The Bee's Knees: A Prohibition-Era Classic That Still Creates a Buzz

If you want a cocktail that's refreshing, elegant, and packed with history, the Bee's Knees cocktail is a timeless favorite. Made with gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey, this bright, citrusy drink has been delighting people for over a century. Sweet, tart, and silky-smooth, it's a Prohibition-era classic that still feels modern.

And with its golden glow and warm honey notes, it is also the perfect holiday cocktail.

A Sip of History: Where the Bee's Knees Began

The Bee's Knees was born in the 1920s, when Prohibition pushed bartenders to get creative. Bootleg gin, rough around the edges, needed some help, so they mixed it with fresh lemon and honey to smooth it out. The result? A cocktail that quickly became legendary.

The name "the bee's knees" was popular slang of the era, meaning the very best. The drink lived up to its name, and still does. From Paris to Prohibition: A Cocktail With Character

Although its exact origin is debated, many credit Frank Meier, head bartender at the Ritz in Paris, for creating the Bee's Knees. He favored natural ingredients, botanical flavors, and fresh citrus—making honey the ideal sweetener.

Unlike simple syrup, honey creates a richer flavor, a silkier texture, and a subtle floral depth that makes the Bee's Knees stand out from the start.

Why Honey Makes This Drink Truly Special

Honey isn't just a sweetener in this cocktail—it's the soul of it. It softens sharp gin, blends beautifully with bright lemon, and adds a naturally warm, soothing quality perfect for winter gatherings.

Different types of honey create different styles of the drink:

• Wildflower honey - floral, complex

• Orange blossom honey - citrusy and bright

• Clover honey - classic and clean

Any high-quality honey works, especially if you love the natural richness honey brings to cocktails and even to your skincare.

A Toast to the Bees—and the Power of Honey

The Bee's Knees is special for the same reason honey is special: it's pure, natural, and created by some of the hardest-working creatures on earth. Bees collect nectar from thousands of blooms to make something golden, nourishing, and full of character.

At Beessential, honey has been at the heart of our products from the beginning, adding moisture, nourishment, and natural goodness to everything we make. So it's no surprise that this classic honey cocktail has become one of our favorites.

A Holiday-Worthy Honey Cocktail

With its warm honey sweetness and bright citrus notes, the Bee's Knees makes an ideal holiday cocktail. It's festive without being fussy, refreshing yet comforting, and easy to batch for parties, gatherings, or cozy winter nights.

Whether you're hosting, gifting, or unwinding after a long day of holiday prep, the Bee's Knees is a naturally delicious way to celebrate the season.