This cocktail was created during the Prohibition era. It features gin, lemon juice and honey to make it unique from other drinks of its time.
The unique name comes from an old slang term meaning "top notch" or excellent which was used to call something outstanding in its time - just like how we use today’s phrase 'bee knees'.
It has been reported that this drink first appeared at Hotel Ritz Paris during 1920's when Austrian born bartender Frank Meier worked there as headwaiter before coming stateside to work behind bar for Hotel New York et Son Excellence dinners during 1930.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Dry Land Distillers Native Colorado Gin
- 1/4 Inch Fresh Lemon Slice
- 1/8 oz Orange Oleo Saccharum
- 1/8 oz Lemon Oleo Saccharum
- 1/2 oz Honey Simple Syrup
- 5 Drops Orange Bitters
- 1 oz. Aquafaba (Strained Liquid from a Can of Garbanzo Beans)
- Bee Pollen or Fresh Lemon Round for Garnish
Instructions
- Have ready a Nick and Nora glass, a coupe, or an absinthe glass.
- Muddle the small piece of fresh lemon slice in a cocktail shaker.
- Add the remaining ingredients, then add a generous scoop of ice.
- Shake well for at least 15 seconds. (You want to create a healthy amount of foam.)
- Double strain into your glass of choice.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of bee pollen or a thinly sliced lemon round.
