To make a Bees Knees cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:
- 50ml gin
- 25ml lemon juice
- 25ml honey syrup (to make honey syrup, combine equal parts honey and hot water and stir until the honey is fully dissolved)
To prepare the cocktail:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup to the shaker.
- Shake the mixture well to combine the ingredients and chill them.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired, and serve immediately.
Note: You can adjust the proportions of the ingredients to suit your taste. Some people prefer a more citrusy flavour and add an extra splash of lemon juice, while others like a sweeter cocktail and add a little more honey syrup. Experiment to find the perfect balance for you.
History of Bees Knees
The Bees Knees cocktail is a classic cocktail that dates back to the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933). During this time, alcohol was illegal, and people had to be creative in finding ways to obtain and serve it. One popular method was to mix alcohol with other ingredients, such as honey, fruit juice, and spices, to mask the taste and smell of the alcohol. This is how the Bees Knees cocktail was created.
The name “Bees Knees” is thought to be a slang term from the 1920s that means “the best” or “outstanding.” The cocktail is made with gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup, which gives it a refreshing and balanced flavour.
The Bees Knees cocktail has continued to be popular over the years and can now be found on the menus of many bars and restaurants. It is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed at any time of year and is a great choice for anyone who enjoys a refreshing, citrusy drink.
Variations of Bees Knees
There are several variations of the Bees Knees cocktail that you can try. Here are a few ideas:
- Vodka Bees Knees: Replace the gin with vodka to create a slightly different flavour profile.
- Lavender Bees Knees: Add a splash of lavender syrup to the mix for a floral twist.
- Grapefruit Bees Knees: Swap out the lemon juice for grapefruit juice for a tangier, more bitter flavour.
- Honey Whiskey Bees Knees: Use honey whiskey in place of the gin and omit the honey syrup. This will give the cocktail a rich, sweet flavour.
- Rosemary Bees Knees: Add a sprig of rosemary to the shaker for a savory, herbaceous twist.
- Spiced Bees Knees: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a few cloves to the mix for a warm, spicy flavour.
- Cucumber Bees Knees: Add a few slices of cucumber to the shaker for a refreshing, crisp flavour.
These are just a few examples, and you can get creative with your own variations by experimenting with different types of spirits, juices, and syrups. Have fun and see what flavors you can come up with!
Best Gin for Bees Knees
The best gin for a Bees Knees cocktail will depend on your personal taste preferences. Some people prefer a more traditional London Dry gin, which has a crisp, juniper-forward flavor, while others prefer a softer, more floral gin. Here are a few gins that would work well in a Bees Knees cocktail:
- Plymouth Gin: This is a classic London Dry gin that is known for its balanced flavor and smooth finish. It is made with a blend of botanicals, including juniper, coriander, angelica, and orris root.
- Hendrick’s Gin: This gin is made with a blend of 11 botanicals and is known for its distinctive cucumber and rose flavor. It is a softer, more floral gin that would work well in a Bees Knees cocktail.
- Bombay Sapphire: This is another classic London Dry gin that is known for its crisp, juniper-forward flavor. It is made with a blend of 10 botanicals, including juniper, coriander, angelica root, and lemon peel.
Ultimately, the best gin for a Bees Knees cocktail will be one that you enjoy and that complements the flavors of the lemon juice and honey syrup. You may want to try a few different gins to see which one you prefer in this cocktail.
