Gin could be particularly nasty during Prohibition, so the Bee’s Knees was created in the 1920’s at the Hotel Ritz Paris. Basically a gin sour, the sugar is replaced with honey syrup, making the drink richer and better at hiding any rank bathtub flavors. The name came from a slang expression of the day where saying “it’s the bee’s knees” meant it was great.
BEE’S KNEES
2 oz London Dry Gin
3/4 oz Lemon Juice, Fresh
3/4 oz Honey Syrup
This Prohibition-era 3-ingredient cocktail calls for Lemon Juice and Honey to kill the taste of bathtub gin. Unless you’re making yours in the tub, use London Dry Gin, Irish Gunpowder, or whatever you have. I use either Hendrick’s or Irish Gunpowder. Honey syrup is 1/2 honey, 1/2 warm water, stirred to dissolve. Combine all ingredients, shake and strain.
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