Christmas is the Bee’s Knees

A classic Bee’s Knees is one of my go-to cocktail orders. It’s only 3 ingredients, gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup, but it’s so full of flavor. Last year, I made this Christmas version and I’ve been looking forward to remaking it ever since.

We’re simply infusing the honey syrup with fresh cranberries and thyme. These holiday flavors are the perfect addition to a tart, slightly sweet, & floral Bee’s Knees. Plus, it gives it the drink the prettiest cranberry hue to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

INGREDIENTS

Cranberry-Thyme Honey (enough 4-6 drinks)

  • ½ cup honey

  • ½ cup water

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries

  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme

Christmas is the Bee’s Knees (serves 1)

  • 2 oz botanical gin (like Hendrick's)

  • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

  • 1 oz cranberry-thyme honey syrup (+ more to taste)

DIRECTIONS

Make the Cranberry-Thyme Honey

  1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Fresh cranberries will pop, so cover with a lid or lower the heat as needed. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries break down. Strain into a small bowl through a fine mesh strainer. Set aside to cool.

Make the Cocktail

  1. Add ice to a cocktail shaker, along with the gin, lemon juice, and strained honey syrup. Shake well, strain into a martini glass, and serve.

RECIPE NOTES & TIPS

  • The cranberry-thyme honey syrup can be made in advance and will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for several weeks.

  • To make a larger batch for a group, mix the cocktail ingredients in a large pitcher and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Once ready to serve, working in batches, pour the mixture into your cocktail shaker, shake over ice, and strain.

  • Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste! The sweetness of lemon varies, so you may find yours requires more honey syrup. If you like your drinks a little sweeter, feel free to add more.

  • I garnished the cocktail with a mini honey dipper but you could also top it with fresh cranberries, a sprig of thyme, or a lemon twist.

  • If you’d like to enjoy as a mocktail, there are some zero-proof gin options available, such as Ritual. Keep in mind that these have a unique flavor profile compared to traditional gin and might require adjusting the proportions of the other ingredients to suit your taste.