Sep 15 2026
RestaurantsHook & BarrelH&bees Knees Recipe

H&bees Knees Recipe

Inspired by Hook & Barrel
Time15m
Serves1

gin, lemon, honey

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Ingredients

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Cocktail

Honey Syrup (make ahead)

Method

Honey Syrup (make ahead)

  1. 1

    Combine

    In a small saucepan combine 2 cups honey and 1 cup water (a 2:1 honey to water ratio).

  2. 2

    Heat

    Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently, until honey dissolves and the syrup is homogeneous. Do not boil. About 3–5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Cool & Store

    Remove from heat, let cool to room temperature, then transfer to a clean bottle or jar. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks. Shake before using.

Cocktail

  1. 4

    Chill glass

    If desired, place a coupe or chilled rocks glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill with ice water while you prepare the drink.

  2. 5

    Measure & Add

    Add 2 oz gin, 0.75 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 0.75 oz honey syrup into a cocktail shaker.

  3. 6

    Dry shake (optional)

    To better integrate the viscous honey syrup and create a silkier texture, seal the shaker and shake vigorously without ice for 8–10 seconds.

  4. 7

    Wet shake

    Add a generous handful of ice to the shaker, seal, and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty and well chilled.

  5. 8

    Strain

    Discard ice or water from the chilled glass. Double strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe or rocks glass using a Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainer to remove tiny ice shards and any pulp.

  6. 9

    Garnish & Serve

    Express the oils of a lemon twist over the drink (pinch the peel over the surface), rub the rim with the peel if desired, and drop the twist or a thin lemon wheel into the glass. Serve immediately.

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