Name: Meyer Lemon Rosemary Bees Knees Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup water; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary; 2 oz gin; 1 oz honey simple syrup (as made above); 2 oz fresh meyer lemon juice (if using regular lemon reduce to 1 oz); 1 sprig fresh rosemary

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Gluten-Free Dairy-Free

This Meyer Lemon Rosemary Bees Knees Cocktail combines gin, fresh meyer lemon juice, honey, and rosemary for a seasonal gin cocktail that is lightly sweet and tangy.

I love a good cocktail like this Meyer Lemon Rosemary Bees Knees Cocktail. It’s fresh and light and SO easy to make. Easier than the name is to say, I promise.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this easy lemon gin cocktail for parties that guests will rave over. Most of the ingredients can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the party as much as your guests!

What is in a Bees Knees Cocktail?

If you haven’t heard of a bees knees cocktail before, it’s a cocktail made with:

gin
lemon juice
honey

It’s a Prohibition-era cocktail and is served shaken and chilled.

My riff on the bees knees cocktail is a meyer lemon rosemary version that swaps out fresh lemon juice for meyer lemon juice and adds in fresh rosemary for a seasonal gin cocktail.

What are meyer lemons and what do they taste like?

Meyer lemons are believe to be a cross between lemons and mandarin oranges. They are a little sweeter and less acidic than a traditional lemon, though they still have subtle tart taste.

They are small and round, with a yellow-orange appearance. The peel of the meyer lemon is lightly floral and woodsy smelling.

When are meyer lemons in season?

Generally, you can find meyer lemons at your local grocery store from November to May, but the main season typically ends by March.

A cocktail shaker pouring meyer lemon gin cocktail into a coupe glass.

What is the best way to use meyer lemons?

Meyer lemons are great for recipes that you want a light touch of lemon, without the tart and acidic taste. I love using meyer lemons in baked goods and cocktails.

Meyer lemons are great in this bees knees cocktail – they lend a fresh, lemon flavor that is subtly sweet to this lemon gin cocktail!

How To Make Honey Simple Syrup

Honey Simple Syrup is very similar to regular simple syrup which is made from equal parts water and sugar. It’s great for sweetening drinks, including cocktails.

Honey simple syrup is made from equal parts water and honey. All you have to do is combine honey and water in a small saucepan and boil until the honey is dissolved into the water.

As the mixture cools, it will become thick and syrupy.

Simple syrup is preferable for sweetening cocktails and beverages because it’s in a liquid state. You wouldn’t want to add granulated sugar to a cocktail because you will be able to taste the granules and the texture would be unpleasant.

I also am not a fan of adding honey to cocktails because it is too thick and when it’s combined with cold elements, like ice, it results in a clumpy mess. However, by making it into a simple syrup first, you can sweeten your drink naturally!

How Long Does Honey Simple Syrup Last?

You can store honey simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. It’s best kept in an airtight container, like a small glass jar.

Looking for more cocktail recipes for your next party? Try these!

Lemon Recipes that You’ll Go Crazy For