Lavender Bee’s Knees Gin Cocktail
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Bitters give a cocktail that certain something, and in this Lavender Bee’s Knees they are the key ingredient. With the traditional gin, fresh lemon, and honey syrup, the addition of lavender bitters in this recipe creates a delicious and easy twist on a classic gin cocktail.
A Bee’s Knees cocktail is a classic that’s been on drink menus since the Prohibition era. Adding lavender bitters creates a delightful floral twist on this classic cocktail with minimal effort.
Honey simple syrup is quick and easy to make and since it lasts for weeks, it’s something I keep in the refrigerator at all times. Which is why I use lavender bitters to flavor this cocktail – no special lavender honey syrup required! (Though if you want to make some, use my lavender syrup recipe and just swap out honey for the sugar.)
Garnish this drink with a sugar rim to make your cocktail feel extra special. Run a slice of lemon around part or all of the rim of your glass, then dip it into a shallow dish filled with sugar. I used colored sugar in the photos here, but that’s entirely up to you!
Looking for more lavender cocktails? Try my popular Lavender Lemon Drop Martini or a Lavender Blueberry Gin Cocktail.
What’s in a Lavender Bee’s Knees Cocktail
- Gin – Choose your favorite gin for this cocktail. If you’re new to gin, try a dry London gin like Beefeater that has less of a juniper flavor.
- Fresh lemon – There’s only 4 ingredients in this cocktail, so fresh citrus is important. Squeeze a fresh lemon for this recipe. You should need about half a lemon per cocktail.
- Honey syrup – Easy to make at home with 2 ingredients, honey syrup is an essential ingredient in this drink. Visit my honey syrup recipe page for all the details on making honey syrup at home.
- Lavender bitters – Find these at your local liquor store or order them online. This is bringing all the lavender flavor the drink, so you don’t want to leave it out.
How to Make a Lavender Bee’s Knees
Combine gin, lemon juice, honey syrup, and lavender bitters together in a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes. Shake well.
Lavender Bee’s Knees Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz honey syrup
- 3 dashes lavender bitters
Instructions
- Combine everything together in a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes.2 oz gin, 1 oz lemon juice, 1 oz honey syrup, 3 dashes lavender bitters
- Shake well.
- Strain into a Nick and Nora glass or other small cocktail glass.
- Garnish with lemon peel, a small lemon wheel, or sprig of lavender.
Video
Recipe Tips
Make your honey syrup ahead of time so it has plenty of time to chill in the refrigerator. It should be cold before using it in your drink.
This is a small cocktail, designed to be sipped, so serving it in a chilled glass is ideal. To chill your glass, fill it with ice before starting your cocktail preparation. Once your drink is done, toss out the ice (and any water that’s melted along with it), and strain in your drink.
Garnish Options for a Lavender Bee’s Knees
You can quickly garnish this cocktail with a thin slice of lemon, a lemon twist, or even a lavender sprig. But one of my favorite garnishes for this Lavender Bee’s Knees recipe is a sugar rim.
How to do it: Before you make your cocktail, run a lemon slice on the edge of your glass and dip the glass into a shallow plate of white or colored decorating sugar. If you go this route and want to chill your glass, place it in the freezer while you make your drink, instead of putting ice in the glass itself.
Try These Gin and Honey Cocktails
Gin and honey are a delicious combination because honey lends its flavor so well to the juniper and herbs combinations found in gins. Love this lavender bee’s knees? Try a classic bee’s knees cocktail or my light and refreshing honey orange gin cocktail.
Happy Hour Snack Pairings
I love a salty snack with a tart cocktail. Try pairing your Lavender Bee’s Knees drink with my apple, bacon, and goat crostini or these easy barbecue oyster crackers. Want something more hearty? Try this warm three cheese artichoke dip or blueberry goat cheese dip, both served with homemade crostini.
Yum! Easy to make.
Glad you enjoyed it!