How to Make a Bee's Knees - The Prohibition Cocktail

The Bee's Knees cocktail is a delightful blend of history and flavor, embodying the ingenuity of the Prohibition era with its simple yet sophisticated mix of gin, honey, and lemon juice. This classic cocktail has charmed drinkers with its balance of sweetness and tartness, creating a refreshing and elegant beverage. The origins of the Bee's Knees can be traced back to the 1920s during the Prohibition era in the United States. During this time, the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were banned, leading to the rise of speakeasies and the creative crafting of cocktails to mask the often poor quality of bootlegged spirits. The term "bee's knees" was a popular slang expression in the 1920s, meaning "the best" or "excellent," which aptly describes this cocktail. The Bee's Knees was likely created to enhance the taste of the harsh and unrefined gin available during Prohibition. The addition of honey and lemon juice helped to smooth out the rough edges of the gin, resulting in a drink that was both palatable and enjoyable. The use of honey, in particular, added a unique depth of flavor and a natural sweetness that distinguished the Bee's Knees from other gin-based cocktails.