Lavender Honey Bees Knees Cocktail Recipe Easy Floral Gin Mix

What Is a Bee’s Knees Cocktail?

The Bee’s Knees cocktail is a charming gin sour that dates back to the 1920s, right in the heart of Prohibition. During that era, bartenders crafted this delightful drink to mask the harshness of low-quality gin, blending it with honey and fresh lemon juice to create a smooth, balanced sip. The classic Bee’s Knees cocktail recipe highlights the beautiful harmony between the botanicals in gin, the natural sweetness of honey, and the bright tartness of lemon.

Honey is the perfect partner here—it adds rich sweetness without overpowering, while enhancing the citrus notes and softening the edges of the gin. This simple trio results in a refreshingly floral and citrusy cocktail that’s easy to love.

Today, the Bee’s Knees has evolved with exciting twists, like the lavender honey bee’s knees cocktail. Adding lavender introduces subtle herbal and floral tones, elevating the classic gin lemon honey combination to a modern, sophisticated level. This variation adds depth and aroma, bringing a fresh burst of springtime elegance to a timeless Prohibition-era drink.

Why Add Lavender to a Bee’s Knees?

Lavender brings a fresh, floral twist to the classic Bee’s Knees cocktail. Its subtle herbal notes perfectly complement the natural sweetness of honey and the botanical complexity of gin. This creates a well-rounded flavor profile that feels both light and sophisticated.

Using lavender honey syrup is key — it blends the tartness of lemon with floral sweetness and a fragrant aroma. This balance makes the cocktail smoother and more nuanced than just honey and lemon alone.

Flavor Harmony at a Glance:

Component	Flavor Role
Lavender	Herbal, floral, slightly sweet
Honey	Natural sweetness, smooth texture
Gin	Botanical, slightly spicy
Lemon juice	Bright tartness, refreshing

Choosing Culinary-Grade Lavender:

Fresh lavender: Use sparingly for a subtle, natural aroma.
Dried lavender: More concentrated, ideal for infusions and syrups.
Always select organic, food-safe lavender to avoid chemicals or pesticides.

Lavender’s delicate taste and aroma help elevate this gin lemon honey cocktail, making it a standout floral gin sour perfect for spring and summer.

Ingredients You’ll Need for a Lavender Honey Bee’s Knees Cocktail

To craft one perfect Lavender Honey Bee’s Knees cocktail, here’s what you’ll need:

2 oz Gin: Choose a London Dry gin for that classic juniper-forward profile or a botanical gin like Hendrick’s for extra floral and herbal notes that pair beautifully with lavender.
3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice: Always fresh for that bright, natural tartness essential in a gin lemon honey cocktail.
3/4 oz Lavender honey syrup: This brings the perfect balance of sweetness, floral aroma, and subtle herbal flavor. You can use store-bought lavender honey syrup, but homemade versions often pack more authentic flavor and freshness.
Optional garnishes: A lemon twist adds a zesty aroma and a fresh lavender sprig gives an elegant, Instagram-worthy touch.

If you’re making a batch, simply multiply the quantities by the number of cocktails you want to serve. Using botanical gins enhances the herbal cocktail variations, making this a delightful summer gin drink perfect for garden parties or spring brunch cocktails.

For a detailed guide on shaking and presentation, and some great tips on chilling glasses or double straining, check out similar classic gin cocktails like the Bramble cocktail recipe that use fresh citrus and balanced sweeteners.

How to Make Lavender Honey Syrup

Making your own lavender honey syrup is easier than you might think and adds a wonderful floral twist to your Bee’s Knees cocktail. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to infusing honey with lavender:

Gather ingredients: Use about 1 cup of honey and 1 tablespoon of dried culinary-grade lavender buds (fresh lavender can work too but use slightly more).
Heat gently: Warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Avoid boiling to preserve the honey’s natural flavors.
Add lavender: Stir in the lavender buds, then remove the pan from heat.
Infuse: Let the mixture steep for 20–30 minutes, depending on how strong you want the lavender flavor.
Strain: Pour the syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the lavender bits.
Cool: Let it come to room temperature before using in drinks.

Variations and Ratios

For a richer syrup, keep it pure honey infused with lavender (2:1 honey to water ratio).
If you prefer a thinner consistency closer to simple syrup, mix equal parts honey and water before heating along with lavender. This version is easier to pour and blends more smoothly in cocktails.

Storage Tips

Store your lavender honey syrup in a clean, airtight jar or bottle.
It should keep well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Always check for cloudiness or off smells to ensure freshness.

Quick Alternatives

If you’re short on time, use a lavender simple syrup with plain honey added separately for sweetness and body. This shortcut still delivers the signature floral notes without the longer infusion process.

Making your own honey lavender syrup gives your lavender gin cocktail that fresh homemade quality and balanced aroma, perfect for a refined floral gin sour like the Bee’s Knees.

