Chamomile Bee’s Knees

Greeting guests at a modern garden tea party with a tea-infused cocktail sets the tone immediately. My Chamomile Bee’s Knees shimmers with a soft golden glow and surprises with delicate chamomile notes in this bright, refreshing gin cocktail.

When guests arrive on a warm spring afternoon for a garden tea party, I like to greet them with a cocktail that immediately sets the tone. This may be a tea party, but it leans into romance and flavor rather than tradition. A floral cocktail with a soft, golden shimmer signals that the gathering will be elegant, charming, and just a little unexpected.

My Chamomile Bee’s Knees does exactly that. A chamomile-infused simple syrup gives the classic cocktail a gentle floral sweetness — subtle, not overpowering — that feels perfectly suited to spring. It nods to the idea of tea while surprising guests with the bright lift of lemon and the botanical edge of gin. The result is modern, fresh, and beautifully balanced.

These drinks open my Simply Romantic Spring Tea Party menu with intention. They welcome guests into a table anchored by small bites and herbal notes — crisp crostini topped with whipped goat cheese and marinated tomatoes, and a silky white bean dip swirled with ribbons of pesto. Dessert leans even further into the tea-inspired theme with a delicate Earl Grey posset, softly reminiscent of a British pudding.

The entire menu honors the spirit of a tea party, but in a way that feels refined and contemporary. And these Chamomile Bee’s Knees are the perfect first impression — elegant, simple, and a clear signal that this is not your grandmother’s tea party.

Chamomile Bee’s Knees

Greeting guests at a modern, sophisticated garden tea party with a tea-infused cocktail sets the tone immediately. My Chamomile Bee’s Knees shimmers with a soft golden glow and surprises with delicate chamomile notes in this bright, refreshing gin cocktail.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 1 drink

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp dried chamomile flowers (or 3 tea bags)
• 2 oz gin
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 3/4 oz chamomile simple syrup recipe below

Method

 

1. For the Chamomile Simple Syrup: Bring a saucepan with the water and sugar to a simmer until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and add chamomile. Steep for 15 minutes then strain. Keep in the refrigerator until ready to use.
2. For the Chamomile Bee's Knees: Add the gin, lemon juice, and chamomile simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into coupe glasses. Garnish with lemon twist or chamomile flowers.

From My Table

• The chamomile simple syrup can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.
• This drink can be easily batched if you prefer pouring them from a pitcher than shaking individual drinks.
• Garnish the Chamomile Bee’s Knees with a twist of lemon or chamomile flowers.
• I love serving these drinks in chilled coupe or martini glasses for a sophisticated presentation.

A Warm Spring Afternoon

Chamomile Bee’s Knees are the welcome drink for my elegant twist on a tea party, my Simply Romantic Garden Tea Party. That menu also features appetizers and shareables inspired by the herbs and colors in my garden. A tea-infused twist on a classic British dessert ends the evening on a sweet note.

This cocktail would pair nicely with my other Spring menus! The lemon would fit nicely with my Bright Early Spring Dinner Party Menu or my Modern Spring Dinner Party. This drink would also make a welcome addition to my Brunch for the First Signs of Spring. For a weeknight cocktail moment, I love these to accompany my Salmon and Edamame Hummus Bowls. After all–a strong Spring cocktail may be just the medicine to make it to the weekend!