The Bee's Knees cocktail is a classic gin-based cocktail that has been around since the 1920s. It is a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that combines gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup. The name of the cocktail is believed to have originated from the phrase “the bee's knees,” whch means the best or excellent.
One of the great things about the Bee's Knees cocktail is that it is highly customizable. You can adjust the ratios of gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations of the Bee's Knees cocktail that you may want to try:
1. Lavender Bee's Knees: To make a Lavender Bee's Knees, you'll need to add a few sprigs of fresh lavender to your honey syrup. Allow the lavender to steep in the syrup for a few hours to infuse the flavor. When you're ready to make the cocktail, use the lavender-infused honey syrup in place of regular honey syrup.
2. Spicy Bee's Knees: For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your honey syrup. The heat from the cayenne pepper will balance out the sweetness of the honey and add a little extra flavor to the cocktail.
3. Ginger Bee's Knees: If you're a fan of ginger, you'll love this variation. Add a few slices of fresh ginger to your honey syrup and let it steep for a few hours. When you're ready to make the cocktail, use the ginger-infused honey syrup in place of regular honey syrup.
4. Grapefruit Bee's Knees: For a citrusy twist, substitute grapefruit juice for the lemon juice in the cocktail. The grapefruit juice will give the cocktail a slightly tart flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the honey syrup.
5. Maple Bee's Knees: For a richer flavor, substitute maple syrup for the honey syrup in the cocktail. The maple syrup will give the cocktail a warm, nutty flavor that is perfect for cold winter nights.
These are just a few of the many variations of the Bee's Knees cocktail that you can try. Experiment with different flavors and ratios to find the perfect combination for you. Cheers!
The Benefits of Being a ‘Bee's Knees'
Bees' knees are considered to be good because they are a concentrated source of pollen. Bees collect pollen from flowers and store it in sacks on their legs. This pollen is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and is essential for the growth and development of bees. The concentrated goodness of the pollen is believed to be the reason why the expression “bee's knees” is used to describe something that is excellent. However, it is worth noting that the origin of the phrase is not entirely clear, and some people believe it is just a corruption of the word “business.” Nonetheless, the nutritional vale of pollen is a well-established fact, and bees rely on it for their survival. bees' knees are good because they contain a concentrated source of pollen that is essential for the health and well-being of bees.
Doing the ‘Bees Knees'
To make the Bees Knees cocktail, you will need a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Into the shaker, add 2 ounces of gin, 3/4 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of honey syrup. Honey syrup can be made by mixing equal parts honey and hot water until the honey has dissolved.
Once you have added all the ingredients to the shaker, cover it and shake it vigorously for about 15 seconds or until it is well chilled. This will ensure that all the ingredients are mixed properly and the cocktail is cold enouh to enjoy.
Next, strain the cocktail into a glass using a fine mesh strainer to remove any ice shards or pulp. A chilled coupe glass or martini glass is ideal for serving the Bees Knees cocktail.
Garnish the cocktail with a lemon twist or a slice of lemon and serve immediately. The Bees Knees cocktail is a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that is perfect for any occasion.
Conclusion
The Bee's Knees cocktail is a classic drink that has stood the test of time. Its simple yet delicious combination of gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup makes it a popular choice amog cocktail enthusiasts. While the basic recipe is a great starting point, there are many variations that can be made to suit different tastes. For example, some people prefer to use different types of gin or add other ingredients such as lavender or thyme to the honey syrup. Additionally, adjusting the ratio of honey to water can create different levels of sweetness and richness. Ultimately, the Bee's Knees cocktail is a versatile drink that can be customized to suit any occasion or preference.
