The Bee’s Knees: A Timeless Classic with Two Modern Conniption Gin Twists
A Favorite Prohibition-Era Cocktail Reimagined for Today’s Gin Lover
Bright, simple, and effortlessly elegant, the bee’s knees cocktail has been charming drinkers since the 1920s. Originally crafted to mask the harshness of homemade spirits during Prohibition, this blend of gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup proved to be far more than a clever disguise. It became a staple cocktail celebrated for its balance, approachability, and vibrant flavor.
The bee’s knees is as relevant now as it was then. It’s often the cocktail that turns gin skeptics into fans and introduces newcomers to a world of botanical brilliance. Among the most beloved easy gin cocktails, it delivers bold character with only a few ingredients and zero fuss. If you’ve been searching for gin recipes that feel both classic and fresh, this is the one to know.
Why Bees Knees Cocktails Still Win Hearts
At its core, the bee’s knees is about simplicity and style. It’s easy to make at home, ideal for hosting or unwinding solo, and endlessly adaptable to the season or occasion. It’s no wonder it remains one of the top-searched gin recipes. The citrus lifts. The honey soothes. And the gin, especially when it’s Conniption Gin, ties it all together with aromatic depth and modern refinement.
With Conniption, you don’t just make a bee’s knees. You reimagine it. Our portfolio offers two distinct takes on this classic cocktail, each designed to shine in its own moment. Whether you lean floral and playful or bold and spiced, we’ve crafted a version that elevates your gin game and suits your season.
Two Ways to Bee: Kinship for Spring, Navy and Krupnikas for Fall
At Conniption Gin, we believe tradition and innovation should always be in conversation. That’s why our two bee’s knees variations bring out the full range of our spirits with each one grounded in quality and bursting with unexpected flair.
The Purple Bee’s Knees with Conniption Kinship
This vibrant version is made with Conniption Kinship, a color-changing gin infused with butterfly pea flower and distilled with fresh citrus, cucumber, and honeysuckle. When lemon is added, the deep indigo hue shifts to pink, making every pour a bit of theater.
Light, floral, and stunning in the glass, this is the cocktail you serve when you want to spark conversation. The smooth citrus and subtle botanicals of Kinship enhance the lemon and honey beautifully, creating a crisp, joyful sip that’s ideal for warm weather. It’s perfect for brunch, garden parties, or simply basking in a sunny afternoon.
The Fall Bee’s Knees with Conniption Navy Strength and Krupnikas
As the days grow cooler, the bee’s knees transforms. Our autumn take uses Conniption Navy Strength Gin known for its intense botanicals and high proof. It's balanced by our house-made Krupnikas, a spiced honey liqueur rooted in Lithuanian tradition.
This version brings warmth, depth, and complexity to the glass. With notes of caraway, rosemary, and sweet lemon, it’s layered, rich, and surprisingly smooth. The Krupnikas liqueur adds a velvety sweetness and aromatic spice that’s perfect for cozy gatherings, festive dinners, or a quiet moment fireside.
More Than a Cocktail: A Conniption Moment
The bee’s knees is more than a historic recipe. It’s a modern ritual. With Conniption, it becomes a statement, both elegant, and unexpectedly easy to enjoy. Whether you’re exploring gin for the first time or rediscovering why you fell in love with it, our versions of the bee’s knees offer a fresh take on a timeless favorite.
Looking to experiment with new gin recipes? Hosting a happy hour and need a go-to cocktail? Want something impressive yet approachable? The bee’s knees delivers every time, and with Conniption Kinship or Conniption Navy Strength, you’re guaranteed a drink that’s as expressive as it is delicious.
