Unveiling the Mysteries of the Bee's Knees Cocktail: A Taste of History

Unveiling the Mysteries of the Bee's Knees Cocktail: A Taste of History

Discover the Enigmatic Origins of the Bee's Knees Cocktail

For: Environmental enthusiasts, cocktail connoisseurs, and those with a penchant for history.

Format: Article

Tone: Professional, Official, Informative, Neutral

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The Bee's Knees, a classic cocktail with a history as intriguing as its name, has long been a subject of debate among mixologists and cocktail aficionados. This mystique-laden drink, comprising just three simple ingredients, holds a rich and enigmatic past.

Prohibition-Era Origins or European Invention?

The popular belief links the Bee's Knees to the American Prohibition era, a time when people resorted to honey and lemon to mask the unpleasant taste of "bathtub gin." However, historical investigations suggest a more complex story.

In his 1948 book "The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks," mixologist David Embury proposed that the Bee's Knees was originally a Prohibition concoction, composed of equal parts gin, lemon, and honey syrup. Yet, Embury personally preferred it as a sour, advocating for the right balance of spirit, citrus, and sugar.

Recent research by cocktail history experts Jared Brown and Anistatia Miller challenges this narrative. They uncovered a 1929 article from Brooklyn's Standard Union, attributing the cocktail's creation to Mrs. JJ Brown, known as the "Unsinkable Molly Brown," a philanthropist and Titanic survivor. Mrs. JJ Brown was said to reside in both Denver and Paris, and in the same year, a French cocktail book titled "Cocktails de Paris" featured the first published recipe for the Bee's Knees, credited to bartender Frank Meier of the Hotel Ritz in Paris. Meier later included the Bee's Knees in his own book, "The Artistry of Mixing Drinks."

The Cocktail's Allure and Simplicity

Despite its ambiguous origins, the Bee's Knees retains an aura of the Roaring Twenties, reminiscent of the flapper era. Some theories even suggest that the name refers to world champion Charleston dancer Bee Jackson, but the cocktail's history likely predates that iconic period.

In practice, the Bee's Knees is surprisingly uncomplicated. To craft this delightful gin sour, it is recommended to prepare a honey syrup by mixing two parts honey with one part filtered water for smooth pouring and balance. When executed skillfully, the Bee's Knees unfolds as a rich and floral gin sour, with room for experimentation based on the gin and honey available to you.

Crafting the Bee's Knees

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. gin (preferably Plymouth)
• ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
• ¾ oz. rich honey syrup (2:1)
• Lemon twist (for serving; optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine 2 oz. gin, ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice, and ¾ oz. rich honey syrup (2:1) in a shaker tin with ice.
2. Shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled, typically 10-15 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Optionally, garnish with a lemon twist.

The Bee's Knees cocktail continues to captivate us with its intriguing past and delightful taste. Its simplicity and versatility make it a timeless favorite for those who appreciate both history and mixology.

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