Bee’s Knees Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic)

This Bee’s Knees Mocktail is based on a classic Prohibition cocktail and it’s just as sweet, tangy and delicious. This citrus and honey mocktail is made with freshly squeezed lemon juice and honey lavender syrup served with ice, topped off with sparkling water. It’s non alcoholic and takes just a few minutes to make- it’s perfect for any hot summer day. 

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Why This Recipe is So Good 

• First off, what is a bee’s knees cocktail? This is a honey lemon cocktail popular during the Prohibition era in America. It’s made with gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey simple syrup garnished with a lemon twist. For this mocktail, the gin is replaced with sparkling water. It’s tangy, lightly sweetened and delightful for the warmer months. 
• This fun citrus mocktail is made with a honey lavender simple syrup. A classic bee’s knees drink is made with honey syrup but I had some honey lavender simple syrup leftover from making this Iced Honey Lavender Matcha Latte so I decided to include it in this recipe as well. It’s a great syrup for mocktails and the lavender flavor is light and delicious and works well with the lemon juice. 
• It’s ridiculously easy to make. If you already have a honey syrup on hand a bees knees mocktail takes barely 5 minutes to put together. If you don’t have a honey syrup, it’s as easy as heating equal parts honey and water in the microwave or over the stove until the honey has dissolved. You can add fresh or dried lavender buds, rosemary, or sage to steep for extra flavor or keep it plain.

Recipe Ingredients

Lemon juice – use freshly squeezed lemon juice it will give your honey mocktail soo much flavor and strong citrus punch. You’ll need the juice of half a large lemon. 

Honey Lavender syrup – Use plain honey syrup or make a lavender flavored one by adding a little bit of dried lavender buds. It sweetens the mocktail and adds a light lavender flavor without it tasting like soap. Making a syrup is important because plain honey doesn’t blend very well in cold drinks. 

Sparkling water or club soda – Any kind you like! Add it just before serving so you don’t have a flat drink. 

How to Make A Virgin Bee’s Knees Mocktail

All ingredients, measurements, and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make honey lavender syrup

Add ¼ cup water, ¼ cup honey, and 1 ½ teaspoons culinary grade organic lavender buds to a small saucepan. Heat on medium-low heat until the honey has dissovled, 5 – 10 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, then allow the syrup to steep covered with a lid for 30 minutes. Strain the syrup, then allow it to cool to room temperature before using in this mocktail recipe.  

Make mocktail

Add honey lavender syrup and lemon juice to a short glass. Fill glass ¾ of the way with ice.

Top off with sparkling water. Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy. 

Looking For More Recipes?

• Mint Ginger Lemonade with Homemade Mint Ginger Syrup
• Iced Tea Lemonade (Arnold Palmer Drink)
• Cherry Limeade with Real Cherries
• Sparkling Limeade

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