Rainy Days and Mondays
Rainy Days and Mondays
According to lexico.com the phrase “bee’s knee” was first recorded in the late eighteenth century to mean something small of little significance. That would hardly be an appropriate reference for the Honeycomb Box, which although small is certainly significant in many ways. In fact, I’d say it’s the “bee’s knees”, using the now common definition coined in the 1920’s during a robust period of new American slang that included other expressions such as the “cat’s pyjamas” (or its “meow”), the “gnat’s elbow”, and the lovely “dog’s bollocks”, although that one was clearly borrowed from the Brits. Meaning something outstanding and sensational, the Bee’s Knees was also the name given to a classic prohibition era cocktail made with gin, lemon and honey. It’s a perfect name for the drink, referencing the honey and suggesting that the cocktail is absolutely delicious, which is true. The drink may have been the invention of Frank Meier, the head bartender of the Café Parisian at the Ritz Hotel in Paris when it opened in 1921, and was also associated with the socialite Molly Brown, who survived the sinking of the Titanic. It was certainly popular in the American speakeasies of the era thanks to its ability to mask bathtub quality gin.
this will generate some buzz
Here’s a deliciously different take on the Bee’s Knees cocktail that is perfect for the Thanksgiving holiday and season. It has two small but important additions to the original. The first is the inclusion of Cynar, a robust, vegetal Italian amaro famous for its use of artichoke leaves, among many other herbs and botanicals, in its secret recipe. Cynar is a relative newcomer to the amaro family, first introduced in Padua in 1952. The Bee’s Knees cocktail is light and summery, but the addition of Cynar changes it completely and alluringly into an autumn drink. The second addition is the use of a rosemary infused honey syrup. The aromatic herb lends a whole new layer of deep flavor to the drink, and ties it so well to the season. The drink’s name is an homage to the bees we have buzzing around our yard, burrowing into the fences, and is a bit of a misnomer, as Carpenter Bees do not produce honey. Cheers!
Maze well enjoy this pair
Rainy Days and Mondays
1 ½ oz gin
½ oz Cynar
¾ oz fresh lemon
½ oz rosemary infused honey syrup
Shake ingredients well with ice and strain into a favorite glass. Garnish with a lime peel bee on a pick.