There’s something undeniably satisfying about sipping a chilled, citrusy cocktail as the sun dips below the horizon. The Tequila Bee’s Knees is a bold, modern twist on a Prohibition-era classic – sweet, tart, and utterly refreshing with a smoky agave kick.

I first tried this variation during a summer barbecue with friends, where the margarita pitcher ran dry and someone got creative with the bar cart. Since then, this drink has become a warm-weather staple in my home, perfect for rooftop evenings or lazy Sunday brunches.

Let’s shake things up and dive into what makes this cocktail a standout.

Why You’ll Love This Tequila Bee’s Knees

Once you try this tequila-spiked take on the classic Bee’s Knees, there’s no turning back. It’s crisp, fragrant, and just the right amount of sweet.

First of all, this cocktail is shockingly easy to make. With just three main ingredients and a cocktail shaker, you’ll have a bar-quality drink in less than five minutes. No obscure liqueurs or fussy infusions required.

It’s also perfect for entertaining. The ingredients scale up beautifully, so you can batch it in a pitcher and keep guests happy without playing bartender all night.

What makes this version truly special is its balance of flavors. The sharp citrus from fresh lemon juice plays beautifully with the floral sweetness of honey syrup, while tequila’s earthy undertones ground it all with a bold twist.

And yes, it’s a little healthier than your average cocktail. No added refined sugar – just honey and lemon for natural sweetness and a hit of vitamin C (because why not?).

This drink is destined to become your new favorite – light enough for daytime sipping, strong enough for a proper wind-down. Ready to mix?

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of the Tequila Bee’s Knees lies in its simplicity – just a few quality ingredients deliver huge flavor.

Tequila is the soul of this cocktail. Go with a blanco (silver) tequila for a clean, peppery finish that lets the honey and citrus shine. If you're feeling adventurous, a reposado adds a smooth, oaky depth that's equally delicious.

Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable here. Bottled lemon juice just can’t replicate that bright, zesty hit you get from squeezing it fresh. One lemon should yield about 1 to 1.5 ounces of juice, depending on size.

Honey syrup gives this cocktail its signature silky sweetness. To make it, simply mix equal parts honey and hot water until fully combined. The syrup blends more easily than raw honey, creating a smooth, luxurious texture in your shaker.

For an optional twist, you can add a dash of orange bitters or a sprig of thyme as garnish for a more herbaceous note – especially lovely for brunch or early evening sipping.

As for equipment, all you need is a cocktail shaker, a jigger, and a fine mesh strainer if you want that ultra-smooth finish.

How To Make This Tequila Bee’s Knees

Making a Tequila Bee’s Knees is quick and satisfying, especially once you get your rhythm down. Here’s how it goes.

Start by preparing your honey syrup. Combine equal parts honey and hot water – I usually do ¼ cup each and store the rest in the fridge. Stir until fully blended and let cool while you prep the rest.

Juice your fresh lemon, aiming for about an ounce. I always roll my lemons on the counter before cutting to get the most juice with the least effort.

Fill your cocktail shaker with ice, then add 2 oz tequila, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, and ¾ oz honey syrup. If you're adding bitters, toss in a dash at this stage.

Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. The shaker should feel ice-cold in your hands – that's how you know you’ve done it right.

Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a lemon twist, a slice of dehydrated citrus, or a sprig of fresh thyme.

From start to finish, you’re looking at under 10 minutes – a small effort for something this delicious.

Storage Options

While cocktails are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep parts of this one in advance for easy hosting or back-to-back happy hours.

Honey syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just give it a stir or shake before using, as natural separation can occur.

Fresh lemon juice can be squeezed a few hours ahead of time and kept in the fridge, but it’s best used within 24 hours for peak brightness.

If you’re batching the cocktail itself, mix the tequila, lemon juice, and honey syrup in a pitcher and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. Shake individual servings with ice before serving to maintain the texture and chill.

Avoid freezing or storing shaken cocktails with ice in them – they’ll dilute and lose their punch over time.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the joys of a simple cocktail like this is how easily it welcomes your own spin. Here are some of my favorite ways to play with it.

Swap the spirit: Don’t love tequila? This drink works beautifully with gin (for a more traditional take), or mezcal if you want a smoky, adventurous edge.

Go herbal: Infuse your honey syrup with lavender, basil, or thyme. Just steep the herbs in the hot water before mixing with honey for a fragrant twist.

Add bubbles: Top off the cocktail with a splash of club soda or prosecco for a lighter, spritz-style drink.

Spice it up: Muddle a slice of jalapeño before shaking for a spicy honey-citrus kick that’s especially refreshing in hot weather.

Make it zero-proof: Sub the tequila for a non-alcoholic spirit like Seedlip Grove or Ritual Tequila Alternative, and you’ve got a gorgeous mocktail with the same citrus-honey charm.

Don’t be afraid to get creative. This cocktail is forgiving, adaptable, and always rewarding – the very definition of a keeper.