I’m back with another low-carb rendition of a classic cocktail! This month’s creation is the classic Bee’s Knees Cocktail. Originating during Prohibition, the Bee’s Knees normally consists of only three ingredients: Gin, Lemon, and Honey. As per usual, my challenge this month was to find a way to lower the carbohydrates of a cocktail without changing the entire structure of the drink. I decided to make two different renditions of this cocktail to provide a few low-carb options to try and enjoy! Without further ado, please enjoy my two versions of a Low Carb Grapefruit Bee’s Knees Cocktail.

Low Carb Grapefruit Bee’s Knees Cocktail

RECIPE #1: THE GROOVY GARDEN

This rendition of my low-carb grapefruit bee’s knees cocktail is perfect for a garden dinner party, a Sunday brunch, or anytime you’re looking to enjoy a refreshing cocktail that is light on the carbohydrates.

Serves 1

INGREDIENTS

• 1 oz stevia simple syrup
• 1/2 tablespoon of runny honey (warmed up honey that’s easy to mix!)
• 1 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 oz fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
• 1 egg white 
• 2 oz gin (I used Roku
• Chamomile flower for garnish

HOW TO MAKE STEVIA SIMPLE SYRUP

1. Bring one cup of water to a boil.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of stevia and let it simmer at low heat until stevia has completely dissolved.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Let it cool at room temperature before using, refrigerate the rest.

INSTRUCTIONS

Tip: Prior to making this drink, pop your coupe glasses into the freezer to chill.

1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously over ice for 30 seconds.
2. Pour into a chilled coupe glass.
3. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a chamomile flower.

RECIPE #2: THE BUSY BEE

This version of my Low Carb Grapefruit Bee’s Knee’s Cocktail offers all the flavor of my original recipe, with a fun party trick! By activating the butterfly pea blossom of the Empress Gin with citrus, you transform the original purple color of the gin into a vibrant pink. This cocktail offers a herbal earthiness elevated by the gin, which you’ll find more prominent in this recipe than in the first.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 oz stevia simple syrup
• 1/2 tablespoon of runny honey (warmed up honey that’s easy to mix!)
• 1 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 oz fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
• 2 oz Empress gin
• Chamomile flower for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Tip: Prior to making this drink, pop your coupe glasses into the freezer to chill.

1. Add all ingredients except the gin to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously over ice for 30 seconds.
2. Pour into a chilled glass over ice.
3. Add your empress gin – (wait to stir to experience the color separation)
4. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a chamomile flower.

I hope you enjoy the diabetes-friendly twist on my low carb grapefruit bee’s knees cocktail! Be sure to tag me in your photos with the hashtag #CupofOjCocktail. Discover all of my monthly low-carb cocktail recipes, and stay tuned for a brand new recipe next month! On Instagram? Say hi over on my page: @arianafrayer