Are you ready to elevate your cocktail game? The Blueberry Lavender Bee’s Knees is about to become your new favorite drink. This gorgeous purple-hued cocktail takes the Prohibition-era classic and transforms it with floral notes and sweet-tart berry flavors.
Perfect for those summer evenings on the porch or as an impressive offering at your next dinner party. I discovered this variation while experimenting with my herb garden’s lavender harvest, and it’s been a staple at my gatherings ever since. The combination of honey’s sweetness, gin’s botanical profile, and the unexpected pairing of blueberry and lavender creates something truly special that your guests will be talking about long after the glasses are empty.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
The Blueberry Lavender Bee’s Knees stands out for several compelling reasons.
First, it builds on a time-tested cocktail formula but introduces complexity through complementary flavors that work in perfect harmony. The original Bee’s Knees was created to mask the harsh taste of bathtub gin during Prohibition, but this version elevates quality spirits rather than hiding them. What makes this recipe particularly special is its versatility across seasons.
While it shines as a summer refresher, the warming honey notes make it equally welcome in cooler months. The vibrant purple color also makes it an Instagram-worthy addition to any table setting. As someone who’s mixed thousands of drinks behind professional bars, I appreciate how this cocktail balances accessibility with sophistication—it uses techniques familiar to home bartenders but delivers a result that tastes like it came from a craft cocktail lounge.
Equipment needed: Cocktail shaker, fine-mesh strainer, jigger or measuring tool, muddler, cocktail glass
Blueberry Lavender Bee’s Knees
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin preferably a floral or botanical-forward variety
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz lavender honey syrup recipe below
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries plus extra for garnish
- 1 sprig fresh lavender or lemon twist for garnish
- Ice cubes for shaking
For lavender honey syrup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds or 2 tablespoons fresh
Instructions
- Prepare the lavender honey syrup first. Combine honey, water, and lavender in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until honey dissolves completely. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 20-30 minutes. Strain out lavender buds and let cool completely before using.
- Add blueberries to the bottom of your cocktail shaker and muddle thoroughly until they’re completely crushed and have released their juices.
- Pour in the gin, fresh lemon juice, and lavender honey syrup with the muddled blueberries. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the exterior of the shaker becomes frosty and cold to the touch.
- Double-strain the cocktail through a fine-mesh strainer into a chilled cocktail glass to remove any blueberry skin or seed particles.
- Garnish with a few fresh blueberries on a cocktail pick and a small sprig of fresh lavender or lemon twist.
Notes
- The lavender honey syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container, so consider making a larger batch.
- For the best flavor, use fresh blueberries when they’re in season. Frozen blueberries can work in a pinch but will dilute the drink slightly as they thaw.
- The double-straining technique is crucial for a silky-smooth cocktail texture without bits of blueberry skin.
- If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, reduce the honey syrup to 1/2 oz and taste before adding more.
- This recipe can be batched for parties—just multiply ingredients by the number of servings and shake in smaller batches when ready to serve.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories per serving: Approximately 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24g (primarily from honey and fruit)
- Alcohol content: Approximately 14% ABV per serving
- Diet suitability: Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan (if using plant-based honey alternative)
- Allergen notes: No common allergens; contains alcohol
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using dried lavender too liberally – It’s potent and can quickly make your cocktail taste soapy if overdone. Stick to the recommended measurements.
- Skipping the double-strain – Without this step, your cocktail will have bits of blueberry skin and seeds, affecting the luxurious mouthfeel.
- Using bottled lemon juice – The fresh citrus makes a significant difference; bottled versions can introduce unwanted bitter notes.
- Over-muddling the blueberries – You want to release their juice but not completely pulverize the seeds, which can add bitterness.
- Not chilling your glassware – A room-temperature glass will warm your cocktail too quickly, affecting the drinking experience.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Gin alternatives: Vodka works for a more neutral base, or try white rum for a sweeter profile.
- Berry variations: Blackberries or raspberries can substitute for blueberries, though each will bring a different color and acidity level.
- Non-alcoholic version: Replace gin with a juniper-forward non-alcoholic spirit or use a splash of tonic water with extra lemon juice.
- No lavender? Try rosemary, thyme, or rose petals for different but complementary aromatic notes.
- Honey alternatives: Agave nectar or simple syrup can work, though they’ll change the flavor profile slightly.
- Citrus options: Meyer lemon offers a sweeter alternative, while adding a touch of lime juice brings extra brightness.
FAQs
Can I use dried blueberries instead of fresh?
While fresh blueberries are strongly recommended for their juice content and brightness, you could rehydrate dried blueberries in warm water for 20 minutes before muddling. The flavor won’t be as vibrant, but it can work in a pinch when fresh aren’t available.
How strong is this cocktail compared to others?
The Blueberry Lavender Bee’s Knees is moderate in strength with approximately 14% ABV, similar to a glass of strong wine. The honey and fruit components balance the gin’s punch, making it deceptively smooth and easy-drinking.
What type of gin works best for this recipe?
Look for a gin with botanical notes that complement lavender and berries. Hendrick’s works wonderfully due to its rose and cucumber notes, while Aviation or Empress gins offer floral qualities that enhance the lavender. Avoid very juniper-forward London Dry styles unless you particularly enjoy that piney contrast.
Can I make this for a crowd ahead of time?
You can pre-batch everything except for the fresh blueberry muddling. Multiply the gin, lemon juice, and lavender honey syrup proportions and store refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead. When ready to serve, portion out the mixture into a shaker with freshly muddled blueberries for each batch of drinks.
Why is double-straining so important?
Double-straining (using both the cocktail shaker strainer and a fine-mesh strainer) removes tiny particles of blueberry skin and seeds that would otherwise float in your cocktail. This technique ensures a silky-smooth texture and elegant presentation worthy of a high-end cocktail bar.
What’s the origin of the original Bee’s Knees cocktail?
The original Bee’s Knees emerged during American Prohibition in the 1920s. The combination of honey and lemon was used to mask the harsh taste of bathtub gin. The name comes from popular 1920s slang where “bee’s knees” meant “the best” or “excellent.”
Final Thoughts
The Blueberry Lavender Bee’s Knees is more than just a pretty drink—it’s a conversation starter and mood-setter. When you serve this elegant purple cocktail, you’re not just offering refreshment, but a sensory experience that balances tradition with creativity. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your signature cocktail that friends request by name. Cheers to expanding your mixology horizons and finding joy in small, beautiful indulgences!
