring appeal of this classic combination.

Moreover, the Gin Sour is known to celebrate the perfect harmony of sweet and sour. The tart lemon and sweet syrup complement the gin nicely, creating a flavorful drink. If you enjoy the balance in a Bees Knees, you might find the Gin Sour your new favorite drink.

French 75

French 75

Another gin-based cocktail with champagne is the French 75, which is an excellent choice if you enjoyed the Bees Knees Royale.

This cocktail has the same effervescence and elegance as the original but with the addition of a dash of cognac. The French 75 celebrates gin and bubbles, making it the ideal drink for any joyful event.

This cocktail is an intricate combination of ingredients that creates a fresh and satisfying sensory experience, so if you’re a fan of the Bees Knees Royale, the French 75 promises to surprise you with its own unique blend of sparkle.

Tom Collins

Tom Collins

The Tom Collins is similar to a Bees Knees but without the honey, with the sweetness provided by sugar syrup instead. If you like how gin and lemon interact in the Bees Knees cocktail, the Tom Collins has a similar flavor profile with an extra splash of soda water for a refreshing fizz.

Tom Collins stands as a classic on its own. So, if you like the Bees Knees but are searching for something different, this cocktail is known for its well-rounded flavor profile.

Bramble

Bramble

The Bramble is a fruity, tangy cocktail made with gin, lemon, and blackberry liqueur. It features a slightly different but equally delicious fruit and gin combination than the Bees Knees, making this drink bold and refreshing.

The vibrant color, the tangy aroma, and the rich taste create a cocktail that’s nothing less than a feast. Hence, this cocktail is perfect for lovers of Bees Knees, offering a unique blend of flavors and striking aesthetics.

Conclusion

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bees Knees is a cocktail that has stood its name throughout history due to its exquisite flavor balance and versatility. Its simplicity allows for many variations, all equally delicious as the original.

So, whether you’re a gin aficionado or a cocktail enthusiast, the Bees Knees offers a pleasant and refreshing experience.

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