Smoked Rosemary Bee’s Knees Cocktail

Rated 5 by 1 parent

A sultry reimagining of the Prohibition-era classic, this Smoked Rosemary Bee’s Knees brings together the floral brightness of honey and lemon with an aromatic wisp of rosemary smoke. The cocktail dances between sweet and herbal, elevated by a gin with subtle citrus notes and served with a showstopping garnish that adds visual drama and an earthy finish.

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings: 2 people

Course: Cocktail

Cuisine: American

Calories: 100

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

3 OZ gin dry style for clean botanical balance
1.5 OZ fresh lemon juice freshly squeezed only
1 OZ honey syrup equal parts honey and warm water
1 sprig rosemary for smoking and garnish
1 piece lemon peel for garnish

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Equipment

1 Cocktail shaker Essential for blending and chilling
1 Hawthorne Strainer Filters out ice shards for smooth serving
1 Jigger For precise measurement of spirits and mixers
1 Citrus Juicer Extracts every drop from fresh lemons
1 Bar Spoon Ideal for stirring in delicate honey syrup
1 Kitchen Torch For smoking the rosemary garnish
2 Coupe Glass Classic stemware for a refined presentation

Method

Place coupe glasses in the freezer or fill with ice water to chill while you make the drink.
In a small cup or bowl, mix equal parts honey and warm water until fully dissolved. Set aside.
1 OZ honey syrup
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.
3 OZ gin, 1.5 OZ fresh lemon juice, 1 OZ honey syrup
Using a kitchen torch, gently light the rosemary sprig until smoking. Invert the coupe glass over it to capture the aromatic smoke. Hold for 15 seconds.
1 sprig rosemary
Discard ice or water from coupe glass if chilling. Strain the shaken cocktail into the glass. Garnish with a fresh lemon peel and the smoked rosemary sprig.
1 sprig rosemary, 1 piece lemon peel

Notes

For a deeper herbal flavor, infuse the honey syrup with rosemary by steeping a sprig in the warm mixture for 10 minutes before mixing the cocktail. To make this a zero-proof version, use a non-alcoholic gin with botanical complexity. Pair this cocktail with savory appetizers like herbed goat cheese crostini or lemon-thyme roasted almonds.

This recipe is written and shared for entertainment and informational purposes only. Nutritional values are estimates and not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for dietary concerns or food allergies.