About the Bee's Knees cocktail

The Bee’s Knees is a bright, citrusy gin cocktail that dates back to the 1920s. Born during Prohibition, its name was a popular slang term meaning “the best.”

While many drinks from that era were designed to mask the taste of rough, bootleg spirits, the Bee’s Knees elevated the gin sour by sweetening it with honey instead of sugar.

This small tweak gave the drink a softer, richer sweetness that complemented gin’s botanicals and fresh lemon juice.

Today, it’s celebrated as one of the simplest yet most elegant gin cocktails in the classic canon.

Why the Bee’s Knees Stands Out

The Bee’s Knees cocktail recipe is crisp, floral, and naturally sweet.

Gin brings herbal and citrus-forward depth, lemon juice provides a refreshing tartness, and honey syrup rounds it out with smooth, golden sweetness.

The combination feels light and sunny, making it a natural choice for spring and summer sipping.

It’s also endlessly adaptable — equally at home at a backyard brunch or a candlelit dinner.

Variations and Pairing Ideas

To make it your own, try:

• Using an Old Tom gin for a slightly sweeter, rounder flavor

• Swapping lemon juice for grapefruit juice for a softer, more floral profile

• Infusing the honey syrup with herbs like thyme, lavender, or rosemary

• Serving it over ice in a Collins glass for a longer, more casual drink

The Bee’s Knees pairs beautifully with goat cheese crostini, grilled shrimp, fruit salads, or shortbread cookies. Its acidity and honeyed sweetness complement both savory and sweet dishes.

Why the Bee’s Knees Endures

The Bee’s Knees has lasted nearly a century because it’s easy to make, approachable, and naturally well-balanced. Its use of honey instead of sugar gives it a unique charm that still feels fresh today.

Whether mixed up as a mid-afternoon refresher or served in elegant coupes for guests, it’s a cocktail that always lives up to its name.