Bee’s Knees Cocktail

This classic gin-based cocktail is made with only 3 ingredients: gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup. The honey is a natural sweetener, so it doesn’t overpower – it blends perfectly with the tart lemon and full flavor from the gin. The result is a crisp, satisfying cocktail that still packs a boozy punch.

To take it up a notch, try using a botanical or floral gin and infusing the honey syrup with fresh rosemary or lavender.

Not a gin fan? You can easily swap out the gin in this wonderful cocktail for white rum for a cool, tart, refreshing sipper.

Recipe adapted from Kitchen Swagger

I have made this cocktail a lot recently – like weekly. It might be my current "new" favorite. Before I tried this stellar cocktail, I can't say I was a gin fan. I would occasionally take a sip of my husband's Tom Collins, but until now, I wouldn’t have ordered a gin drink at a club or restaurant, and it would be rare to see a bottle of gin in our liquor cabinet.

There is something different about the combination of the simple flavors that make this drink so special: the tart, bright lemon; the sweet, earthy honey syrup; and the light juniper berries of the gin.

Now, for me, not all gins are created equal. I prefer this drink made with a botanical-flavored gin. I love Hendrick's Midsummer Solstice – it tastes very floral and doesn't have that "punch in the-face" of pine.

To get started, you will need to make the honey syrup (honey and water). In a microwave-safe container, add 1/3 cup water. Heat for 25 to 30 seconds until the water is warm. Stir in 1/3 cup of honey and stir until it fully dissolves. To infuse your syrup with herbs, add one sprig of fresh rosemary or one sprig of fresh lavender to the water. Heat for about 1 to 2 minutes until the water is hot but not boiling. Allow the herbs to steep in the water for about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the sprigs from the water then stir in the honey. You can do this a few hours before you are ready to serve. Store in the fridge in a glass jar for up to one week.

In a cocktail shaker, combine the lemon juice, honey syrup, and gin with a cup of ice. Shake vigorously for 10 to15 seconds and strain into a chilled glass.

Most recipes for bees knee's cocktails use 2 ounces of gin to 1 ounce of lemon juice and 1-ounce of honey syrup. I have tested this cocktail with a few different ratios and gins. I find I prefer to use 1.5 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1.5-ounces of rosemary honey syrup, and 2 ounces of Hendrick's Midsummer Solstice Gin. Feel free to adjust to your liking!

I like to serve mine in a rocks glass filled with ice, a fresh lemon slice, a sprig of fresh rosemary, and a splash of club soda.

It's just what the doctor ordered after a long week.

Cheers, my foodie and cocktail friends!

This recipe makes 1 cocktail.

Let's get cooking!

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Ingredients

Honey syrup:

• 1/3 cup of water

• 1/3 cup of honey

• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary or 1 sprig of fresh lavender (optional)

Bee's Knees Cocktail:

• 2 ounces of gin (I love Hendrick's Midsummer Solstice Gin)

• 1.5 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1.5 ounces of honey syrup (I love rosemary-infused honey syrup)

• Lemon slices (optional for garnish)

• Rosemary sprigs (optional for garnish)

• Club soda (optional)

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How to make

Be sure to visit Kitchen Swagger for the complete recipe and instructions.

Honey syrup:

1. Add 1/3 cup of water to a microwave-safe container.

2. Heat for 25-30 seconds until the water is warm.

3. Stir in 1/3 cup of honey and stir until it fully dissolves.

4. Store in the fridge in a glass jar for up to one week.

To infuse your syrup with herbs:

1. Add 1/3 cup of water to a microwave-safe container.

2. Add one sprig of fresh rosemary or fresh lavender to the water.

3. Heat for about 1-2 minutes until the water is hot, but not boiling.

4. Allow the herbs to steep in the water for about 15 to 20 minutes.

5. Remove the sprigs from the water, then stir in the honey.

6. Store in the fridge in a glass jar with a lid for up to one week.

Bee's Knees Cocktail:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the lemon juice, honey syrup, and gin with a cup of ice.

2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds and strain into a chilled glass or in a rocks glass filled with ice.

3. Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh rosemary.

4. Top with a splash of club soda, if desired.

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