Gin, lemon juice, orange juice and honey simple syrup combine in this delicious Bee’s Knees cocktail. Served straight up in a martini glass.
Table of Contents
Lately, I have been noticing lots of cocktails featuring honey popping up on bar menus around town. Most feature some type of citrus along with the honey and are served straight up. Perhaps bartenders are taking a cue from the Hot Toddy – A classic wintertime drink consisting of whiskey, hot water, honey and lemon and believed to cure colds.
It does make sense though. Honey is a sweetener and can function in any cocktail much like a simple syrup would. As the base for this Bees Knees Drink, I’m making a honey simple syrup.
The reason we’re turning the honey into a syrup is so that it won’t clump up when you add it to your cocktail. Instead, it will incorporate nicely and lightly sweeten your drink.
Reader
Love
Holy moly, this is like a cold hot toddy, but so much better, because you can enjoy it without the sniffles and misery. Also I love gin soooo much better than whiskey (for hot toddies).
I’m pretty sure this is going to be my summer drink this year!
And of course GORGEOUS as always!
–
Bee’s Knees ingredients
- Honey Simple Syrup – See info on how to make it below. Or, check out this full post on how to make it.
- Gin – Not a gin fan? You can also make this cocktail with vodka. Learn all about the differences between gin vs. vodka here.
- Orange Juice & Lemon Juice – Fresh squeezed is best here!
How to make it
- First, make a honey simple syrup by combining equal parts honey and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until well blended.
- Combine honey simple syrup, gin, lemon juice and orange juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously and strain into a cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel.
- Enjoy!
Bee’s Knees cocktail variations
- If you’re not a fan of gin, you could also use vodka or bourbon in this cocktail. Learn all about the differences between gin vs. vodka here.
- Want a sweeter cocktail? Simply add more honey simple syrup.
- Don’t want to make the honey simple syrup? Take a shortcut by substituting plain simple syrup, maple syrup or agave.
- Add a hint of floral by adding in a splash of St. Germain.
- Make a lavender bees knees by infusing your simple syrup with lavender.
- If you divide your cocktail between two champagne flutes and top it with sparkling wine, you’ve essentially got a French 75 cocktail.
- For a drink that’s not as strong, simply add a splash of soda or tonic water and serve it over ice.
FAQs
How long does honey simple syrup last?
- This honey syrup will last, stored in the refrigerator, for up to one month.
What gin is best for a bees knees?
- Use your favorite dry gin in this recipe. Some great options are Beefeater, Hendricks, Tanqueray and Aviation.
More cocktail recipes
Did you try this bee’s knees recipe?
If you loved this bee’s knees cocktail recipe I would appreciate it so much if you would leave a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook.
Looking for more ways to use up that bottle of gin? Be sure to try my Aviation Cocktail Recipe, French 75 Cocktail Recipe and Gin and Tonic Recipe with 3 ways to customize it.
Full Recipe
Bee’s Knees Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
Honey Simple Syrup
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup water
Bees Knees Cocktail
- 2 ounces honey simple syrup
- 1 1/2 ounces gin
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions
Honey Simple Syrup
- Combine water and honey in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring often, until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
Cocktail
- Combine 2 ounces of the honey simple syrup, gin, lemon juice and orange juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a small chilled cocktail glass and serve.
- Reserve remaining honey simple syrup for more cocktails.
Notes
- If you’re not a fan of gin, you could also use vodka or bourbon in this cocktail. Learn all about the differences between gin vs. vodka here.
- Want a sweeter cocktail? Simply add more honey simple syrup.
- Don’t want to make the honey simple syrup? Take a shortcut by substituting plain simple syrup, maple syrup or agave.
- Add a hint of floral by adding in a splash of St. Germain.
- Make a lavender bees knees by infusing your simple syrup with lavender.
- If you divide your cocktail between two champagne flutes and top it with sparkling wine, you’ve essentially got a French 75 cocktail.
- For a drink that’s not as strong, simply add a splash of soda or tonic water and serve it over ice.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published in 2015. It was updated in 2019 to add new photographs and update the content. The original lemon honey cocktail recipe remains the same. Enjoy!
Leave a Reply