June 2025 – The Bees Knees

You may recall back in March I introduced the Gold Rush cocktail made with a simple syrup (made from honey and lemon peels), some lemon juice and Bourbon.  This month we are adding the Bees Knees which is the exact same drink made with Gin instead of Bourbon and even though I am a big Bourbon fan I think you will agree the Bees Knees is a fantastic and refreshing cocktail and really highlights the brightness of the gin.  Good news here is that at an evening dinner party you can offer two distinctively tasting drinks to your guests using the same simple syrup and lemon juice and just need to have both Gin and Bourbon on hand.  They are both delicious and distinct, and I have to say lately my favorite is the Bees Knees (blasphemy from a bourbon fan).  So, give them both a try and let me know your thoughts on which you favor.  Cheers!!!!

Ingredients:

• Bombay Sapphire Gin (or your favorite)
• Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
• Lemon Peel
• Homemade Simple Syrup made with honey (add lemon peels)  

Tools:

• Oxo two-sided shot glass/jigger
• Ice Cube Form (round preferred)
• Double Rocks Glass
• Cocktail Shaker
• Stir Sticks

Directions:

Honey Simple Syrup

1. Depending on how much you need you just combine equal parts honey and water in a saucepan and add three or four slices of lemon peel and bring to a boil while stirring then let cool.  For example, for small dinner parties I usually mix 1 cup water with 1 cup honey and in a small saucepan (with lemon peel added) bring it to a boil while stirring. 
2. I then remove from heat to cool.
3. Once cool remove the lemon peels and use a funnel to transfer the honey simple syrup to a squeeze bottle and place in fridge until its needed.

The Bees Knees Cocktail

1. First make sure the night before you make large round ice cubes for the drink.
2. Place large round ice cube in your double rocks glass (tip – letting the large cube sit for a few minutes at room temperature will help the ice cube to not crack when other ingredients are added).
3. Then add the following to a cocktail shaker full of ice:
   • 2 oz Bombay Sapphire Gin (or Gin of your choice)
   • ¾ oz of fresh squeezed and strained lemon juice
   • ¾ oz of Honey simple syrup (see above)
4. Once all ingredients added shake for 20 – 30 seconds
5. Strain into double rocks glass over one large round ice cube
6. Garnish with lemon peel 

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