Prohibition Era
This is rum’s take on the original gin-based Bee’s Knees. It was born out of necessity during Prohibition when honey and citrus masked the crude taste of bootlegged spirits.
We’re using Jamaican aged rum, with its unmistakable funk and complexity, to add a luscious funky depth to the Bee’s Knees. Honey’s natural antibacterial properties make this cocktail practically medicinal—or so we like to tell ourselves. Here’s how to make it sing:
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Jamaican aged rum (recommended: Appleton Estate 8 Year Reserve
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce honey syrup (recipe below)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Honey Syrup Preparation
- Combine equal parts honey and warm water (e.g., 1/2 cup each).
- Stir until the honey is completely dissolved.
- Cool before use.
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add Jamaican rum, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup.
- Shake vigorously until chilled.
- Strain into a coupe or chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
- Sip slowly, and savour the funky bouquet!
Why Jamaican Rum?
Jamaican rums are famed for their “funk,” a bold flavour profile resulting from pot-still distillation and high ester levels. Appleton Estate 8 Year delivers rich notes of vanilla, warm spice and orange peel, which elevates this cocktail into something truly the bee’s knees.
Fun Facts to Sweeten the Deal
Historical Tidbit: The term “Bee’s Knees” was popularized during the 1920s as slang for “the best.”
Serve this beauty at your next soirée, and watch it create a buzz!
The Rumosphere 