The Bee’s Knees Stinger is a modern twist on two classic cocktails, the Bee’s Knees and the Stinger, combining the sweet and citrusy flavors of the former with the cool, refreshing taste of the latter. This sophisticated cocktail offers a harmonious balance of honey, lemon, and mint, with a kick of brandy for added depth and complexity.
Served over ice and garnished with a sprig of fresh mint, the Bee’s Knees Stinger is a refreshing libation that is perfect for sipping on warm summer evenings or as a stylish aperitif at cocktail parties.
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Amazing Bee’s Knees Stinger Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Shaker
- 1 Blender
- 1 Glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz 60 ml brandy
- 3/4 oz 22 ml honey syrup
- 3/4 oz 22 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a small bowl or container, combine equal parts honey and hot water, stirring until the honey is fully dissolved to create honey syrup. Let it cool before using.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the brandy, honey syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to thoroughly chill the ingredients and mix well.
- Strain the cocktail mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice cubes.
- Garnish the Bee’s Knees Stinger with a sprig of fresh mint for a refreshing aroma and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your sophisticated Bee’s Knees Stinger cocktail!
Notes
- Brandy Choice: Opt for a high-quality brandy or cognac to ensure a smooth and flavorful cocktail. VS or VSOP grades work well in this recipe.
- Honey Syrup: Making honey syrup ensures that the honey is evenly incorporated into the cocktail and allows for easy mixing. Adjust the sweetness by varying the ratio of honey to water.
CAN I ALTERNATE THE ALCOHOL?
![Indulge in the sophisticated flavors of the Bee's Knees Stinger, a modern twist on two classic cocktails. Combining brandy, honey syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, this refreshing libation offers a harmonious balance of sweet, citrusy, and minty notes. Shake with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with fresh mint for a stylish and refreshing cocktail that is sure to impress. Cheers to sipping on this sophisticated libation!](https://cdn.thefreshmancook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bees-Knee-Stinger-Recipe-1024x1024.jpg)
Absolutely! The beauty of cocktails is their versatility, allowing you to experiment with different spirits to create unique flavor profiles. While the traditional Bee’s Knees Stinger recipe calls for brandy, you can certainly alternate the alcohol to suit your taste preferences or to utilize what you have on hand. Here are some options to consider:
- Gin: Swap out the brandy for gin to create a Bee’s Knees Stinger with a more botanical and herbal flavor profile. Choose a London dry gin for a classic taste, or opt for a flavored gin for added complexity.
- Bourbon: Infuse your Bee’s Knees Stinger with the rich, caramel notes of bourbon for a slightly sweeter and more robust flavor profile. Bourbon adds depth and warmth to the cocktail, complementing the honey and lemon beautifully.
- Vodka: For a lighter and more neutral base, substitute the brandy with vodka. Vodka allows the other flavors in the cocktail, such as the honey and lemon, to shine through, creating a clean and crisp drink.
- Rum: Add a tropical twist to your Bee’s Knees Stinger by using rum as the base spirit. Choose a white or silver rum for a lighter and more delicate flavor, or opt for a dark rum for a richer and more complex cocktail.
WOULD A MINT GARNISH BE THE BEST CHOICE FOR THIS DRINK?
While mint is a traditional garnish for many cocktails and can certainly complement the flavors of the Bee’s Knees Stinger, it’s not necessarily the only or the best choice for this particular drink. The decision of which garnish to use ultimately depends on your personal taste preferences and the overall flavor profile you want to achieve.
Considering the ingredients of the Bee’s Knees Stinger—brandy, honey syrup, and lemon juice—a mint garnish may add a refreshing touch and a pleasant aroma, enhancing the drink’s freshness. However, since the cocktail already contains mint in the honey syrup, you might want to consider other garnish options to complement or contrast with the existing flavors.
Here are a few alternative garnish ideas to consider:
- Lemon Twist: A twist of lemon peel can add a bright citrusy aroma and a visually appealing touch to the cocktail.
- Lemon Wheel: A thin slice of lemon floating on the surface of the drink can provide a pop of color and a hint of citrus flavor.
- Orange Twist: Similarly, an orange twist can offer a slightly sweeter and more aromatic garnish option.
- Brandy-Soaked Cherry: A brandy-soaked cherry adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of boozy flavor to the cocktail.