The Best Light & Citrusy Bee’s Knees Cocktail
Zesty, refreshing, and just sweet enough, the Bee’s Knees is a timeless classic that feels right at home in a sun-soaked garden or a lively evening with mates. Born during the Prohibition era, the Bee’s Knees cocktail was designed to mask the harshness of bathtub gin with lemon and honey. But don’t let its humble beginnings fool you, this drink has gone from makeshift to must-have.
The Bee’s Knees is perfect for gin lovers who want a citrusy cocktail without the sugar overload. It’s simple, elegant, and lets quality ingredients shine. Whether you’re a fan of minimal cocktails, looking to impress at your next dinner party, or just want something different from your usual G&T, this one’s worth a shake.
What You’ll Need to Make a Bee’s Knees
The magic of the Bee’s Knees lies in its simplicity, three ingredients, all working in perfect harmony:
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Gin – The backbone of the drink. A citrus-forward, small-batch gin from our Good George Gin range brings complexity and freshness to the mix.
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Fresh Lemon Juice – For brightness and balance. It lifts the drink and adds the kind of zing that keeps you going back for another sip.
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Honey Syrup – Smooth, sweet, and a little floral. Made by mixing equal parts honey and warm water, it blends beautifully and softens the sharpness of the lemon.
With just these three ingredients, it’s essential to go for quality. That’s what elevates this from a “quick mix” to a cocktail that’ll have your friends asking for the recipe.
How to Make a Bee’s Knees (With or Without the Buzz)
Making a Bee’s Knees is easy, but like any good cocktail, it’s all about balance.
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Start by making your honey syrup (if you haven’t already). Simply stir together equal parts honey and warm water until fully combined. This helps the honey mix into the drink without clumping.
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In a shaker, combine gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and your honey syrup.
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Add ice and shake like you mean it, for about 15 seconds.
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Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
Tips for balance: If your lemons are particularly tart, dial back the juice slightly or add a touch more syrup. If the honey is very strong or floral, use a lighter hand. Taste and tweak, it’s what makes you the cocktail master.
Twists on the Bee’s Knees That Are Still Sweet
Want to put your own spin on this classic? Here are a few fun ideas:
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Herbal edge: Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
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Lime instead of lemon: Slightly sweeter and softer, it’s a great way to change the citrus profile.
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Make it bubbly: Top with soda water or prosecco for a refreshing spritz version, perfect for brunch or sunny afternoons.
Experiment with what’s in season or what’s in your herb garden. The Bee’s Knees is forgiving, flexible, and full of potential.
Bee’s Knees Cocktail FAQs
Is this cocktail sweet or sour?
A bit of both—but perfectly balanced. The honey adds natural sweetness while the lemon brings zing. Together, they create a refreshing drink that’s not too heavy or syrupy.
Do I have to make honey syrup?
Yes, if you want a smooth cocktail. Straight honey won’t mix well with cold ingredients, so taking the extra 30 seconds to make syrup is worth it.
What gin works best?
A citrusy, aromatic gin makes all the difference. Try our Good George gins, especially those with floral or citrus botanicals, to complement the lemon and honey.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely. Just multiply the ingredients and mix in a jug. You can even store it in the fridge ahead of time. Shake individual serves with ice when ready, or serve it over ice in a tumbler with a garnish twist.
Bee’s Knees Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
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60ml Good George Gin
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25ml fresh lemon juice
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20ml honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)
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Ice
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Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
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Combine gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup in a shaker with ice.
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Shake well for 10–15 seconds until chilled.
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Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
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Garnish with a lemon twist or sprig of rosemary.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a cheeseboard, goat’s cheese and honeyed nuts make an ideal match.
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Pair with light nibbles or fresh fruit platters.
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Ideal for spring and summer occasions, garden parties, weddings, or lazy Sunday sessions on the deck.
Fresh, citrusy, and buzzing with flavour, the Bee’s Knees is one cocktail that’s always in season. Grab your Good George gin, a lemon or two, and see why this Prohibition-era drink still has modern-day charm.
