This blueberry yuzu bee's knees cocktail is a fun twist on the traditional bee's knees. Muddled blueberries are mixed with gin, fresh lemon juice, yuzu, honey simple syrup, fresh mint and ice, then shaken and strained into a cold martini or coupe glass.
This version of the bee's knees is quick and easy to make, wonderful for entertaining in spring and summer, oh, and it's delicious!
If you're a fan of gin and love citrus and blueberries you are going to love this cocktail! It's full of blueberry, citrus, honey, and subtle floral flavors, and beautifully balanced.
Make this bee's knees cocktail on a warm spring or summer day or evening when entertaining friends to get your taste buds excited. If you like summer martinis you may also want to add this refreshing cucumber martini to your summer cocktail list.
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What is Yuzu and Where Do I Get it?
Yuzu is a citrus fruit commonly used in Japanese cuisine with flavors of lemon and grapefruit with herbal and floral notes.
Yuzu fruit is hard to find in the States but you can buy the juice here on Amazon, and I've also seen it at Whole Foods and other gourmet grocery stores.
Ingredient Info and Substitutions
Blueberry Yuzu Bee's Knees Cocktail
- Gin
- Fresh Blueberries
- Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed, preferably Meyer lemons for the best flavor.
- Yuzu Juice. If you can't find yuzu, replace it with lemon or grapefruit juice.
- Honey Simple Syrup see recipe below
- Fresh Mint Leaves
- Ice
Honey Simple Syrup
- Honey
- Water
- Vanilla Extract This is one of the KEY flavors in this cocktail that makes it extra delicious. This adds a subtle vanilla flavor to this cocktail that balances the citrus and honey beautifully.
How to Make This Unique Bee's Knees Cocktail
Make the Honey Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan over medium heat combine, honey, water, and vanilla. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the honey completely dissolves in the water. Cool for 5 minutes before making the cocktail. Store in a covered mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Make the Cocktail
- In a cocktail shaker or 16 oz mason jar add the blueberries and muddle for a few seconds until some juice releases. Add gin, fresh lemon juice, yuzu, honey simple syrup, fresh mint, and ice. Cover and shake for 10-15 seconds. Pour the mixture through a fine strainer into a chilled martini or coupe glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, blueberries, or a thin slice of lemon, serve and drink immediately.
If you tried this Blueberry Yuzu Bee's Knees Cocktail or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ? star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Blueberry Yuzu Bee's Knees Cocktail
Click the stars to rate.
*Easily adjust serving size to your liking by clicking the number under servings or with the boxes below in the ingredients section.
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker or mason jar with lid
- Muddler or wooden spoon
- Small saucepan
- Martini or coupe glass, for serving
Ingredients
Blueberry Yuzu Bee's Knees Cocktail (makes 1)
- 2 ounces Gin
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Blueberries
- 1 ounce Lemon Juice
- ½ ounce Yuzu Juice
- 1 ounce Honey Simple Syrup see recipe below
- 2 leaves Fresh Mint
- ½ cup Ice
Honey Simple Syrup (makes enough for 4 cocktails)
- ¼ cup Honey
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Honey Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan over medium heat combine, honey, water, and vanilla. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the honey completely dissolves in the water. Cool for 5 minutes before making the cocktail. Store in a covered mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Make the Cocktail
- In a cocktail shaker or 16 oz mason jar add the blueberries and muddle for a few seconds until some juice releases. Add gin, fresh lemon juice, yuzu, honey simple syrup, fresh mint, and ice. Cover and shake for 10-15 seconds. Pour the mixture through a fine strainer into a chilled martini or coupe glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, blueberries, or a thin slice of lemon, serve and drink immediately.
Notes
-
- Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed, preferably Meyer lemons for the best flavor.
- Yuzu Juice. If you can't find yuzu, replace it with lemon or grapefruit juice.
- Vanilla Extract This is one of the KEY flavors in this cocktail that makes it extra delicious. This adds a subtle vanilla flavor to this cocktail that balances the citrus and honey beautifully.
Nutrition
Recipe Inspiration
This cocktail was inspired by the yuzu used in the dishes I had recently while doing the dining journey at Cyrus Restaurant in Geyeserville, Ca.
If you're a foodie and planning a trip to Sonoma or Napa County, add Cyrus to your list. Reservations are booked out months in advance so you must plan accordingly but it's an amazing dining experience you'll never forget!
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