Apple Bee’s Knees spins the Prohibition-era classic with a fresh orchard twist—crisp apple, bright citrus, and smooth honey come together for a cocktail that’s equal parts nostalgic and modern. Light, balanced, and effortlessly elegant.
Equipment
To craft the Apple Bee’s Knees, you’ll require some basic bar tools:
- Cocktail Shaker: Essential for mixing ingredients smoothly.
- Strainer: Keeps ice and pulp out of the finished drink.
- Measuring Jigger: Ensures precise measurements.
- Rocks Glass: Ideal for serving this cocktail.
- Muddler: Useful if you’re adding herbs or fruits.
These tools will help you achieve professional-quality results right at home.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make the perfect Apple Bee’s Knees:
- 2 oz gin: Choose a smooth, quality gin.
- 1 oz lemon juice: Fresh-squeezed offers the best flavor.
- 1 oz apple juice: Adds a crisp sweetness.
- 1 oz honey syrup: Made by mixing equal parts honey and water.
- Rosemary and apple slices: For garnish.
These ingredients combine to form a cocktail that’s both sweet and tart.
Instructions
Follow these steps to craft your own Apple Bee’s Knees:
- Prepare the Honey Syrup:
- Combine equal parts honey and water in a saucepan.
- Heat until honey dissolves; let cool.
- Mix the Cocktail:
- In a shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, apple juice, and honey syrup.
- Fill with ice and shake well for about 15 seconds.
- Serve:
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with rosemary sprigs and apple slices.
These simple steps bring together a delightful cocktail.
Tasting Notes
The Apple Bee’s Knees is a cocktail that balances tart and sweet flavors beautifully. The gin’s floral notes complement the fresh apple’s crispness. Lemon juice adds a zesty edge, while honey syrup provides smoothness. The rosemary and apple garnish enrich the drink’s aroma, making each sip a multisensory experience. This cocktail is refreshing and sophisticated, perfect for casual or formal settings.
Similar Cocktails
Several cocktails share similarities with the Apple Bee’s Knees. The Classic Bee’s Knees consists of gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup. The Gin Sour, another variant, often includes egg white for texture. The French 75 adds champagne to the mix for a fizzy twist. These cocktails also highlight the harmony of gin and citrus flavors.
History
The original Bee’s Knees cocktail was created in the 1920s by Frank Meier at the Hotel Ritz Paris. It aimed to mask the harshness of homemade gin during Prohibition. Switching sugar for honey made it richer and more palatable. The Apple Bee’s Knees offers a modern variation by incorporating apple juice to update this classic with a contemporary twist.
Quick Pro Tips
For the best Apple Bee’s Knees, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Experiment with different gin brands to find your preferred taste. Chill your glasses before serving for a crisper experience. Consider making larger batches of honey syrup in advance to save time. Adjust the amount of honey syrup to suit your sweetness preference.
When to Serve
The Apple Bee’s Knees is versatile for many occasions. It shines in fall and winter for its warm flavors. It’s suitable for brunches with its fruity profile. Elegantly served at cocktail parties or casual gatherings, it’s an excellent choice. Its balanced and comforting flavors make it enjoyable year-round.
