I love that it’s finally (well, kinda, sorta) spring. It makes me think of fresh, yellow things like daffodils and lemons and honey. And being Friday, the mind wanders to gin.
It’s got gin, lemon juice and honey syrup. Hello, spring in a glass!
So it was serendipitous I came across a recipe for a Bee’s Knees cocktail, which combines the above ingredients (except, of course, the daffodils). I’d heard about this drink as a signature cocktail for weddings and such, but I would hate to be on the cleaning-up end after a Bee’s Knees-weighted reception. They. Are. Strong. The gin delivers, in other words. But it’s the honey syrup that really makes this spring sip sing. It’s sweet without being heavy and it goes so well with tangy lemon and aromatic gin. Believe me, it’s the bee’s knees.
Gin + honey syrup + lemon juice = splendid simplicity in a glass.
Bee’s Knees
- 2 oz gin (I used Tanqueray)
- 3/4 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1 oz honey syrup*
- Lemon wheel garnish
Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Note: The original recipe called for less lemon juice and honey syrup; I opted to add a bit more as I found it too strong, so feel free to experiment with the ratios.
*Honey syrup: Combine equal parts honey and hot water in a mason jar. Put on the lid and shake until the honey is dissolved. Cool before using and store in the fridge.
Dive in, it’s spring!
Drink - Play - Love 