Lena Abraham is a freelance contributor with Delish, and was formerly Senior Food Editor, where she developed and styled recipes for video and photo, and also stayed on top of current food trends. She’s been working in the food industry for over 10 years, and will argue that the best fish tacos in the world are made in New York. Don’t @ her.
For those who love gin, this bright, juicy cocktail will definitely live up to its name. With only three essential ingredients—honey, lemon, and gin—a good Bee’s Knees perfectly highlights the complex flavors of the starring spirit. Though this Prohibition-era drink may have been created to mask less-than-ideal bathtub gin, it’s still popular today thanks to its refreshing simplicity.
Since straight honey doesn’t mix well with cold liquids and ice, we opt for a honey simple syrup in this recipe. To up the botanical flavors, we throw in some thyme to infuse the syrup: totally optional but delicious! Alternatively, if you’re a spicy cocktail-lover, throw a pinch of chili flakes into your honey simple syrup for a Bee’s Knees with some kick. Or, for a more cooling, floral version, shake your cocktail with 1/2 teaspoon rose water. Keep in mind this recipe yields enough honey syrup for 8 cocktails and stays good in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
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- Yields:
- 1
- Prep Time:
- 5 mins
- Total Time:
- 15 mins
Ingredients
Honey Syrup
- 1/2 c.
honey
- 1/4 c.
water
- 5
sprigs thyme
Cocktail
- 2 oz.
gin
- 3/4 oz.
fresh lemon juice
Lemon peel and thyme sprig, for garnish
Directions
Honey Syrup
- Step 1In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook honey, water, and thyme, stirring constantly and bruising thyme leaves as you stir, until honey has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, then discard thyme.
- Step 2Make Ahead: Honey syrup can be made 2 weeks ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill.
Cocktail
- Step 1In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and 3/4 oz. honey syrup. Fill shaker with ice and vigorously shake until outside of shaker is very cold, about 20 seconds.
- Step 2Strain into a coupe. Garnish with lemon and thyme.