Bee's Knees.
A Prohibition-era classic from 1920s Paris, combining gin with honey and fresh lemon juice into a smooth, citrus-forward sour. Simple in composition yet elegant in execution — the honey mellows the gin's botanicals while the lemon adds a bright, refreshing tartness.
Backstory & Character
"The Bee's Knees originated in 1920s Paris rather than in Prohibition-era America as widely believed. The first documented recipe was published by Frank Meier, head bartender at the Hôtel Ritz Paris, in his 1929 book Cocktails de Paris. Cocktail historian Jared Brown also uncovered evidence crediting Margaret "Molly" Brown — the celebrated Titanic survivor and Denver socialite — with inspiring the drink. The name "the bee's knees" was 1920s American slang for something excellent."
The Method
Step by Step
Pre-chill a coupe glass with ice water. Combine gin, honey syrup and fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 12 seconds. Discard the ice water from the glass, then fine-strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe. Express an orange zest twist over the surface to release the oils, then position on the rim as garnish.