Bee's Knees Cocktail Recipe & Guide
About This Project
To prepare a Bee's Knees cocktail, combine gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup in a cocktail shaker. Then, add ice to the shaker, close the lid tightly, and shake vigorously until well-chilled. Finally, strain the chilled cocktail into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass using a fine mesh strainer and a hawthorne strainer.
Best for beginners and first-time DIYers.
Tools & Materials
Cocktail Shakers - Weighted
Gin
Lemon
Simple syrup
Ice cubes
Fine Mesh Strainers
Cocktail Shakers - Weighted
<p>Bring out your inner bartender and make drinks like a pro!</p> <p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; color: black;">Shaker tins are the flashy workhorse of any reputable bar. Ours are battle-tested and fit together like they were made for each other (because they were). This set includes one 28oz. base and one 18oz. “cheater” tin. Those weighted ends help control your shake and rhythm every step of the way.</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><br data-mce-fragment="1">What's unique about ours? </p> <p>-<strong>Welded Weighted Bottoms: </strong>You don't have to worry about these bottoms falling off</p> <p>-<strong>Tight Seal, Easy to Open: <meta charset="utf-8"> <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" id="docs-internal-guid-02b8afee-7fff-f727-3e67-4337057d5899">Provides a perfect seal for shaking, while opening quickly & smoothly for bartending efficiency</span></strong></p> <p>-<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #222222; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" id="docs-internal-guid-e89a12de-7fff-83f5-f1cd-9bf215ba6a74">Optimally Balanced: </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" id="docs-internal-guid-e89a12de-7fff-83f5-f1cd-9bf215ba6a74">Designed by pros for that Goldie Locks combination of</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #222222; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> premium quality weight without going overboard, so you can keep shaking all night</span>.<br data-mce-fragment="1"><br data-mce-fragment="1">We carry 9 finishes. Try Brushed Silver, Copper, Gold, Gunmetal Black, Matte Black, Matte White, Antique Brass, Rainbow Chrome, and Frosted Teal<br data-mce-fragment="1"><br data-mce-fragment="1">Our silver tins our perfectly dishwasher safe, but we recommend handwashing our other tins to extend the life of those finishes.<br></p> <p class="">Want even more options? Check out our <a href="https://bullinchinapdx.com/products/solid-copper-weighted-shaker-tins" title="Solid Copper Shaker Tins" target="_blank">100% Solid Coppe</a>r and <a href="https://bullinchinapdx.com/products/solid-brass-weighted-shaker-tins" title="Solid Brass Shaker Tins" target="_blank">100% Solid Brass</a></p>
Gin
gin
Lemon
lemon
Simple syrup
simple syrup
Ice cubes
ice cubes
Fine Mesh Strainers
<p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Experience the pleasure of finely strained cocktails with our Premium Fine Mesh Strainer. Expertly crafted for cocktail enthusiasts and professional bartenders, this strainer ensures a smooth, pulp-free pour every time.</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It's an essential tool for “double straining” your drink and the last line of defense between your drink and any renegade stems, seeds, ice or other solids.</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">(Also known as a conical strainer or tea strainer)</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our version has a nice deep cone and a heavier gauge steel handle. Feel free to pour more than one drink at a time through these without the fear of an overflow.</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Available in several different finishes: Silver, Gold, Copper, Gunmetal, Rainbow Chrome and Antique Brass</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">3.5 " diameter</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong>While our silver version is perfectly dishwasher safe, we recommend handwashing any of the other finishes to prolong the life of those coatings.</strong></p>
Steps
Common Problems
Inaccurate ingredient measurements lead to a poorly balanced cocktail.
Solution: Use a jigger for accurate measurements of the ingredients.
Using bottled lemon juice results in a dull, artificial taste.
Solution: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
Inaccurate measurements lead to a poorly balanced, unappetizing cocktail.
Solution: Ensure accurate measurements for the best flavor balance.
Cocktail is warm and diluted if ice isn't added before shaking.
Solution: Add ice to the shaker before shaking.
Cocktail becomes cloudy and gritty with ice shards and pulp.
Solution: Double straining removes ice chips and small pieces of fruit or herbs.
Ice and pulp end up in your drink.
Solution: Use a Hawthorne strainer for straining the cocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need both a fine mesh strainer and a hawthorne strainer for a Bee's Knees?
Yes, using both strainers ensures a perfectly smooth drink, free from ice shards, pulp, or zest. The hawthorne holds back larger ice and fruit, while the fine mesh catches the smaller particles for a pristine finish, crucial for an elegant cocktail like the Bee's Knees.
My Bee's Knees tastes too sweet or too tart. How can I adjust the balance?
The balance of a Bee's Knees is crucial. If it's too sweet, add a bit more fresh lemon juice; if too tart, increase the honey syrup slightly. Always adjust incrementally and taste as you go, remembering that fresh lemon juice can vary in acidity.
Is 15 minutes a realistic time frame for a beginner to make this cocktail?
Yes, 15 minutes is very realistic! This estimate includes gathering ingredients, making quick honey syrup (if needed), and preparing the drink. As a beginner, it might take a few extra minutes the first time, but it's a straightforward process once you have your tools ready.
What can I use if I don't have a weighted cocktail shaker?
If you don't have a weighted cocktail shaker, you can use any two sturdy containers that seal tightly, like a mason jar with a lid or even a protein shaker bottle. Just ensure it's leak-proof and can withstand vigorous shaking to properly chill and dilute your drink.
How do I make honey syrup, and can I prepare it in advance?
To make honey syrup, simply combine equal parts honey and hot water (e.g., 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup hot water) and stir until the honey dissolves completely. You can definitely prepare it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
Why isn't my Bee's Knees getting cold enough, or why does it seem watered down?
The most common reason is not shaking long enough or with enough ice. Ensure your shaker is packed with fresh, large ice cubes and shake vigorously for at least 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty. Using stale or small ice can lead to quicker dilution without proper chilling.
Can I use a different spirit instead of gin for a variation of this cocktail?
While gin is traditional and provides the classic botanical notes, you can certainly experiment with other spirits. Vodka offers a milder, spirit-forward option, or you could try a light rum for a slightly sweeter, tropical twist. Just remember that the spirit will influence the overall taste profile significantly.
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