Tequila Bee's Knees Recipe

There's something magical about the floral, citrusy balance of a Tequila Bee’s Knees cocktail. It's a bright, refreshing twist on a Prohibition-era classic, replacing the traditional gin with smooth, earthy tequila—and the result is an effortlessly elegant drink with a sunny personality.

I first made this variation on a whim one summer afternoon when I was out of gin but had plenty of tequila and fresh lemons on hand. One sip, and it became an instant favorite. It’s now my go-to cocktail for brunches, backyard BBQs, and cozy nights in.

Whether you're a tequila lover or simply looking to elevate your home bar repertoire, this cocktail is quick to shake up, naturally sweetened, and feels just fancy enough to impress your guests.

Let’s dive into what makes this citrusy sipper so special.

Why You'll Love This Tequila Bee's Knees

Say hello to your new signature cocktail. The Tequila Bee’s Knees combines just a handful of ingredients for a drink that’s bold, bright, and endlessly satisfying.

This drink is incredibly easy to make. With only three core ingredients—tequila, honey syrup, and lemon juice—it comes together in under five minutes. Just shake and pour!

It’s naturally sweetened with honey syrup, giving it a warm, floral touch that pairs beautifully with tequila’s peppery notes. No refined sugar or artificial syrups here.

Looking for a unique cocktail for entertaining? This one’s got wow-factor. It’s familiar enough to please classic cocktail lovers, yet different enough to feel new and exciting.

And best of all, it's endlessly customizable. Whether you love it tart, strong, or subtly spiced, you can tweak it to match your palate with just a few easy swaps.

Ready to give it a try? Let’s talk ingredients.

Ingredient Notes

The beauty of this cocktail lies in its simplicity. Just three main ingredients come together to create a balanced, aromatic drink that’s both refreshing and refined.

Tequila is the star here, so choose wisely. I recommend using a high-quality blanco tequila for its clean, crisp flavor that lets the lemon and honey shine. A reposado adds a richer, oakier note if you’re feeling adventurous.

Honey syrup offers natural sweetness with a gentle floral flavor. It’s made by simply mixing equal parts honey and hot water until smooth. This thins the honey just enough for easy mixing while preserving its depth and aroma.

Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable. Bottled juice simply won’t deliver the same zing or brightness. Squeeze your lemons right before shaking the cocktail to capture their full citrus punch.

Optionally, you can add a dash of orange bitters for an extra layer of complexity, or garnish with a lemon twist or edible flower for a polished look.

All you’ll need equipment-wise is a cocktail shaker, fine strainer, and a jigger for measuring. If you’re serving guests, a coupe or Nick & Nora glass makes a stunning presentation.

How To Make This Tequila Bee's Knees

This cocktail is a breeze to whip up and comes together in just a few easy steps. Here’s exactly how I make mine.

Start by preparing your honey syrup. Mix 1 part honey with 1 part hot water (for example, ¼ cup each) and stir until fully dissolved. Let it cool before using. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week.

Next, juice your lemons. One medium lemon yields about 1.5 ounces of juice, which is perfect for a single cocktail. Always go for fresh juice—it makes all the difference in flavor and balance.

In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz tequila, ¾ oz honey syrup, and ¾ oz fresh lemon juice. If using, add a dash of orange bitters. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled.

Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass using a fine mesh strainer. This ensures a smooth, pulp-free pour that looks as good as it tastes.

Garnish with a thin lemon twist, a sprig of fresh thyme, or even an edible flower like chamomile or lavender if you’re feeling fancy.

From prep to pour, you’re looking at just 5 minutes total. Perfect for spontaneous happy hours or classy weekend cocktails.

Storage Options

Since this is a shaken, citrus-based cocktail, it’s best enjoyed immediately after making. However, you can prep components in advance to make batching easy.

Honey syrup can be made ahead and stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If it thickens, just give it a shake or stir.

Lemon juice is best freshly squeezed, but if needed, you can juice lemons up to 1 day ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and keep it as cold as possible to maintain its brightness.

If batching for a party, combine tequila, lemon juice, and honey syrup (scaled up) in a pitcher and chill. Shake individual servings with ice just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating isn’t needed—just give any pre-mixed components a good shake before serving to ensure balance.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this cocktail? It’s highly adaptable. Here are a few fun ways to switch it up depending on your mood or ingredients on hand.

Try using reposado tequila instead of blanco for a deeper, more complex version with subtle caramel and oak flavors. It’s especially good for cooler months.

Swap out the lemon juice for lime juice to give it a south-of-the-border flair—closer to a margarita, but smoother thanks to the honey.

Infuse your honey syrup with herbs like lavender, thyme, or rosemary. Simply steep the herb in hot water before mixing it with honey for a botanical twist.

Want a little fizz? Top your shaken cocktail with a splash of sparkling water or champagne for an effervescent version that’s great for brunch.

No tequila? This recipe also works beautifully with gin, vodka, or even mezcal for a smokier edge. Each base spirit brings its own charm to the party.

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