Honey Bee Shot
A honey and lemon shooter built on the Prohibition-era Bee's Knees cocktail — vodka replaces gin for a clean, modern take on the 1920s Paris formula.
- 1½ ozvodka(or gin)
- ½ ozfresh lemon juice(freshly squeezed)
- ½ ozhoney syrup(1:1 honey to water)
Share this page
The Honey Bee Shot distills the Bee's Knees cocktail into shooter format. The Bee's Knees — a Prohibition-era gin cocktail combining gin, lemon juice, and honey — emerged from the 1920s Paris expatriate scene frequented by American drinkers who had left the United States to escape Prohibition. The name drew from contemporary slang for something excellent. Honey and lemon were practical choices during Prohibition because their flavors effectively masked the harsh edges of poorly produced bootleg spirits, though honey has sweetened alcoholic beverages since ancient times — mead, one of humanity's oldest fermented drinks, is built entirely on honey. The Honey Bee Shot adapts this classic formula by substituting vodka for gin and compressing the citrus-honey balance into a single cold pour, making it an accessible modern take on the Prohibition original.
🛒 Tools for This Recipe
Everything you need to make a great Honey Bee Shot at home.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links help support Jigger & Joy at no extra cost to you. Learn more
🍸 Drink Responsibly: Alcoholic beverages should only be consumed by adults of legal drinking age. Never drink and drive. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to your health. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
⚠️ Allergen Notice: Allergen information provided on this site is for general guidance only and may not be complete or accurate. Ingredients and formulations can vary by brand and may change without notice. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, always verify ingredients directly with manufacturers and check all product labels before consumption. Consult a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns. Jigger & Joy is not liable for any adverse reactions resulting from the consumption of recipes on this site.
Disclaimer: Recipes are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nutritional information, ABV estimates, and other data are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.