The cocktail known as Bee’s Knees dates back to Prohibition times—the classic build involved lemon, honey, and gin. Bartender Laura Kelton of Sportsman’s Club in Chicago employs Old Tom, a slightly sweeter gin, to complement the Malort and absinthe added to the drink. The finished drink is bright, a touch bitter, and with a lovely floral sweetness. The Cat’s Meow 0.5 oz. honey syrup (2:1 honey:water) 0.75 oz. lemon juice 0.25 oz. Malort 2 oz. Old Tom gin Dash of absinthe Combine into shaker tin with ice. Shake, pour, and garnish with orange peel.
