Classic Cocktails & Drinks With A Funky Twist

Bees Knees Cocktail

5 from 5 votes
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Updated: 04/19/24

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

This cocktail recipe is just what the name says it is- the Bees Knees! Combining gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice, it is the perfect combination of lightly sweet, tart, and clean, making it a lovely cocktail that tastes like sunshine.

two glasses of bees knees cocktail with honey syrup and lemon twist garnish

The common saying “Bees Knees” describes something outstanding or cool, and perfectly describes this classic, Prohibition-era cocktail. Its elements combine delightfully for a simple cocktail you can make and enjoy right at home.

Bees Knees Cocktail Ingredients

It won’t take long to mix up a Bee’s Knees cocktail for yourself AND one for a friend. Here are the three simple ingredients that make up the drink. For the measurements of each ingredient, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Honey syrup: Read more on this ingredient and the reason we use it below.
  • Gin: Use a good-quality gin that you enjoy the flavor of. My go-to for gin cocktails is Bombay Saphire.
  • Lemon juice: Adds a refreshing citrus touch to the cocktail that complements the other ingredients. Freshly squeezed is always best when making cocktails so we recommend grabbing some fresh lemons for this recipe.
two glasses of bees knees cocktail with lemon and honey syrup

Homemade Honey Simple Syrup

Honey Simple Syrup mixes better in cold liquids compared to straight honey, making it the perfect sweetener for cocktails like this one. It is made with equal parts honey and water, but simmering the mixture to create a simple syrup will dissolve into cocktails and can be stored in your refrigerator for a whole month. It can be used to add a touch of sweetness to any cocktail, but we especially love it in this Bees Knees cocktail recipe and the Gold Rush Cocktail.

Honey Syrup

Made with just two ingredients, honey syrup is the perfect way to add just enough sweetness to your cocktails.
Jar of honey syrup recipe
making glass of bees knees cocktail recipe with honey syrup and lemon

How to Make a Bees Knees Cocktail

Here is how the Bees Knees drink comes together. For the full recipe, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  1. Pour the gin, lemon juice, and Honey Syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  2. Shake well until the ingredients are cold and well combined.
  3. Strain into a glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy!
glass of bees knees cocktail with lemon and honey syrup

How to Serve

This cocktail is served in a chilled coupe glass or martini glass. A lemon twist makes the perfect garnish, adding a pop of color and a splash of flavor!

TOP PICK

Coupe Glasses

These coupe glasses are perfect for all of your classic cocktails!
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two glasses of bees knees cocktail with lemon and honey syrup

Other Great Gin Cocktails

If you love the Bees Knees drink and are looking for other gin cocktails, here are a few classics.

If you make this Bees Knees cocktail recipe or any of our other drinks, please leave us a comment and let us know what you think.

two glasses of bees knees cocktail with honey syrup and lemon twist garnish
5 from 5 votes

Bees Knees Cocktail

Serves: 1 drink
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
The Bees Knees cocktail combines gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice to create the perfect combination of lightly sweet, tart, and clean.

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce honey syrup
  • 1 ounce lemon juice
  • 2 ounces gin

Instructions

  • Add the honey syrup, lemon juice, and gin to a shaker with ice.
  • Shake and then strain the drink into a glass.
  • Garnish and enjoy!
Author: Nathan Longley
Course: Drinks
two glasses of bees knees cocktail with honey syrup and lemon twist garnish

Did You Make This

Bees Knees Cocktail

I’d love to see what you made! Tag me @shakedrinkrpt and hashtag it #shakedrinkrepeat!

Nathan Longley has been his wife’s personal bar tender for as long as he can remember. While he most often enjoys a cold beer, he is known to love our vodka gimlet.

Reader Interactions

    5 from 5 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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  1. Cheryl says

    5 stars
    Refreshing!

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