Made with lemon, honey and gin, this lemony Bees Knees Cocktail is a classic that’s so easy to make, but more delicious than you can imagine.

Lemony cocktails are perfect for summer, and that’s why the Bees Knees cocktail should be on your radar right now. I have just ordered a whole box of lemons so I have enough to make this (and some homemade limoncello – coming soon!). I’m sure the box will last at least a week. For another summer beverage you might try this lemony Green Iced Tea.
When the weather is nice, we drink a lot of Bees Knees cocktails. They’re served in a coupe glass, so it’s not a large drink. It’s just a nice sipping cocktail that we tend to drink before dinner.

The Bees Knees cocktail is a Prohibition Era cocktail. It was named after the slogan “the bees knees”, which was slang for “the best”. I can see why they named it that. It’s so simple, yet really delicious.
For this drink, you’ll need a cocktail shaker. It is served shaken and chilled, often with a lemon twist or wedge. I like to cut a wheel of lemon and put it in the glass. It’s really striking.
Love a lemon cocktail, try this French 75 Champagne Cocktail.
Our Recommended Tools
Highball & Chaser 13-Piece Cobbler Cocktail Shaker Set
Want to be a better bartender at home? You need a nice cocktail set! Try this black polished stainless steel bartender kit for your home bar.
Any dry gin can be used in this cocktail. You won’t want to use a juniper-heavy gin as the juniper will clash with the lemon. I really like a citrus-forward gin, like Tangueray Rangpur.
Other Cocktails to Try

Bees Knees Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or agave syrup
- Lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Shake until chilled. Strain into a coupe glass. Top with a wedge or twist of lemon.
Nutrition

Laura is the founder and editor of the travel blogs Savored Sips and Savored Journeys. She is dedicated to sharing the best information about drinks found around the world.