The Retro Bee's Knees Cocktail Will Be Your Favorite Sip This Summer

When we polled 23 drink pros to help us declare our 2024 drink of summer—it’s the 4-Ingredient Lone Ranger Cocktail, by the way—several mixologists mentioned another retro drink that is showing strong signs of making a comeback: The Bee’s Knees Cocktail.

Besides streamlined sips like an Aperol Spritz, Hugo Spritz, and Espresso Martini, “a lot of cocktails that have been popular lately—especially at trendy cocktail bars—often contain mysterious and foreign ingredients, a lot of varying recipes and techniques, and general ‘snobbery’ surrounding them,” admits Trevor Nare, beverage manager at Hotel West & Main in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. 

Conversely, a Bee’s Knees has a catchy name, easy to find ingredients (and only 3!), and nearly universal appeal with its fresh flavors. Read on to discover how to make a Bee’s Knees, as well as seven variations on the theme.

What Is a Bee’s Knees?

Bright, crisp, refreshing and with subtle sweetness, “a Bee's Knees is a shaken cocktail containing gin, honey, and lemon juice,” explains Kevin Rathbone, bartender at VASO Rooftop Lounge in Dublin, Ohio.

 Depending on the gin you choose, this drink will also deliver herbal or floral notes.

The Bee’s Knees was created during prohibition in the 1920s. The honey and lemon were added to mask the harsh flavor of “bathtub gin,” according to Claire Marin, founder and head distiller at Pollinator Spirits in Callicoon, New York.

Frank Meier, a bartender at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, is credited by many with inventing the Bee’s Knees, Nare says, and “Meier later went on to become one of the most famous bartenders and published one of the first popular cocktail books,” The Artistry Of Mixing Drinks. 

The name was originally a play on the slang of “bee’s knees” as a synonym for “very good” or “the best,” adds Aimee Olexy, owner of Talula's Garden, Talula's Table, The Love, and Talula's Daily, but we love how it also hints at the sweetener: honey.

Why We Love a Bee’s Knees Cocktail—And Why We Think You Will, Too

As it reaches about 100 years old, why is this cocktail generating buzz again?

What’s old is new in many areas of the drink world, Marin says: “There’s lots of interest in more classic retro cocktails.”

It’s smooth, simple, sophisticated, and ideal for summer when light, botanical cocktails feel fitting for patio season.

As proven by drinks like Matcha Martinis and Bone Broth Cocktails, many imbibers are also seeking ways to “health-ify” their drinks. Unlike sugar, honey comes with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial benefits, Rathbone says. The Bee’s Knees is also easy to adjust to be a spirit-free cocktail.

Similar to the “you might also like” on Netflix and Amazon, we couldn’t resist asking our panel of experts who might enjoy a Bee’s Knees Cocktail. Fans of the following classic cocktails will probably also dig the Bee’s Knees:

• A citrusy cocktail, like a French 75, Margarita, or Sour.
• A classic Gin and Tonic.
• A liquor-forward drink, such as a Negroni or Vesper.

What’s in a Bee’s Knees Cocktail?

A classic Bee’s Knees asks for just three elements: Gin, lemon, and honey. Once you’ve mastered the original, mix things up with colorful garnishes and variations (more on those below the recipe).

• Gin: Juniper-forward London dry gin is the most traditional for this cocktail, but a more floral botanical gin is also lovely. Choose based on your personal preference. If you’re seeking specific gin brand recommendations, the drink pros we spoke to give a stamp of approval to Nolet's, Hendricks, and Barr Hill; the latter is finished with honey, making it particularly fitting for a Bee’s Knees. To turn your drink violet, consider Empress 1908 Gin.
• Lemon: For one or two Bee’s Knees cocktails, one lemon will be plenty. Slice it in half, then juice one portion and cut the other half into slices or wedges to use as a garnish. For a party-size pitcher cocktail, you’ll need enough lemons for 1 ½ cups juice, plus extra for garnishes, if desired. One average lemon usually yields about 3 tablespoons of juice, so round up 10 lemons for the 16-serving variation.
• Honey syrup: Simple syrup made with equal parts white sugar and water is traditional in many cocktail recipes. To give a nod to the bees, try a honey syrup here. To make honey syrup, in a small saucepan, heat ¾ cup honey and ¾ cup water until honey dissolves. Chill until ready to serve.
• Garnishes: A slice or wedge of lemon is very fitting. Our mixology pros have additional ideas if you’d like to dress things up. Consider adding one or more of the following to your glass:
• A sprig of fresh lavender, rosemary, or mint.
• An edible flower or two.
• A skewer of blackberries or blueberries.

How to Make a Bee’s Knees Cocktail

Prep your honey syrup ahead of making the cocktail. Just as a reminder, you'll need to heat ¾ cup honey and ¾ cup water in a small saucepan until the honey dissolves. Cool before making your bee's knees cocktail recipe.