The Bee’s Knees is one of those cocktails that proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something really good. Gin, fresh lemon, and honey are a pretty perfect combination all on their own, but this version gives the classic a little fall makeover with apple cider and cinnamon.
The apple cinnamon honey syrup is really what makes this one special. The cider adds just enough apple flavor, while the cinnamon gives it warmth without overpowering the gin or lemon. It feels like the kind of cocktail you make when the first cool evenings finally show up and sitting outside with a drink sounds like a good idea again.
The best part is that most of the work can be done ahead of time. Make the syrup, give the cinnamon plenty of time to steep, and let everything cool. Once cocktail hour rolls around, all that’s left to do is shake, strain, and find somewhere comfortable to sit. That’s my kind of recipe.
Apple Cinnamon Bee’s Knees
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of gin
- ¾ ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce apple cinnamon honey syrup
Directions
1. Add the gin, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and apple cinnamon honey syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well for 20 seconds, giving everything plenty of time to get nice and cold.
3. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick and/or lemon wheel. Serve immediately.
Apple Cinnamon Honey Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup of apple cider
- 1 cup of honey
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Directions
1. Add the apple cider, honey, and cinnamon sticks to a saucepan and place over medium heat.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the honey has completely dissolved into the apple cider and the mixture is smooth.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and leave the cinnamon sticks in the syrup to steep for 30 minutes. This gives them time to add plenty of cinnamon flavor to the apple and honey.
4. Remove and discard the cinnamon sticks, then let the syrup cool completely before using. Once it’s cooled, it’s ready for your Bee’s Knees and makes the next one pretty easy.
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