How to Mix the Perfect Bee's Knees Cocktail at Home
- Jack Wrytr
- Jan 21
- 4 min read
To boost your bartending skills at home, try making bees knees cocktails. This includes a refreshing twist with strawberry and basil. Timeless and lively, these gin-based drinks provide a sweet-tart balance. They have citrusy notes and add an elegant touch to your glass.
The cocktail culture is growing rapidly worldwide. People are mixing drinks at home, not just going to bars and lounges. The global craft cocktail trend emphasizes quality ingredients and creative mixology. This has made classic drinks like the Bee's Knees popular at home parties and gatherings.
What Are Bees Knees Cocktails?
Origins of the Classic Bee’s Knees
Bees knees cocktails started during Prohibition (1920–1933). Bartenders mixed lemon and honey to mask the flavor of harsh homemade “bathtub” gin. The term “bee’s knees” was common slang at that time meaning “the best”.
The exact origin of the drink is unclear. Some say it was created by Frank Meier, a famous bartender at the Ritz in Paris. Others point to American socialite Margaret “Molly” Brown. Regardless, the drink is a perfect mix of simplicity and elegance.
Why the Bee’s Knees Has Stood the Test of Time
Well-rounded taste profile: The sweet honey syrup and the sharply sour fresh lemon juice bring out the best in high-quality gin.
Flexibility: You can easily change it up depending on the season with additions such as berries, herbs, or flowers.
Broad popularity: The timeless drink stays friendly enough for beginners at home bartending.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Bee’s Knees Cocktail
Make the perfect bees knees cocktail at home by first concentrating on quality ingredients:
Gin
The choice of gin will determine the character of the cocktail. A London Dry gin focuses on juniper and citrus. In contrast, craft gins like Devil’s Grin Gin use unique botanicals from around the world to create rich flavors. The balanced, flowery notes of Devil’s Grin make this traditional cocktail stand out, especially in subtle variations.
Honey Syrup
Raw honey is very sticky and difficult to blend. If you want a honey syrup, just combine equal amounts of honey and warm water and stir until the honey dissolves.
Fresh Lemon Juice
The acidity of fresh lemon juice is much brighter than the bottled ones, which go perfectly with honey.
Optional: A twist of lemon peel or sprig of herb is a great way to garnish.
Step-by-Step: Classic Bee’s Knees Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
2 oz gin
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2–3/4 oz honey syrup
Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
Chill a coupe or cocktail glass.
Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
Add gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
Shake vigorously until cold.
Strain into glass and garnish.
Pro tip: Shake longer than you think; the honey syrup takes effort to chill and blend fully.
Strawberry Basil Cocktail
One way to update classic bees knees cocktails with a seasonal spark is to experiment with a strawberry basil cocktail version. Strawberries add a sweet, juicy touch to the drink. Basil brings a fresh herbal flavor. These ingredients are perfect for summer mixers or brunch parties.
Ingredients (Strawberry Basil Cocktail)
2 oz gin (Devil’s Grin Gin works beautifully)
3–4 fresh strawberries
4–6 fresh basil leaves
.75 oz lemon juice
.5 oz honey syrup
Strawberry slice & basil sprig for garnish
Instructions
Muddle strawberries and basil gently in a shaker.
Add gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup with ice.
Shake hard until well-chilled.
Double strain into coupe or rocks glass.
Garnish with a basil sprig and strawberry slice.
This strawberry basil cocktail is refreshing and looks great. It’s perfect for social media or outdoor evenings.
Tips to Take Your Bee’s Knees Cocktails to the Next Level
Use Fresh Ingredients
Bottled citrus is missing crucial brightness; fresh juice is a must.
Experiment with Gin Profiles
Each gin brings a different result. Flowers, citrus, or botanical bottles like Devil’s Grin Gin can elevate your classic and fruit-infused bees knees cocktails.
Build in Batches for Guests
When you have guests, multiply the ingredients. Make the batch ahead of time. This is especially true for the strawberry basil cocktail. It guarantees the same flavor all the time and less stress at the bar.
Final Sip
Whether you’re enjoying a classic bees knees cocktail at home or a fresh strawberry basil drink for guests, these gin-based cocktails strike a perfect balance between sophistication and simplicity. With top-notch ingredients, fresh citrus, and a bit of practice, you’ll be making cocktails that could easily fit into any speakeasy all in your home.
Cheers with Devil’s Grin Gin and mixology at its finest!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use flavored gin?
Sure! A floral or citrus-infused gin goes wonderfully with honey and lemon.
Q: Is the strawberry basil cocktail sweeter than the classic?
The fresh fruit has natural sugars. You can adjust the honey syrup to match your taste.
Q: What glassware works best?
Both bees knees cocktails and the strawberry basil cocktail will look and feel great when served in a chilled coupette or a rocks glass.
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