Bee’s Knees and Gin Rickey Recipes
Bee’s Knees (left) and Gin Rickey.
Two Prohibition Era Gin Cocktails You Can Make at Home
"Gin Rickey for the men and Bee's Knees for the ladies." Bartender, 1923.
Recently I was watching 1923 (a precursor to Yellowstone, starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren) and they had a scene in an underground bar in Montana. Times were changing in the '20s and the cowboys found this secret place with a roaring 20s vibe while looking for a watering hole. They saw all the city folk in flappers etc. and with drinks they didn’t recognize. They asked the bartender what the fancy folks were drinking. The bartender replied: "Gin Rickey for the men and Bee's Knees for the ladies." And so that's what everyone ordered.
It reminded me once again of these are two great cocktails from the past that don't always get their due. Best of all, both the Bee's Knees and Gin Rickey taste great and they're quick and easy to make at home. Even some of our guests who aren't necessarily gin drinkers love them. Both of these are great at any time of year, but they really shine as refreshers on a warm summer day.
So with that in mind, here are quick and easy recipes for making a Gin Rickey and Bee's Knees at home.
Gin Rickey cocktail.
Gin Rickey Recipe
The Gin Rickey relies on the gin and lime juice for the botanicals and tart flavor profile. No sweeteners in this one (of course you can always adapt it to your liking...a little Cassis anyone?)
2 oz gin
3/4 oz lime juice (fresh squeezed)
4 oz Club Soda
Build and serve over ice in a highball glass with a lime wedge garnish.
Bee’s Knees cocktail.
Bee's Knees Recipe
The Bee's Knees (a 1920s term for something that was all the rage) has a balanced profile of gin botanicals, with citrus brightness and a hint of sweetness. Feel free to use straight liquid honey if you don't want to mix up honey syrup.
2 oz gin
3/4 oz lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
3/4 oz honey or honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water)
Shake with ice and strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon twist.
By Mike Belobradic
Wine, Spirits and Beer Virtuoso
Grand One Lounge