How to Make the Classic Bee’s Knees Cocktail (and Why It Truly Is the Bee’s Knees!)

Herbaceous gin, floral honey, and zesty lemon merge into an effortlessly elegant sip.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 21, 2025

Herbaceous gin, floral honey, and zesty lemon merge into an effortlessly elegant sip.

The Classic Bee’s Knees Cocktail Recipe

Bright, balanced, and effortlessly elegant, the Bee’s Knees cocktail is a testament to the notion that simplicity and quality ingredients yield truly excellent results. Created during the Prohibition era and revived as a modern favorite, this three-ingredient gin drink is herbaceous and fresh, sweetened with honey, and perfectly lifted by lemon. It is as suitable for a festive soirée as it is for an impromptu happy hour at home.

What Is the Bee’s Knees Cocktail?

The Bee’s Knees is a classic cocktail made with gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice. Known for its radiant golden color and bright, enticing taste, the Bee’s Knees is easy for home bartenders of all experience levels. The name itself is a nod to 1920s slang: something particularly excellent or outstanding was “the bee’s knees”—a phrase which perfectly fits this charming drink.

Why Was the Bee’s Knees Invented?

Prohibition Roots: The cocktail originated in the United States during the Prohibition era. Bartenders used honey and lemon not just for flavor, but to mask the harshness of poor-quality, bootlegged gin.
Clever Utility: Honey’s richness and citrus’s tang both help soften alcohol’s rough edges, making this drink smoother and more accessible, even to those new to gin-based cocktails.

Ingredients for the Bee’s Knees Cocktail

Component	Amount	Notes
Gin	2 oz.	Choose a gin with prominent botanical or citrus notes for added complexity.
Honey Syrup	1 oz.	Homemade (see method below); use good-quality honey for best flavor.
Lemon Juice	1 oz.	Always use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for optimal brightness.
Garnish	Optional	Lemon twist or edible flowers (e.g., pansies, violas, nasturtium).

Making Honey Syrup

1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup hot water

Combine the honey and hot water in a liquid measuring cup. Whisk until fully blended, then cool to room temperature. Refrigerate any extra syrup in a sealed jar—it’s perfect for adding to iced tea, lemonade, or more cocktails, and will keep for up to two weeks.

What’s the Difference Between Honey Syrup and Simple Syrup?

Simple syrup: A straightforward mix of equal parts sugar and water, yielding a neutral-flavored sweetener.
Honey syrup: Prepared with equal parts honey and water, resulting in a pourable, infusion-ready sweetener that imparts rich, floral honey notes—making it ideal for the Bee’s Knees and other specialty cocktails.

Step-By-Step Directions

Make the honey syrup:
- Combine 1/4 cup honey and 1/4 cup hot water in a small pitcher or measuring cup.
- Whisk until the honey thoroughly dissolves. Cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Prepare the cocktail:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 2 oz. gin, 1 oz. cooled honey syrup, and 1 oz. fresh lemon juice.
- Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds, until well-chilled and combined.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or edible flowers for a festive finishing touch.

Home Bartender Tips

Serving size: The honey syrup recipe yields enough for 8 cocktails—great for parties!
Keep it cool: Shake thoroughly with ice, and always use a chilled glass for optimal results.
Upgrade your garnish: Edible flowers like pansies or nasturtium bring color and elegance—just be sure they’re free of pesticides and safe for eating.

Variants and Substitutions

The Bee’s Knees is delightfully flexible. While the traditional recipe uses gin, you can experiment with other spirits or citrus twists:

Substitute spirits: Vodka creates a milder version; bourbon offers a richer, warming alternative with honey and lemon. Both pair beautifully with honey syrup.
Try Meyer lemons: For a sweeter, floral citrus note, swap regular lemons for Meyer lemons—especially in winter when they’re in season.
Infuse the honey: Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary to the honey syrup as it cools for herbal depth.

What Is Gin—and Why Does It Work Here?

Gin is a clear, neutral spirit, flavored predominantly with juniper berries and often distilled with additional botanicals such as citrus peel, coriander, almond, cinnamon, and floral notes. The juniper’s herbal or piney character sets the foundation for countless cocktails. In the Bee’s Knees, these botanicals mingle with honey’s sweetness and lemon’s tart brightness for a refreshingly nuanced result.

