Tequila Bee's Knees Recipe

There's something undeniably refreshing about the zesty zing of citrus paired with the subtle complexity of tequila. The Tequila Bee’s Knees brings those elements together with a smooth, honey-sweet finish that's hard to resist.

this Recipe

I first discovered this cocktail during a summer trip to Santa Fe, where a bartender swapped out gin in the classic Bee’s Knees for a splash of aged tequila. It was love at first sip—bright, bold, and just sweet enough. Since then, it’s been my go-to cocktail for easy entertaining and laid-back evenings alike.

Why You’ll Love This Tequila Bee’s Knees

Get ready to meet your new favorite warm-weather cocktail. The Tequila Bee’s Knees is the perfect blend of earthy, citrusy, and sweet—with just the right kick.

This cocktail is shockingly simple to whip up. With only three main ingredients and no fancy equipment needed, it’s ideal for both beginner mixologists and seasoned home bartenders.

It’s also lighter and fresher than many traditional tequila drinks. Forget the heavy margarita mixes—this one leans into the natural brightness of lemon and the floral depth of honey.

And let’s talk versatility. You can easily adjust the sweetness or tartness depending on your mood. Want something spicier? Add a jalapeño slice. Craving herbal notes? Toss in a sprig of rosemary.

Best of all, it feels elegant without being fussy. Serve it in a coupe glass at your next dinner party or pour it over ice for a backyard happy hour—either way, it impresses.

Ingredients Notes

This cocktail proves that less is more. With just a few carefully chosen components, the Tequila Bee’s Knees delivers a complex, balanced flavor.

Tequila is the star of the show. I recommend using a smooth reposado tequila for a richer, slightly oaky depth that complements the honey. Blanco tequila also works if you want a crisper, cleaner profile.

Fresh lemon juice adds essential brightness and acidity. Bottled juice just won’t do here—the freshness is key to cutting through the sweetness of the honey syrup.

Honey syrup is what sets this drink apart. To make it, simply mix equal parts honey and warm water until smooth. It blends much more easily into the cocktail than straight honey and adds a subtle floral sweetness.

Optionally, a dash of bitters (like orange or cardamom) can add an extra layer of complexity. It’s not traditional, but it’s a fun twist for the adventurous sipper.

No special equipment is needed, but a cocktail shaker and fine mesh strainer will give you the best results. A citrus squeezer also helps ensure you get every drop of juice from your lemons.

How To Make This Tequila Bee’s Knees

Creating a perfectly balanced Tequila Bee’s Knees is easier than you think. Here’s how to do it, step by step.

Start by making the honey syrup. In a small bowl or jar, stir together 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 tablespoons of warm water until completely dissolved. You can store extra in the fridge for up to a week.

Next, squeeze your fresh lemon juice. You’ll need about ¾ to 1 ounce per cocktail, depending on how tart you like it. Make sure to strain out any seeds or pulp for a smooth finish.

Now it’s time to build your cocktail. In a shaker filled with ice, combine 2 ounces of tequila, ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice, and ½ to ¾ ounce of honey syrup. The more syrup you add, the sweeter the drink.

Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. You want the shaker to feel ice-cold on the outside—that’s your cue that it’s properly chilled and diluted.

Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass for an elegant presentation, or pour over a large ice cube in a rocks glass if you prefer it on the rocks.

Garnish with a lemon twist or a thin lemon wheel, and if you're feeling fancy, a tiny sprig of thyme or edible flower takes it to the next level.

From start to finish, the whole process takes just about 5 minutes. Fast, fun, and fabulously refreshing.

Storage Options

While cocktails are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep elements of the Tequila Bee’s Knees in advance for faster assembly.

Honey syrup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to one week. Store it in a sealed jar or squeeze bottle for quick measuring.

Fresh lemon juice can be squeezed and refrigerated for up to 2 days, but it’s always best within a few hours of juicing for maximum flavor.

If you're batching cocktails for a party, you can combine the tequila, honey syrup, and lemon juice in advance and chill the mixture. Just be sure to shake with ice right before serving to get that proper dilution and chill.

To reheat the honey syrup after refrigeration, just place the jar in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes—no microwave needed.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the joys of the Tequila Bee’s Knees is how customizable it is. Here are a few fun ways to switch it up.

For a spicy kick, muddle a slice of fresh jalapeño or shake in a dash of chili tincture. The heat balances beautifully with the honey.

Swap the lemon juice for grapefruit or lime to shift the flavor profile. Grapefruit gives it a more mellow vibe, while lime pushes it toward a margarita feel.

Add depth with herbal infusions. A sprig of rosemary or thyme can be shaken in or used as a garnish to infuse a subtle botanical layer.

Go floral with lavender honey or add a drop of orange blossom water for a Mediterranean twist.

And if tequila isn’t your thing, this recipe works beautifully with mezcal for a smoky edge or even gin to return to the classic Bee’s Knees roots.

Experimentation is part of the fun—this cocktail is your canvas. Play around until you find your perfect version.

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