Bee's Towpath Knees Classic Recipe

Make honey syrup (if not ready)

Combine equal parts honey and warm water (for example 1/4 cup honey + 1/4 cup warm water) in a small jar. Stir or shake until fully combined and fluid. Cool to room temperature before using. Stores refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Add 2 oz London dry gin, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.75 oz honey syrup into a cocktail shaker.

Fill the shaker with ice (about 6 standard ice cubes).

Dry shake (no ice) for 8–10 seconds if you want a silkier texture and slight foam, then add ice and shake hard for 12–15 seconds total. If not dry shaking, simply shake vigorously with ice for 15–20 seconds until the shaker is very cold to the touch.

Fill a chilled coupe or a rocks glass with fresh ice (4 cubes) if serving on the rocks. For a classic 'knees' serve, strain into a chilled coupe without ice.

Double-strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into the prepared glass to remove small ice chips and any foam.

Express a lemon twist over the drink by holding the twist over the glass and giving it a firm squeeze to release the oils, then rub the rim lightly and drop it into the drink, or float a lemon wheel on top.

Optionally slap a sprig of fresh thyme between your palms to release aromatics and rest it on the drink as a fragrant garnish.

Serve immediately.