3 Ways to Serve the Bees Knees

The Bee’s Knees is one of those cocktails that sounds simple and then quietly floors you. Gin, honey, citrus, and a whisper of lavender. It is a Prohibition-era classic that has earned its place in the modern cocktail canon, and our version just earned an Editor’s Choice from RTD Magazine and an A- from Drinkhacker.

At 17% ABV, the Deko Cocktails Bee’s Knees delivers four servings per 375ml bottle. Here are three ways to make each one unforgettable.

1. The Purist: Over Ice, As Intended

Sometimes the best move is the simplest one. Fill a rocks glass with good ice — large cubes or spheres if you have them — and pour. That is it.

The cold amplifies the citrus brightness while letting the honey and lavender unfold slowly. As the ice melts just slightly, the cocktail opens up, revealing new layers with each sip. This is how we designed it to be enjoyed.

Garnish: A thin lemon wheel or a small sprig of fresh lavender. A honey drizzle on the rim adds a beautiful visual touch.

Glass: A rocks glass or a coupe if you are feeling elegant.

2. The Garden Party: Bee’s Knees Spritz

This is the move for warm afternoons, brunches, and any occasion where you want something lighter and more refreshing without losing the character of the cocktail.

Pour a serving of Bee’s Knees over ice in a wine glass or large tumbler. Top with 2-3 ounces of chilled club soda or sparkling water. Stir gently once. Done.

The sparkling water stretches the cocktail into something longer and more sessionable while preserving every flavor note. The gin botanicals love carbonation, and the honey-lavender sweetness becomes airier and more aromatic.

Garnish: A cucumber ribbon, a sprig of fresh thyme, or edible flowers if you are hosting and want the Instagram moment.

Glass: A wine glass lets the aromatics bloom. A tall Collins glass works for a more casual setting.

3. The Showstopper: Bee’s Knees Punch Bowl

Hosting? This is your secret weapon. A punch bowl takes exactly five minutes to prepare and serves a crowd without anyone standing behind a bar all night.

For 8-10 servings, combine two bottles of Deko Cocktails Bee’s Knees in a punch bowl with one cup of fresh lemon juice, half a cup of honey simple syrup (equal parts honey and warm water, stirred until dissolved), and a generous handful of ice. Stir well. Add lemon wheels, lavender sprigs, and edible flowers for garnish.

For an extra layer of sophistication, add 8-10 ounces of sparkling wine just before serving. The bubbles transform the punch into something celebratory without overwhelming the cocktail’s character.

Garnish: Float lemon wheels, fresh lavender, and edible flowers on top.

Serving tip: Set out a ladle and let guests serve themselves. Put a small card next to the bowl with the name of the cocktail. It becomes a conversation piece.

A Few Notes on Ice

Ice matters more than most people think. Standard freezer ice works fine, but if you want to elevate any of these serves, grab a bag of large-format ice from your local store or invest in a silicone ice mold. Larger ice melts slower, keeping your cocktail cold without diluting it too quickly.

The Bee’s Knees Way

The beauty of the Bee’s Knees is its versatility. Whether you pour it straight over ice on a Tuesday night, spritz it up for a weekend brunch, or build a punch bowl for your next gathering, it adapts without losing what makes it special. Gin, honey, citrus, lavender. Simple ingredients, expertly balanced, endlessly enjoyable.