A bee’s knees is a gem of a drink, perfect for those hot summer days. The combination of lemon, honey and gin blend into a harmonious thirst quencher.

It originated during the prohibition era and the ingredients were used to mask the off flavors of bootleg gin. Based upon common slang used at the time, declaring something to be the bee’s knees meant it was “the best”. As tasty as these are, I can’t argue with that. The name is whimsical enough to catch your attention and justifiably so.

We were in the middle of a sweltering summer heat wave in Western Arkansas. It was mid-August and the temperature was nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit in Fayetteville. At home, just 50 miles south, temps had exceeded 95 since the first week of June. Searching for relief, I personally tested the thirst quenching powers of a bee’s knees at a little craft cocktail bar off Dickson Street.  It didn’t take long for me to cool down, then have another!

You have to be careful with these. They are so good and go down awfully easy!