The Bee’s Knees cocktail is a sweet and citrusy blend of gin, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice. It’s refreshing, elegant, and perfect for a girls’ night in or a sunny afternoon sip.
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This post was last updated 8/2025.
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Shopping list:
.jpg "Bee's Knees Cocktail")
- honey syrup (see tips)
- fresh lemon juice
- gin
- fresh lemon for garnish, optional
- ice
The Bee’s Knees cocktail is a timeless, elegant drink with a zesty twist! Made with fresh lemon juice, gin, and sweet honey syrup, this golden cocktail is bright, floral, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart. It’s light, refreshing, and just the right kind of sassy, ideal for sipping on a patio, at brunch, or during your next ladies night in.
This classic Prohibition era cocktail may have simple ingredients, but the flavor is anything but boring. The honey gives it a soft, silky sweetness that pairs beautifully with the botanical notes of the gin and the citrusy pop of lemon. It’s the kind of drink that feels a little fancy without any fuss. Just shake it up with ice, strain, and garnish with a lemon twist or slice. Add some good company and you’ve got the makings of a perfect evening.
We love everything honey at our house! If you do too, check out these Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Ribs or Spiced Honey Pretzels!
Have some more lemons to use up? Try my Watermelon Lemonade or Lemon Asparagus!
Keep scrolling for the full printable recipe 💙
Recipe tips and substitution ideas:
- To make the honey syrup, combine equal parts honey and water in a microwave safe bowl. Warm in the microwave until the honey fully dissolves into the water, then set aside to cool.
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice is best because it delivers a bright, vibrant citrus flavor that bottled juice simply can’t match. It has a natural acidity and zestiness that balances cocktails perfectly, especially in recipes like the Bee’s Knees where lemon is the star. Bottled lemon juice often contains preservatives and lacks the same depth and freshness, which can dull the overall taste.
- Using a shaker with citrus is essential because it helps thoroughly mix and chill the ingredients while creating a smooth, well balanced drink. The vigorous shaking emulsifies the citrus juice with syrups or spirits and incorporates just the right amount of dilution from the ice. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives the cocktail a light, slightly frothy texture.
- If you’re looking to switch things up in your cocktail, there are some fun and easy substitutions! You can use vodka instead of gin for a smoother, less botanical twist, or swap in maple syrup or agave in place of the honey syrup. Adding a splash of club soda makes it light and bubbly. You can also mix things up by using other fresh citrus juices! Try fresh lime juice, blood orange juice or even grapefruit juice.
Our favorite kitchen equipment and supplies used with this recipe:
- Godinger Cocktail Shaker
- BLACK+DECKER Electric Citrus Juicer
- OXO Good Grips 7-Piece Nesting Measuring Beaker Set
- Ribbed Coupe Glasses
Bee's Knees Cocktail
This Prohibition-era classic is light, floral, and beautifully balanced with tart lemon and smooth honey. Simple to make and easy to love, it’s a go-to cocktail for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce honey syrup (see notes)
- 2 ounces fresh lemon juice
- 4 ounces gin
- fresh lemon for garnish, optional
- ice
Instructions
- To a cocktail shaker, add ice, honey syrup, lemon juice, and gin.
- Shake well to combine and chill.
- Pour, strained, into your cocktail glass, and garnish with fresh lemon wedges or slices.
Notes
To make the honey syrup, combine equal parts honey and water in a microwave safe bowl. Warm in the microwave until the honey fully dissolves into the water, then set aside to cool.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
181Fat
0 gSat. Fat
0 gCarbs
14 gFiber
0 gNet carbs
14 gSugar
12 gProtein
0 gSodium
3 mgCholesterol
0 mgHot Eats and Cool Reads is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe you try from this blog/website. You may not always have the same results I do due to variations in ingredients, humidity, altitude, cooking temperatures, typos, errors, omissions, or individual cooking abilities.
You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful. I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Each individual's dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual.
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