This sponsored recipe from The Classic Cook was first published in the Winter 2024 issue of Edible Alaska.

Honey Syrup

Warm equal parts honey and water slightly on the stovetop or in the microwave, and stir to combine. You can keep extra syrup in the fridge for a few days, but it’s better to just make what you need; as mead lovers will tell you, adding liquid to honey is the path to fermentation.

Cocktail Instructions

Combine gin, lemon juice, ice, and honey syrup in a shaker, shake, then strain into a gorgeous glass like these LaRochere bee glasses from France. This cocktail is easily made for a crowd in larger batches. If made ahead, store it in the refrigerator without ice until ready to serve, then pour over ice in each glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

Choose Your Honey

A mild honey, such as Fireweed Honey from Stoked Beekeeping Co., or some other delicate floral honey works well. Stronger honeys will make a more honey-forward beverage. Taste before you mix.

Tasting Notes

For those who like a more traditional Bee’s Knees flavor, Hendrick’s Gin is a classic. We find the wild Alaska ingredients in the Juneauper Gin from Amalga Distillery make for a dry and very interesting twist on this timeless drink.

Bee’s Knees Variations

A Bee’s Knees is halfway to two other classics: make a honey-flavored Tom Collins by topping your glass with club soda or split the base of one Bee’s Knees between two glasses and top with Champagne for a buzzy take on a French 75. More of a whisky lover? Swap gin for whisky and you have a whisky sour for your honey. Vodka can also be substituted for gin, and you would have another refreshing take on this delicious cocktail.

Find honey, cocktail glasses, shakers, and more at The Classic Cook in Homer, or call to order at 907-435-0668. classiccookak.com