This Raspberry Bee’s Knees Cocktail is a fun, fruity twist on a classic. With honey, lemon, and fresh raspberries, this is the perfect spring and summer drink!
This Raspberry Bee’s Knees Cocktail is one of my favorite things lately. I mean, it has everything I love in a cocktail: gin, fresh fruit, a bit of tartness, and a light sweetness that isn’t cloying.
I love a classic Bee’s Knees as much as the next gal, but I wanted to shake it up a bit (pun intended). The standard cocktail is a simple concoction of gin, lemon, and honey syrup. Considering how basic it is, it really has no business being so delicious. The addition of raspberry takes it one step further, making such a perfect drink you might start calling it 5 o’clock a few hours early.
While this recipe does require you to make your own honey simple syrup, I guarantee you it’s easy and worth it. It takes two minutes to make on the stove, and it’ll keep for a month in your fridge. Meaning more cocktails forever. Sounds good to me. Or, you could scale up all the other ingredients and make a pitcher cocktail to serve a crowd. Or yourself. No judgement here.
I love the tartness and color that raspberries give this drink. If you don’t have them, though, I’d bet you could use any berry you like. They’ll all play nicely with honey, lemon, and gin. But then again, what doesn’t? Whatever fruit you choose, you’ll be sippin’ drinks on your patio in no time. I’m happy for you!
Did you make this Raspberry Bee’s Knees Cocktail recipe? Don’t forget to share a photo on Instagram and tag me @emily.eats.things!
PrintRaspberry Bee’s Knees Cocktail
This Raspberry Bee’s Knees Cocktail is a fun, fruity twist on a classic. With honey, lemon, and fresh raspberries, it’s the perfect spring and summer drink!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes + 30 minutes inactive
- Yield: 2 cocktails 1x
Ingredients
For the honey simple syrup:
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup water
For the raspberry bee’s knees:
- ½ cup fresh raspberries
- 4 ounces (½ cup) gin, or a bit less, depending on how strong you like your drinks
- 2 ounces (¼ cup) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) honey simple syrup
- Ice
Instructions
- Make the honey simple syrup: Combine honey and water in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Stir together until honey dissolves, about 2–3 minutes. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a heat-safe container and set in the refrigerator to cool completely, at least 30 minutes.
- Make the bee’s knees: In a cocktail shaker or large glass jar, muddle the raspberries with a muddler or wooden spoon. Once the raspberries are completely crushed, fill the shaker with ice, then add the gin, lemon juice, and honey simple syrup. Close the shaker or place a lid on the jar, and shake for 30 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker is frosty and chilled.
- Serve: Strain the cocktail into glasses. I prefer to use a fine-mesh sieve for this, as the raspberry seeds are too small to be strained out with a regular cocktail strainer. Garnish each drink with a raspberry and a strip of lemon zest, if desired.
Notes
- Store leftover honey simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
- Serving a crowd? This makes a great pitcher cocktail! Shake it together in a large jug or container, then transfer to a pitcher and chill until ready to serve.
Made this recipe? Leave a comment!