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Back Country Bar: Bee's Knees

Back Country Bar: Bee's Knees

Sep 23, 2025

The Perfect Camping Cocktail: How to Make a Classic Bee's KneesThis week on Back Country Bar, we’re making one of my all-time favorite cocktails — the Bee’s Knees. Bright, refreshing, and simple to make, it’s the kind of drink that wins people over, even if gin isn’t usually your go-to. What makes gin fun is how much its flavor changes depending on the botanicals, and for our Bee’s Knees, we went with a citrus-forward bottle from our friends at Sutlers Spirit Co.

What Makes the Bee's Knees Special?The Bee's Knees is a Prohibition-era cocktail that has stood the test of time for good reason. With just three ingredients – gin, honey, and lemon juice – it's incredibly simple to make yet delivers complex, satisfying flavors that are perfect for outdoor adventures.What sets this cocktail apart from other gin drinks is the honey. While you could substitute simple syrup, the natural sweetness and floral notes of honey add an extra layer of flavor that makes this drink truly special. The honey is great with the botanical notes in gin while the fresh lemon juice adds the perfect bright, citrusy balance.
The Perfect Gin for Your Bee's KneesFor this recipe, we're using Sutler's gin from Winston-Salem – a fantastic choice that's not overly juniper-forward and has natural citrusy notes that complement the cocktail perfectly. However, any quality gin will work well in this recipe. The key is choosing a gin that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will be prominent in the finished cocktail.
Bee's Knees RecipeIngredients:
  • 2 ounces gin
  • ¾ ounce honey (or honey syrup)
  • 1 ounce fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • Ice
Instructions:
  1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice
  2. Shake vigorously until the shaker feels frosty and cold
  3. Strain into a chilled glass
  4. Garnish with a lemon peel if desired
Pro Tips for Making Bee's Knees at CampHoney vs. Honey Syrup: While honey syrup (2 parts honey to 1 part hot water) mixes more easily, straight honey works perfectly fine and reduces the number of ingredients you need to pack. Just shake a little longer to ensure it's well incorporated.Fresh vs. Bottled Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference in taste, but if you're packing light for a backcountry trip, quality bottled lemon juice will do in a pinch.Equipment: You don't need fancy bar tools to make great cocktails outdoors. A mason jar can substitute for a cocktail shaker, and if you forget your strainer (like we did in the video), just use the shaker lid partially opened to strain out the ice.Local Ingredients: Using local honey adds a unique regional flavor to your cocktail and supports local producers. It's a great way to taste the terroir of wherever your adventures take you.Why the Bee's Knees is Perfect for CampingThis cocktail checks all the boxes for outdoor entertaining:
  • Simple ingredient list: Only three main ingredients to pack
  • No special equipment required: Works with basic camping gear
  • Refreshing and satisfying: Perfect after a day of hiking or around the campfire
  • Crowd-pleaser: Appeals to both gin lovers and those new to the spirit
  • Scalable: Easy to make single servings or batches for groups
The Bee's Knees proves that you don't need complicated recipes or exotic ingredients to create memorable cocktails in the great outdoors. Sometimes the classics are classic for a reason – they simply work.

Watch the Full VideoReady to see this recipe in action? Check out the full Backcountry Bar episode above to watch the step-by-step preparation and get additional tips for making the perfect Bee's Knees on your next outdoor adventure.Whether you're car camping with friends or enjoying a peaceful evening at your backcountry basecamp, the Bee's Knees is sure to become one of your go-to cocktail recipes. Its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and botanical flavors captures the essence of outdoor relaxation in every sip.

Team BROG