BEES KNEES
The Bee's Knees: The Prohibition Cocktail That Made Bad Gin Drinkable
The Bee's Knees emerged during Prohibition in the 1920s when speakeasies served homemade gin that was often poorly made and harsh-tasting. Bartenders used honey and citrus to mask the unpleasant flavors of bathtub gin, creating a drink that was both palatable and popular. The cocktail's name reflects the 1920s slang where "the bee's knees" meant something excellent or outstanding.
While the exact creator is unknown, the drink is sometimes attributed to Frank Meier, an Austrian bartender at the Ritz Paris during the 1920s. However, similar honey-sweetened gin drinks were being made in speakeasies across America during the same period, suggesting multiple bartenders arrived at the formula independently.
What makes the Bee's Knees work is how honey's floral sweetness complements gin's botanical character better than simple sugar. The honey adds body and a distinct flavor profile that enhances rather than just sweetens. The lemon juice provides necessary acidity to balance the honey's richness, creating a drink that's both refreshing and complex.
After Prohibition ended and quality gin became available again, the Bee's Knees could have disappeared. Instead, it endured because the honey-lemon-gin combination works beautifully regardless of gin quality. The drink experienced a revival during the craft cocktail movement when bartenders rediscovered classic recipes and began using quality honey and premium gin.
RECIPE:
2 oz gin
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
¾ oz honey syrup (1:1 honey to water)
Lemon twist for garnish (optional)
Method:
Add gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup to shaker with ice
Shake vigorously until well-chilled
Strain into chilled coupe glass
Garnish with lemon twist if desired