The Bee’s Knees Cocktail

The Bee’s Knees Cocktail: Crafting Your Own at Home

Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.

In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.

So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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A Cocktail from the Roaring Twenties

The Bee’s Knees was born in the 1920s, during Prohibition in the United States. Back then, gin was often hastily made (“bathtub gin”) and harsh on the palate. Bartenders used honey syrup and fresh lemon juice to mask flaws, turning rough spirits into something elegant and drinkable.

The name “Bee’s Knees” was 1920s slang for the best — and the cocktail quickly lived up to its reputation. Today, with quality gin and artisanal honey, it’s no longer a disguise but a showcase of balance and simplicity.

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Bee’s Knees Recipe (Australian Measurements)

Ingredients:

• 60 mL gin (London Dry for classic; floral/citrus gins for a modern twist)

• 22 mL fresh lemon juice

• 15 mL honey syrup (2:1 honey to water)

• Ice

• Garnish: lemon twist

Method:

1. Add gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup to a cocktail shaker.

2. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds.

3. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

💡 Bartender Tip: Always make honey syrup ahead of time — raw honey on its own doesn’t mix well with cold liquid.

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Why It Works – Flavour Balance

• Gin: Herbal, citrus, or floral notes form the backbone.

• Lemon juice: Adds sharp acidity, keeping the cocktail crisp.

• Honey syrup: Softer sweetness than sugar, with natural complexity.

The result is a refreshing, lightly sweet cocktail that’s bright but smooth — a perfect showcase of harmony in three ingredients.

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Pro Tips from Behind the Bar

• Honey choices matter: Clover honey = light, buckwheat = bold, orange blossom = floral.

• Adjust balance: More honey = rounder; more lemon = sharper.

• Double strain: Prevents pulp or ice chips.

• Glassware: A chilled coupe highlights its Prohibition-era glamour.

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Variations on the Bee’s Knees

• Herbal Bee’s Knees → use rosemary- or lavender-infused gin.

• Citrus Twist → try Meyer lemon or yuzu for a softer citrus bite.

• Berry Bee’s Knees → muddle fresh raspberries before shaking.

• No-Alc Bee’s Knees → swap gin for Seedlip Grove or another non-alcoholic spirit.

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Perfect Pairings

• Cheese platters → goat cheese or brie complement honey’s sweetness.

• Seafood dishes → lemon + honey enhance prawns or grilled fish.

• Spicy Asian fare → sweetness balances chilli heat.

• Light desserts → lemon tart, honey cake, panna cotta.

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Sustainable Sipping – Saving the Bees

The Bee’s Knees isn’t just delicious — it’s also a great way to highlight bee conservation. Without bees, we wouldn’t have honey, citrus, or many of the ingredients we enjoy in cocktails.

• Choose local, artisanal honey to support beekeepers.

• Use organic lemons where possible.

• Compost your citrus waste.

• Go eco-friendly with reusable straws and barware.

Hosting a “Save the Bees” cocktail night is a fun way to spread awareness while sipping in style.

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FAQs

What’s the best gin for a Bee’s Knees?
London Dry (juniper-forward) for tradition, or a citrus-led gin for a modern spin.

Why honey instead of sugar?
Honey adds depth, roundness, and natural floral notes sugar can’t match.

Can I batch this for parties?
Yes — scale up gin, honey syrup, and lemon. Shake or stir individual serves over ice.

Can I drink it without alcohol?
Absolutely — swap gin for a non-alcoholic botanical spirit.

Thanks for joining us behind the bar!

The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation!

Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: Liquor & Gaming NSW