Gin Flavor Profile

Juniper-forward: Herbal, pine-like aroma (especially in London dry gins).
Citrus undertones: These combine exceptionally well with the fresh-squeezed lemon juice in a Bee’s Knees.
Other botanicals: Select a gin whose style matches your preferences—some gins are floral, spicy, or overtly citrusy; all will bring a unique element to your drink.

Garnishing the Bee’s Knees

Lemon twist: A simple lemon twist adds a zesty fragrance and professional polish, without overshadowing the main flavors.
Edible flowers: Use pansies, violas, or nasturtiums for vivid color and a celebratory feel. These are not just pretty—when food-safe, they add subtle herbal, floral notes.
Creative extras: Try rosemary or thyme sprigs, or a delicate cucumber ribbon, for modern flair.

Serving Suggestions and Occasions

Spring and summer parties: The Bee’s Knees is a natural fit for garden gatherings, dinner parties, brunch, or any occasion that celebrates fresh flavors.
Happy hour at home: With just three ingredients, this cocktail is easy to whip up after work or alongside weekend relaxation.
Festive garnish: Dress up each glass for birthdays, bridal showers, or any event when you want an impressive (but effortless) cocktail.

Storing Honey Syrup: Batch and Keep for More Drinks

Honey syrup, once made, can be kept in an airtight jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Use it not only for mixed drinks but also as a sweetener for iced tea, lemonade, or even over pancakes and oatmeal!

More Classic and Modern Cocktails to Try

If you love the Bee’s Knees, venture further into gin and citrus cocktails, or explore other three-ingredient classics:

French 75: Gin, lemon, simple syrup, and sparkling wine—bright, bubbly, and festive.
Negroni: A robust Italian aperitivo with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
Peach Bellini: Fruit-forward, fizzy, and ideal for brunch.
Classic Mint Julep: Mint, bourbon, and simple syrup are the essentials for this Southern favorite.
Blueberry Mojito, Frosé, or Watermelon Sangria: For a summery twist on familiar classics, try one of these fresh, fruit-infused drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Bee’s Knees Cocktail

Why is it called the Bee’s Knees?

The phrase “bee’s knees” was 1920s slang for something excellent or highly admired—which fits this drink’s reputation perfectly. The cocktail’s name captures both its golden honey color and its acclaim among classic cocktail lovers.

Is gin necessary, or can I use another spirit?

While gin’s botanicals complement honey and lemon beautifully, vodka or bourbon may be substituted. Vodka creates a softer base, and bourbon lends warmth and caramel undertones.

What makes honey syrup better than mixing in plain honey?

Honey syrup is prepared by dissolving honey in hot water, making it easy to mix in cocktails. Plain honey is thick and sticky, and doesn’t dissolve well in cold liquids. Turning honey into a syrup ensures smooth, seamless mixing and a balanced flavor.

How long does honey syrup keep?

Stored in a sealed bottle or jar in the refrigerator, honey syrup keeps for up to two weeks.

Can I make a pitcher of Bee’s Knees for a crowd?

Yes! Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Combine gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice in a pitcher, chill with plenty of ice, and pour into glasses when ready to serve. Add garnishes for an elevated touch.

What other ways can I use honey syrup?

Besides cocktails, honey syrup sweetens iced tea, lemonade, and smoothies, or can be drizzled over fruit and breakfast dishes.

Bee’s Knees Cocktail At-a-Glance

Feature	Details
Flavor	Herbaceous, floral, sweet-tart
Key Ingredients	Gin, honey syrup, lemon juice
Preparation	Shaken with ice, strained into coupe glass
Garnish	Lemon twist and/or edible flowers
Origin	1920s Prohibition-era America
Pairs With	Light appetizers, cheese boards, brunch fare

Celebrate With the Bee’s Knees

Whether you’re discovering the Bee’s Knees for the first time or reviving a Prohibition classic for friends, this cocktail remains a favorite for its brilliant balance and pure refreshment. Its three ingredients shine brightest when fresh, so stock up on good gin, local honey, and juicy lemons. Don’t forget the lemon twist—or a flourish of edible flowers—to complete the look and experience.

How to Make the Classic Bee’s Knees Cocktail (and Why It Truly Is the Bee’s Knees!)

The Classic Bee’s Knees Cocktail Recipe