Step-by-Step Recipe: Lavender Honey Bee’s Knees Cocktail

Here’s how to whip up the perfect Lavender Honey Bee’s Knees cocktail, balancing floral notes with the classic gin sour base.

Ingredients for one cocktail:

2 oz London Dry or botanical gin (Hendrick’s works great)
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz lavender honey syrup

Instructions:

Chill your glass: Place a coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to cool while you mix.
Mix the cocktail: In a shaker, add the gin, lemon juice, and lavender honey syrup with plenty of ice.
Shake well: Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
Double strain: Using both a cocktail strainer and a fine mesh sieve, pour the drink into your chilled coupe glass. This ensures a silky-smooth, pulp-free drink.
Garnish: Add a lemon twist or a fresh lavender sprig for an elegant touch and aroma.

Pro tips:

Adjust sweetness by tweaking the lavender honey syrup amount to your taste. Start with 3/4 oz, then add more if you prefer it sweeter.
Serve up, without ice, to keep the cocktail crisp and balanced, which is true to classic Bee’s Knees presentation.
For a longer batch, simply multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher with ice, then strain into individual glasses.

Nutrition info (approximate):

About 180 calories per cocktail, mostly from the honey syrup. Light, refreshing, and perfect for summer sipping.

If you want to try similar refreshing floral cocktails, check out this easy Tequila Sunrise recipe for another bright, classic drink with a twist.

Variations and Twists

The Lavender Honey Bee’s Knees cocktail is super flexible, making it easy to tailor to your taste or occasion. For a non-alcoholic version, try using a gin alternative combined with a few dashes of bitters to keep that herbal complexity without the booze. It’s perfect for spring brunches or garden parties when you want something light and refreshing.

If you want to add a fun twist, toss in fresh blueberries or a sprig of thyme for an extra layer of flavor. A splash of sparkling water can give it a lively fizz, turning this classic into a bubbly floral gin cocktail that’s ideal for warm afternoons.

Looking to swap out the gin? Vodka works well if you’re after a cleaner, more neutral profile, while rum adds warmth and a hint of sweetness, creating a different but equally delightful drink. Seasonal riffs are also a great way to experiment—try infusing your honey syrup with chamomile or rose for subtle aromas that play nicely with the lemon and lavender.

These tweaks keep the honey lavender syrup’s floral notes front and center while offering a fresh take on this timeless gin lemon honey cocktail. Whether you want to keep it simple or get creative, there’s plenty of room to explore your favorite flavors.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

The Lavender Honey Bee’s Knees cocktail is perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, a garden party, or a cozy date night, this floral gin sour adds a refreshing, elegant touch. Its light, herbal notes make it ideal for warm weather and relaxed settings.

For food pairings, stick to light and fresh flavors that complement the cocktail’s lemony sweetness and botanical complexity. Think:

Light appetizers like goat cheese crostini or smoked salmon bites
Soft cheeses such as brie or havarti
Fresh fruit salads with berries and citrus
Grilled seafood like shrimp or white fish

Presentation matters if you want those Instagram-worthy drinks. Serve the Lavender Honey Bee’s Knees up in a chilled coupe glass, garnished with a lemon twist or a fresh sprig of lavender for that extra pop of color and aroma. A clean, classy look enhances both flavor and visual appeal.

If you’re interested in pairing cocktails with snacks or other drink ideas for your next gathering, check out this natural fruit leather recipe for easy, light snacks that go beautifully with floral gin cocktails like this one.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lavender Honey Bee’s Knees Cocktail

Can I use dried lavender?

Yes, dried lavender works well for making lavender honey syrup. Just make sure it’s culinary-grade to avoid bitterness or a soapy taste. Use it sparingly—about 1 tablespoon per cup of honey infusion is enough to bring out those subtle floral and herbal notes.

What’s the best gin for this cocktail?

A London Dry gin or a botanical gin like Hendrick’s is ideal. These gins have a clean, juniper-forward profile that balances nicely with the honey lavender syrup and fresh lemon juice. Avoid overly sweet or heavily spiced gins to keep the cocktail bright and refreshing.

How can I make it less sweet?

Simply adjust the amount of lavender honey syrup or add a little extra lemon juice to boost the tartness. You can also dilute with a splash of sparkling water if you want a lighter, fizzier drink. Using a leaner honey syrup (with a higher water ratio) will also reduce sweetness.

Is this cocktail strong?

The Bee’s Knees is moderate in strength, typically around 20-25% ABV depending on the gin used and cocktail proportions. It’s balanced and smooth rather than punchy, making it perfect for brunch or casual sipping.

Are there substitutions for honey syrup?

If you’re out of honey syrup, try a lavender simple syrup combined with a spoonful of plain honey. This keeps that floral aroma but gives you flexibility in sweetness and consistency. Maple syrup or agave nectar can work too but will change the flavor profile slightly.

For classic cocktail inspiration beyond the Lavender Bee’s Knees, you might enjoy recipes like the Paper Plane cocktail or Old Fashioned cocktail, both solid choices for a home bar.