‍

It’s been a while since I’ve whipped up a classic cocktail, so given that it’s a cold and grey Hump Day here in Georgia, I decided to cheer things up with a simple and delicious Bee’s Knees cocktail!

‍

Created by Austrian-born Frank Meier, this classic, Prohibition-era tipple got its name from the phrase “bee’s knees,” which was popular slang at the time to describe something outstanding. Quite the fitting name if you ask me given that I love Gin and Gin is front and center in this drink! (And for the record, "the bee's knees" is also a phrase we still use here in the south.)

‍

Made with only three ingredients, the Bee’s Knees is a lovely combination of sweetness and acidity, the honey syrup giving it a bit more richness than your traditional simple syrup (which some say was purposefully used to help mask the harsh flavor of the Bathtub Gin being used at the time!). Given that this is a super simple drink to make, it’s perfect for large groups or for parties. Or for any day of the year that that you need a touch of cheer!

‍

You can use any kind of Gin in this, too! For a more juniper-forward drink, go with a classic London dry, and for a more honey and lemon-forward drink, go with one that’s more floral or citrusy. Today, I wanted something extra cheerful, so I used Empress 1908 to give it that glorious purple hue.