Bees Knees Recipe

Combine equal parts honey and hot water (for this cocktail, use 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup hot water) in a heatproof container. Stir until the honey fully dissolves and the mixture is uniform. Let cool to room temperature before using. Store any extra refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.

Measure and combine

Add 2 oz barrel-aged gin, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.75 oz honey simple syrup into a cocktail shaker.

Add ice

Fill the shaker with ice (about 5–7 standard ice cubes) until nearly full to properly chill and dilute.

Dry shake (optional)

For a slightly frothier texture, close the shaker and shake vigorously without ice for 8–10 seconds to emulsify the honey syrup with the citrus and gin.

Wet shake

Add ice if you dry-shook; otherwise, simply close the shaker and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch and well chilled.

Strain

Double-strain the cocktail through a fine-mesh strainer into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass (or over a large ice cube in an old-fashioned glass if preferred). Double-straining removes small ice shards and any bits of lemon pulp.

Express a lemon twist over the drink by holding it over the glass and pinching to release the oils, then rub the rim with the twist and drop it into the drink. Optionally, drizzle a few drops of honey over the surface or float an edible flower for presentation.