The Bee’s Knees is a Prohibition-era cocktail featuring gin, lemon juice, and honey. The unique name is a convention of the time: The phrase “bee’s knees” was popular slang for something excellent or groovy!
The drink is credited as the creation of Frank Meier, an Austrian-born bartender who practiced his trade at the Hôtel Ritz Paris during the 1920s. It’s a simple extension of the classic Gin Sour (gin, lemon, sugar) that features honey instead of sugar.
Inspired by a recent cocktail class with the ladies that make up the CEO School “Club” I am doing a retro rad remix of the Bee’s Knees Cocktail aptly named “Queen Bee” (but that is taken) so let’s stick with what we know “Hive CEO” or “Hive Queen!”
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Yield: 1; 5-ounce
Serves: 1
Glassware: Martini glass, Coupe Glass, or Wine Glass
Add gin, Hana Tonic, and honey syrup into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist or dehydrated pineapple skewered with leaves.
Raise a glass and toast yourself for being the Bee’s Knees and Queen of your Hive!