Bee Mine – A Rose Raspberry Bee’s Knees
The Bee Mine Cocktail is the star of the show for a Valentine’s Day celebration. Crafted with fresh raspberries, honey, rosewater, and gin.
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Jump to RecipeBee Mine
This Bee Mine cocktail is the perfect V-Day twist on a classic Bee’s Knees, a simple and refreshing drink that dates back to the Prohibition era. Made with fresh raspberries and lemon juice, sweet honey, smooth gin, and a dash of rosewater, you’re going to want this cocktail to be all yours long past February!
Clover, wildflower, or even lavendar are all good honey options. Fresh squeezed lemon juice is best in this recipe, but you can use bottled in a pinch. Rosewater has a floral profile, so use a dash in this recipe to allow it to subtly complement the other ingredients. Most of your prep time will be making the heart tea ice cubes, which I recommend to really kick your garnishing game up a notch!
Ingredients for the Bee Mine Cocktail
- Raspberries: Bursting with flavor, fresh raspberries add a delightful sweetness to the drink.
- Honey: Honey brings a rich and natural sweetness.
- Gin: Opt for your favorite gin, I like Nolet’s.
- Lemon Juice: Zesty and refreshing, fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavor profile.
- Rosewater: A subtle dash of rosewater adds a floral note. I used CORTAS.
- Edible Flowers, Heart-Shaped Berry Tea and Butterfly Pea Tea Ice Cubes: For a playful and romantic garnish!
How to Make the Bee Mine Cocktail
Creating the Bee Mine Cocktail is a breeze, taking only 10 minutes from start to sip. Freezing the heart shaped ice cubes will take some prep time, so plan ahead!
Start by adding raspberries and honey to a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently muddle them until they break down. Next, add gin, fresh lemon juice, rosewater, and ice to the shaker, then shake until the mixture is well chilled.
Double strain the cocktail mixture into a coupe glass, ensuring a smooth pour. If you want to elevate your presentation, serve with heart-shaped tea ice cubes and edible flowers.
To make the heart-shaped cubes, brew butterfly pea tea and berry tea and chill. Next, fill half a heart ice cube tray with butterfly pea tea and the other half with berry tea. Freeze overnight or until frozen solid before adding to your Bee Mine cocktail!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for gin in the Bee Mine Cocktail?
The Bee Mine Cocktail traditionally features gin for its botanical notes. If you prefer a different spirit, try vodka for a clean and neutral base, or experiment with a floral liqueur for a unique twist on the classic.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be a sub. Be mindful of the quality, as fresh lemon juice contributes to the cocktail’s bright and vibrant profile.
What’s the difference between a Bee’s Knees and a Gin Sour?
While both cocktails share similar ingredients, the Bee’s Knees specifically features honey as a sweetener, imparting a distinct richness. In contrast, a Gin Sour typically uses simple syrup as the sweet component. The choice between them depends on whether you prefer the depth of honey or the neutrality of simple syrup in your cocktail.
What is the origin of the Bee’s Knees cocktail?
The Bee’s Knees became popular during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933). The addition of honey and lemon juice was likely used to mask the harsh flavors of bathtub gin, making it a more palatable and enjoyable drink. The term “bee’s knees” was a slang expression from that time, meaning something outstanding or excellent.
More Valentine’s Cocktails to Try
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Be Mine Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 raspberries
- 1/2 tbsp honey
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- Dash rosewater
- Garnish: Edible flowers
- Optional: Heart berry tea and butterfly pea tea ice cubes
Instructions
Bee Mine Cocktail
- Add raspberries and honey to a cocktail shaker and muddle until broken down. Add gin, lemon juice, rosewater and ice and shake until chilled.
- Double strain cocktail mixture into a coupe glass. If desired, serve with heart tea ice cubes and garnish with edible flowers.
Heart-Shaped Ice Cubes
- Brew butterfly pea tea and berry tea and chill. Fill half a heart ice cube tray with butterfly pea tea and the other half with berry tea. Freeze overnight or until frozen solid.
