Hot Honey Bee's Knees

If you're looking for a bold, flavorful cocktail with a spicy edge, the Hot Honey Bee’s Knees is about to become your new go-to. This modern take on the classic Bee’s Knees cocktail adds a fiery kick with a simple but flavorful hot honey syrup that perfectly complements the gin and lemon flavors. Whether you're mixing drinks for happy hour, a cozy date night in, or just experimenting with new cocktail recipes, this spicy cocktail is a winner.

You'll love this hot honey bee's knees

It's so easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, and brings a surprisingly sophisticated flavor. This is the best way to spice up your cocktail game without needing a ton of bar tools or fancy infusions. If you already have a bottle of gin and some honey in your kitchen, you're halfway there.

It's a delicious twist on a classic cocktail. The Hot Honey Bee’s Knees takes a classic Prohibition-era cocktail and adds a spicy twist with homemade hot honey syrup. The result is a balanced drink that’s sweet, citrusy, and just the right amount of bold. Served in a chilled cocktail glass, it’s as elegant as it is easy.

Ingredients

Hot Honey Syrup. This is the spicy heart of the drink. To make it, simply combine equal parts hot honey and hot water. Mike's Hot Honey is a reliable brand you probably recognize. 

Fresh Lemon Juice. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. It adds the tangy brightness that balances out the sweet and spicy elements in the cocktail.

Gin. A dry gin works best here—something clean and juniper-forward like Tanqueray London Dry Gin is a solid pick. The botanicals play beautifully with the honey and citrus.

How to make a hot honey bee's knees

This cocktail comes together in just a few minutes, making it a good option if you are hosting and want an elevated cocktail to serve as a welcome drink, or just throughout your party!

1. In a cocktail shaker, add your gin, fresh lemon juice and hot honey syrup.
2. Add fresh ice and shake vigorously.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass or chilled martini glass for that polished, speakeasy-style finish.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy!

How to make hot honey syrup

Hot honey syrup is super simple, but it packs serious flavor. Just like traditional simple syrup, it's equal parts spicy honey and water. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be used in a range of spicy cocktails or even your morning tea if you’re feeling adventurous.

1. Mix equal parts honey and hot water until fully combined.
2. Stir in your chili heat. You can use a few dashes of hot sauce, Mike’s Hot Honey, or a DIY infusion using red pepper flakes.
3. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
4. For a homemade honey syrup with a kick, try warming honey with sliced chili peppers and letting it steep before straining.

Substitutions and variations

Want to mix it up? Here are a few fun ways to put your spin on the Hot Honey Bee’s Knees.

Swap the gin. Try a floral gin for a more aromatic profile, or even a barrel-aged gin for added depth.

Add herbs. Muddle in some thyme or rosemary for an herbal twist.

Go bubbly. Top with a splash of sparkling water for a lighter spritz-style version.

Sweeten it up. Prefer less spice? Use a blend of regular honey and hot honey to tone it down.

Pin it for later!

This one’s a keeper. Save this Hot Honey Bee’s Knees recipe to your cocktail board for future date nights, dinner parties, or whenever you want something simple, spicy, and sophisticated.

Want more gin cocktails?

If you loved this, check out these other delicious gin drinks:

• Gin Mule – A zesty, ginger-packed refresher
• Blueberry Gin Fizz – Fruity, fizzy, and fun
• Classic Bee's Knees – The classic bee's knees cocktail