In the roaring 1920s, amidst the clandestine ambiance of speakeasies and the jazz era, the Bee’s Knees emerged as a savior to many seeking a refined drink. The origin of this cocktail is enshrouded in the mystery of Prohibition’s underground bars. It’s a tale of resourcefulness in the face of adversity. Bartenders, in their quest to disguise the harsh realities of bathtub gin—a homemade spirit often overpowered by a medicinal taste—turned to the natural sweetness of honey and the zesty kick of lemon. This not only masked the gin’s imperfections but also gave birth to a cocktail that was the epitome of sophistication in a time of constraint. The phrase “bee’s knees,” slang for something outstanding, became synonymous with this concoction, reflecting both its quality and the era’s unique vernacular.