Welcome Readers, Austin Carter here from Beyond the Bayou Blog to serve you a refreshing recipe today that dates back to the Prohibition era in the United States, where it was created as a way to mask the harsh taste of homemade gin i.e., Bee’s Knees Cocktail.
I got to know about it for the first time while scrolling my feed when it came in front of me and its different name made me explore it more. Moreover, it looks so refreshing that I could not stop myself from searching for its recipe.
I felt even more attracted to it when I got to know that it requires three ingredients and just five minutes to be the charm of the party when served with seafood like Poached Fish and Swai Fish. So here I am today trying it for the first time so that it could be a party pleaser later on in my home.
Let’s just begin this journey of learning this amazing recipe.
Why Is It Called Bee’s Knee Cocktail?
The Bee’s Knees Cocktail got its quirky name from the slang of the 1920s, where “bee’s knees” meant something excellent or top-notch. During the Prohibition era, homemade gin could taste harsh, so people added lemon juice and honey to make it more enjoyable. This sweetened the drink and masked the rough flavors, making it the “bee’s knees” of cocktails. The name stuck, and today, the Bee’s Knees remains a classic favorite known for its refreshing taste and historical charm.
Here Are Some Tips for You!
- Lemon Juice Freshness: To ensure the best taste, use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled juice. It gives a vibrant and zesty flavor that complements the gin perfectly.
- Gin Selection: Choose a quality gin that suits your taste preferences. London dry gin works well for a classic and crisp cocktail, while a floral or citrus-forward gin can add a unique twist to the drink.
- Ice Quality: Use high-quality ice cubes made from filtered water to avoid any unwanted flavors from affecting your cocktail. Clear ice cubes also look visually appealing in the glass.
- Shaking Technique: When shaking the cocktail, make sure to shake it vigorously for about 30 seconds. This not only chills the drink but also helps to properly blend the flavors for a well-balanced cocktail.
- Glassware Choice: Serve the cocktail in a coupe or martini glass to showcase its elegant appearance. Chilled glasses enhance the drinking experience and keep the cocktail cold for longer.
- Garnish Style: For a professional touch, twist the lemon peel over the cocktail to release its aromatic oils. This adds a fragrant essence to the drink before dropping the peel in for a visual garnish.
- Enjoyment: Sip and savor your Honey Lemon Gin Cocktail slowly to fully appreciate its flavors. It’s best enjoyed chilled, so take your time and enjoy the refreshing taste.
What to Try with Bee’s Knees Cocktail?
- Butterfly Shrimp
- Delicious Baked Stuffed Shrimp
- Homemade Baja Shrimp Tacos
- Fried Salmon Patties
- Salmon Gravlax
Bee’s Knees Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan
- Vegetable peeler or channel knife
- Cocktail shaker
- Coupe or martini glass
- Ice
Ingredients
- ½ ounce honey syrup see step 1
- 1 ounce lemon juice about ½ medium lemon
- 2 ounces gin
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Honey Syrup: Combine equal parts honey and water (e.g., 2 tablespoons each) in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan. Warm until honey dissolves. Set aside.
- Prepare Lemon Zest: Peel off a strip of lemon zest using a vegetable peeler or channel knife.
- Make Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in honey syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and gin.
- Shake: Securely fasten the lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the mixture is very cold.
- Strain: Strain the cocktail into a coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish: Twist the lemon peel over the cocktail to release oils, then drop it in.
- Serve: Enjoy your refreshing Honey Lemon Gin Cocktail while it’s cold.
