A classic Gold Rush Cocktail is a simple and refreshing drink full of well-balanced flavors. All you need is some bourbon, lemon, and honey!
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So What is a Gold Rush Cocktail?
A Gold Rush cocktail is a popular whiskey-based drink that is made with lemon juice, honey syrup, and bourbon whiskey. It was created at a New York City bar called Milk & Honey in the mid-2000s by T.J. Siegel. The drink was an immediate hit and has now become a modern-day classic.
The Gold Rush Cocktail was inspired by a whiskey sour which is made from whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, and Angostura bitters. But this whiskey cocktail is a lot simpler and only contains three ingredients.
A Gold Rush is a bourbon-based version of another classic cocktail - a Bee's Knees cocktail which replaces the whiskey with gin. Both these drinks create a delicious balance of sweet and sour.
Why you'll love this cocktail recipe:
- An uncomplicated cocktail that requires only three ingredients.
- Honey gives this bourbon cocktail body and a silky, smooth mouthfeel.
- Perfect for sipping on in all seasons.
- It's a deliciously sweet and tangy drink that can be made in seconds.
- Easy to make a large batch for serving a crowd.
Ingredients and Notes
You will need just three ingredients to make this simple and tasty bourbon cocktail. The ingredients are listed below and you can also find a detailed recipe card at the end of this post.
BOURBON
Bourbon is the classic choice of whiskey for a Gold Rush cocktail but you could also use any other whiskey that you like best. Rye whiskey is another popular choice and will give your cocktail spicy and peppery notes.
LEMON JUICE
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for this recipe. Because this drink is made with such few ingredients, each one of them really shines so I really recommend using the best kind you can.
HONEY SYRUP
You can use store-bought or homemade honey syrup. We have a great recipe for HONEY SIMPLE SYRUP that is easy to make. It is important to use honey syrup for this recipe and not pure honey as that will clump and thicken when it is chilled whereas honey syrup stays silky smooth.
Optional Garnishes
I like to add a garnish to this cocktail to make it even more special and celebratory. This is entirely optional as this drink is beautiful and delicious as is - but if you would like to garnish your cocktail you can find some inspiration below:
- Lime wedge or wheel
- Lemon wedge or wheel
- Zest twist (To make one, cut a thin strip of peel from your whole, fresh citrus fruit, and then roll the peel into a spiral roll. Give it a gentle squeeze before adding it to your glass.
- Clear ice
How to make a Gold Rush Cocktail
A Gold Rush cocktail only takes a few minutes to create and requires no fancy bar equipment to make it. You can follow the step-by-step instructions below, or you can find a detailed recipe card at the end of this post.
STEP ONE
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
STEP TWO
Add the bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice.
STEP THREE
Cover and shake vigorously until very cold, about 15 - 30 seconds.
STEP FOUR
Strain into an ice-filled serving glass and add a garnish if desired. Serve immediately.
Pitcher Variation
It is easy to make and serve this cocktail in a pitcher when catering to a crowd. Simply add the bourbon, lemon juice, and honey syrup to a large pitcher according to how many servings you desire. Mix together and then allow to chill in the fridge or serve immediately over ice.
Glassware for serving your cocktail
A short rocks glass, also known as an Old-Fashioned Glass, is the preferred glassware for serving a Gold Rush. It allows the cocktail to be fully emerged by ice, which makes for easy sipping.
What kind of whiskey is best for a Gold Rush Cocktail?
Bourbon is the classic choice for a Gold Rush because it has a sweet, caramel-like flavor and a full-bodied mouthfeel. This marries well with floral honey and tangy lemon.
Opt for a mellow bourbon so as not to overpower the honey’s delicate flavors. You don’t need a bourbon that's very old, as a heavy oak can overpower the other ingredients. Therefore a whiskey in the four-to-eight-year range will do best.
CAN YOU MAKE THIS COCKTAIL IN ADVANCE?
Yes, you can prepare this whiskey drink ahead of time if hosting an event. Simply mix the ingredients together in a jug and then store it in the fridge for as long as required. When you are ready to serve, pour into glasses filled with ice and enjoy.
Check out our REFRESHING BOURBON LEMONADE recipe for another delicious whiskey cocktail option!
Classic Gold Rush Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
- 1 old-fashioned glass (short)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- ¾ ounce lemon juice
- ¾ ounce honey syrup
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add the bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice.
- Cover and shake vigorously until very cold, about 15 - 30 seconds.
- Strain into an ice-filled serving glass and add a garnish if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
I hope you love this recipe for a Classic Gold Rush Cocktail as much as I do. And if you want to see more of my food adventures, follow me on Instagram or Facebook.
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