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    Recipes » Cocktails

    Blackberry Bee's Knees

    Published: May 18, 2022 · Modified: May 26, 2023 by The Sage Apron - This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    This Blackberry Bee's Knees is a fun twist on a classic cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, honey syrup and fresh blackberries.

    A blackberry bee's knees cocktail in a coupe

    For more blackberry drink ideas, check out our Homemade Blackberry Syrup recipe post.

    Jump to:
    • What is a Bee's Knees?
    • Ingredients for This Cocktail
    • More Cocktails Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    What is a Bee's Knees?

    The original Bee's Knees cocktail is a classic Prohibition-era drink made from gin, honey, lemon (and sometimes, orange) juice. It was believed that the honey would mask the aromas of the forbidden bathtub gin.

    Today, this cocktail has become a timeless favorite. This aptly named libation nods to the bee's honey while using 1920's slang ("The Bee's Knees") to express its simply "The Best".

    We'd have to agree - this drink is the cat's pajamas.

    Ingredients for This Cocktail

    This Blackberry Bee's Knees uses all the usual Bee's Knees ingredients plus the addition of a few fresh blackberries. It's a fun (and pretty!) way to add a fruity seasonal twist to this delicious gin drink. Here's what you'll need:

    Image of ingredients needed to make this cocktail
    Ingredient quantities can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    From left to right...

    • Honey Syrup - This simple syrup gives this cocktail its signature floral flavor. Try it in our other recipe for Spicy Mezcal Margaritas!
    • Blackberries
    • Gin
    • Lemon Juice - Freshly-squeezed, please!
    A bottle of honey syrup next to an open jar of honey with the dipper

    Honey Syrup

    This two ingredient cocktail syrup is a must for the home bar! Check out the full honey syrup post for more details and drink inspiration!

    Straining a blackberry bees knees through a fine mesh strainer into a coupe glass
    Strain the Blackberry Bee's Knees through a Hawthorne AND tea strainer to remove citrus pulp and blackberry seeds.

    Best Gin to use in a Bee's Knees

    This cocktail can be made with any style of gin you fancy. We typically opt for herbaceous, botanical-forward gins often found in the London Dry, Plymouth or New American style.

    Some brands of gin pair especially well with the sweet and floral flavors of honey in this cocktail. Here are some of our favorite brands (and a few of their key tasting notes) to use in a Bee's Knees:

    • Spring 44 - We chose to make our Blackberry Bee's Knees with Spring 44 for its unique earthy and floral notes that compliment the fruit and honey perfectly. This gin marries the London Dry and New American styles with a dry balance of juniper and botanical flavors like lavender, mint and jasmine.
    • St. George Terroir - This New American Gin company makes beautifully complex gins hailing from California. Their 'Terroir' gin is infused with herbaceous notes of bay laurel and sage that go brilliantly with the blackberries in this drink.
    • Bombay Sapphire - A London Dry style that is driven with flavors of juniper and citrus with a subtle spicy finish.
    • Beefeater - This classic London Dry gin is a great inexpensive option to have in your home bar. This dry gin balances juniper and rich floral notes that pair well in many cocktails.
    • Aviation - Great for those looking for a little less juniper and pine! Aviation is a softer style of gin featuring notes of lavender and orange peel - perfect for a Bee's Knees cocktail!
    Placing a skewered blackberry garnish in the bees knees cocktail
    Garnish the Blackberry Bee's Knees with a skewered blackberry, lemon twist or edible flowers.

    More Cocktails Recipes

    Check out our entire collection of original cocktail recipes for more libation inspiration!

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    Did you make this recipe?
    Please leave us a star rating and share your photos @TheSageApron

    Recipe

    A blackberry bee's knees cocktail in a coupe

    Blackberry Bee's Knees

    Author: The Sage Apron
    This refreshing gin drink is made with lemon juice, homemade honey syrup and fresh blackberries. Simply delicious!
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 3 minutes minutes
    Honey Syrup 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time 8 minutes minutes
    Yield 1 Cocktail
    Course Happy Hour
    Cuisine American, English, New American

    ADJUST SERVINGS

    Special Equipment

    • 1 Cocktail Shaker
    • 1 Hawthorne Cocktail Strainer
    • 1 Fine-Mesh Cocktail/Tea Strainer

    Ingredients
     

    Blackberry Bee's Knees

    • 2 ounces gin
    • 1 ounce lemon juice freshly-squeezed
    • 1 ounce Honey Syrup
    • 3 - 4 blackberries
    • Ice as needed for shaking and serving
    • Additional blackberries, lemon twist or edible flowers Optional garnish

    Honey Syrup (Enough for About 8 Cocktails)

    • ½ Cup honey
    • ½ Cup water

    Instructions
     

    Blackberry Bee's Knees

    • Combine gin, lemon juice, honey syrup, blackberries and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds or until the shaker is frosted and nearly too cold to handle.
    • Strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainer into a chilled coupe or over rocks. Garnish with an additional blackberry, lemon twist or edible flowers, as desired. Serve immediately. Cheers!

    Honey Syrup

    • Heat water in a kettle, stovetop or microwave until simmering. In a heat-safe container combine water and honey. Stir until honey is thoroughly dissolved. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 month.
    * A Note About Salt

    Unless otherwise noted, all recipes on The Sage Apron are developed using Diamond Crystal Kosher salt. It is a great all-purpose salt for cooking and baking. If using table salt, reduce quantities by about half.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg
    Let's Keep In TouchFollow us on Instagram @TheSageApron

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