Cocktail of the Month: The Bee’s Knees

At Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, we love the rich histories and fascinating stories behind classic cocktails. One cocktail, the Bee’s Knees, stands out not only for its delightful taste, but also for its interesting beginning during the Prohibition era. Join us as we explore the history, evolution, and recipe of the Bee’s Knees cocktail.

Origins of the Bee’s Knees Cocktail

The Bee’s Knees cocktail dates back to the 1920s, a time when the United States was under the stringent regulations of Prohibition. During this time, the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were illegal, leading to the rise of speakeasies and an era of creative cocktail-making.

The name “Bee’s Knees” was a popular slang term in the 1920s, meaning “the best” or “excellent,” and the cocktail lived up to its name. The creation of the Bee’s Knees is often attributed to Frank Meier, a bartender at the Hotel Ritz in Paris, although its exact origins remain a bit hazy.

Crafting a Palatable Drink

Prohibition-era gin, often referred to as “bathtub gin,” was notoriously harsh and of questionable quality. To make these spirits more palatable, bartenders and home mixologists alike would mask the rough edges with strong flavors. The Bee’s Knees was a perfect solution, combining gin with fresh lemon juice and honey to create a smooth, sweet, and tangy cocktail that could disguise the less-than-ideal taste of the gin.

The Recipe: Simple and Elegant

The classic Bee’s Knees recipe is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. Here’s how you make your own:

Ingredients:

2 oz gin

3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

3/4 oz honey syrup (1 part honey, 1 part water)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Honey Syrup: Combine equal parts honey and hot water, stirring until the honey is completely dissolved. Allow it to cool before using.
2. Shake and Strain: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
3. Serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or a fresh herb sprig if desired.

The Legacy of the Bee’s Knees

The Bee’s Knees has endured through the decades, maintaining its status as a beloved classic. Its resurgence in modern cocktail culture can be attributed to its refreshing flavor and historical significance. 

Today, it’s enjoyed not only as a nod to the ingenuity of Prohibition-era bartenders, but also as a sophisticated drink that highlights the harmony between gin, citrus, and honey.

At Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, we celebrate the Bee’s Knees for its timeless appeal and its testament to the creativity that emerges in challenging times. Our handcrafted gin, made with care and attention to detail, provides the perfect base for this historic cocktail.

Experimenting with Variations

While the traditional Bee’s Knees is a delight, modern bartenders often experiment with variations to add new twists to the classic recipe. Consider these options for a unique take on the Bee’s Knees:

• Herbal Infusions: Add a touch of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the honey syrup for an aromatic twist.
• Citrus Variations: Substitute or complement the lemon juice with other citrus juices like orange or grapefruit for a different flavor profile.
• Gin Styles: Experiment with different styles of gin, from the classic London Dry to more contemporary botanical-forward gins, to find the perfect match for your palate.
• Conclusion: Cheers to the Bee’s Knees

The Bee’s Knees cocktail is a shining example of how a simple combination of ingredients can create a lasting impact on cocktail culture. Its history, rooted in the Prohibition era, reminds us of the resilience and creativity that defined that time. As you sip on this delightful drink, take a moment to appreciate the journey it traveled and the flavors that make it the bee’s knees.

We invite you to visit Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, explore our range of handcrafted spirits, and perhaps enjoy a Bee’s Knees made with our gin. 10% of proceeds from Bee’s Knees sales go to the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Raise a glass to history, innovation, and the joy of a well-crafted cocktail. 

Cheers!