This is a variation of the classic Bee's Knees cocktail that we made in bulk for a party as Brood X Cicadas started emerging. It was very well received, and we've made it a number of times this Cicada season. We use both lemon and lime, and steep the hulls in the Gin which adds a huge aroma to the drink. Start the day before to give it time to extract. It's proportioned to fit in a standard 750 ml (26 ounce) wine bottle for portability.
16 oz Gin
4 oz Lemon/Lime Juice, freshly squeezed (about 4), keep the skins
4 oz Honey
2 oz Water
Squeeze the Lemons and Limes to get 4 ounces of Juice.
Gently heat to dissolve the Honey in Water.
Strain Juice into Honey Syrup and hold in fridge overnight in a 750 ml bottle.
In a mixing bowl, pour the Gin over the Lemon/Lime shells, and muddle to release oils from the skins;
cover to reduce evaporation and let sit overnight.
Remove each citrus husk and squeeze the retained Gin into the bowl.
Strain the Gin into the 750 ml bottle on top of the Honey/Citrus Syrup.
Shake to combine, chill.
Serve over ice.
