Drink the best & Save the Bees

Participating Locations

    What is Bee's knees week?

    Every year in September, bars, restaurants, spirit stores, cocktail fans and environmental stewards come together to celebrate the iconic Bee's Knees cocktail and, most importantly, pollinators.

    Since 2017 Bee's Knees Week has grown into the largest sustainability initiative in the spirits industry, creating over half a million square feet of new pollinator habitat that supports a diversity of species, as well as raising awareness about the vital role pollinators play in our planet's ecosystem.

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    • Bee’s Knees Week is proud to be a 1% For the Planet Program Partner

      1% for the Planet is a global organization created so our planet and future generations thrive. They ensure accountability and effectiveness for businesses supporting environmental partners by vetting an extensive network of environmental organizations to prevent greenwashing and certify reputable giving. Their certification guarantees our commitments are met, all funds go directly to 1% for the Planet approved partners and that the outcomes benefit pollinators and communities.

    The Bee's Knees Cocktail

    Bars and restaurants across the country will be serving Barr Hill Bee's Knees cocktails, and you can also make one at home! This guide offers some of our favorite recipes - from the classic Bee's Knees, to fun variations and even mocktails so everyone can participate.

    Our 2023 Cocktail & Mocktail Guide is now available.

    Download Guide

    Why are bees so important?

    Almost 90% of all flowering plants and approximately 30% of our food crops depend on animal pollinators. 1 in every 3 bites of food you take depends on pollinators, with honeybees alone pollinating more than 90 different food crops we rely on. In the United States, honeybee pollination produces over $20 billion worth of products annually.

    Bee’s are one of humanity’s special connection points with nature and their role as pollinators affects our entire ecosystem and the delicate balance of life on this planet - well beyond just the effect on food crops.

    • What can we do to help?

      • Support your local beeekeeper! Buy real local raw honey and organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible!

      • Be conscious while gardening or tending to your lawn. Refrain from using neonicotinoids or other harmful pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides. Plant native pollinator friendly plants and reduce the amount of open grass space. Don’t weed out everything! Check out the US Fish & Wildlife’s guide to planting for pollinators.

      • Work in your community to encourage the conservation of wild pollinator habitats.

      • Consider keeping bees. There are many easy to care for hives and organizations to help you get started.

    • Additional Resources

      Bee Informed Partnership National Management Survey

      US Fish & Wildlife Guide to Planting for Pollinators

      USDA Honey Bee Colonies Report from August 2020