Queen Bee Cocktail Recipe

The Queen Bee cocktail is a delightful mix of honey, lemon, and gin, with a touch of sparkling wine. It was first created in the 1920s during the Prohibition era, as a way to mask the taste of homemade gin. This cocktail has since become a favorite among those who appreciate a sweet and refreshing drink with a touch of sophistication. Perfect for garden parties, afternoon teas, and elegant soirees, the Queen Bee is sure to impress.

• Originated in the 1920s
• Popular among the upper class
• A favorite for outdoor events and elegant gatherings

The Queen Bee cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and slightly floral flavors. The honey adds a rich sweetness, while the lemon provides a zesty tang. The gin contributes a subtle herbal note, and the sparkling wine adds a touch of effervescence and dryness.

• The name 'Queen Bee' is a nod to the use of honey in the cocktail, as well as its regal and sophisticated nature.
• During Prohibition, honey was often used to sweeten and mask the taste of homemade spirits.
• The Queen Bee is sometimes served with a honeycomb garnish, as a tribute to its key ingredient.

1. Combine gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker
2. Fill shaker with ice and shake well until chilled
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass
4. Top with sparkling wine
5. Garnish with a lemon twist and, optionally, a small piece of honeycomb

• Chill your glass before serving to keep the cocktail colder for longer.
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a brighter, fresher flavor.
• If you can't find honey syrup, you can make your own by combining equal parts honey and water and heating until the honey dissolves.

Appetizers

• Charcuterie Board: The salty and savory flavors of cured meats and cheeses complement the sweet and acidic notes of the Queen Bee cocktail.
• Smoked Salmon Canapés: The smokiness of the salmon pairs nicely with the botanicals of the gin and the sweetness of the honey.

Main Courses

• Roast Chicken: A classic pairing, the citrus elements of the cocktail cut through the richness of the chicken.
• Sea Bass: The light and flaky fish goes well with the bright notes of the lemon and the effervescence of the sparkling wine.

Desserts

• Lemon Tart: Accentuate the citrus notes in the cocktail with a zesty and creamy lemon tart.
• Cheese Plate: Opt for milder cheeses that won’t overpower the delicate balance of the Queen Bee.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings

• Sparkling Apple Cider: Complements the honey flavors while staying in the effervescent theme.
• Chamomile Tea: Echoes the floral notes of honey and is a soothing counterpart to the bright cocktail.

• Vodka can be used in place of gin for a smoother, less herbal flavor.
• Agave syrup can be used as a substitute for honey syrup.
• Lime juice can be used instead of lemon juice for a different citrus twist.

Rosemary Queen Bee

• Ingredients: Add a sprig of rosemary into the cocktail shaker.
• Recipe: Follow the original recipe, but shake the ingredients with rosemary to infuse the cocktail.
• Taste: The rosemary provides an earthy, piney flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other botanicals.

Honey Lavender Bee

• Ingredients: Use lavender-infused honey syrup instead of regular honey syrup.
• Recipe: Create a lavender-infused honey syrup by steeping fresh or dried lavender in warm honey and water, then use in the same proportions as the original recipe.
• Taste: The lavender adds a floral note which complements the gin’s aroma and makes for a more complex, refined drink.

Spicy Queen Bee

• Ingredients: Add a small slice of jalapeno to the cocktail shaker.
• Recipe: Muddle the jalapeno in the shaker before adding the other ingredients and shaking.
• Taste: The spice from the jalapeno adds a zesty kick that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the honey and the tang of the lemon.