Here we go again with classics from the prohibition era. Fox’s sox. Cat’s pajamas. Bee’s knees. All vintage slang meaning "totally excellent."
And Bee’s Knees also means one totally excellent cocktail that appeared in the 1920s, supposedly devised to disguise the often-unpleasant taste of homemade “bathtub” gin.
Whatever. All that’s behind us now. These days we’ve got really great-tasting gins and we still have the recipe for a Bee’s Knees. Best of both worlds!
This is a slightly breath-taking, sweet-sour concoction made from gin, lemon juice and honey syrup. The flavor of gin dominates, but the lemon and honey interact to round things out. Unlike simple syrup, which only tastes sweet, honey syrup (see below) has a flavor all its own and makes this drink one in a million.
Give one of these a sip and you’ll know the true meaning of totally excellent. And of cat’s pajamas, fox’s sox, and bee’s knees.
Bee's Knees
- 2 ounces gin
- .75 ounce lemon juice
- .75 ounce honey syrup
- Lemon peel
Combine the ingredients, shake until very cold, strain into a cocktail glass, and add the lemon peel.
About honey syrup: Easy to make. Just like making simple syrup but with honey instead of sugar. Equal quantities of honey and simmering water. Mix the two, let it cool, and you’re ready to go.