While the Gold Rush cocktail is incredibly simple, it just works. You’re basically making a Whiskey Sour, but using honey instead of simple syrup. First invented in the New York Bar, Milk and Honey, before Prohibition, this classic drink is similar to a Bees Knees cocktail, but replaces gin with bourbon. Straightforward, sophisticated, and completely delicious, it’s the perfect pre-dinner serve for your next summer party.
Gold Rush Cocktail
PREP TIME 5 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Add the bourbon, honey syrup and lemon juice to an ice-filled cocktail shaker
02
2.
Shake for 30 seconds, or until icy cold
03
3.
Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube
04
4.
Garnish with a lemon twist
05
5.
Serve
What is a Gold Rush cocktail and what’s in it?
Our recipe uses three simple ingredients that you’ll probably have at home already: bourbon, lemon, and honey. While many Whiskey Sour cocktails call for egg white to be added, this bourbon and honey cocktail is just fine without it. In fact, the addition of honey adds a rich floral taste, so there’s no need for the egg.
How to make a Gold Rush Cocktail
You can shake up this dapper drink in a matter of seconds, leaving you with more time to mingle.
Honey syrup recipe
Honey syrup is the same thing as simple syrup, but instead of sugar, you’re going to be using honey. You’ll only need ¾ oz of honey syrup for this cocktail, but we suggest you make a batch, bottle it and store it in the fridge for up to a month. To make your own honey syrup, add half a cup of honey and half a cup of water to a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and stir until the honey has dissolved. Remove from the heat, cool, and decant. For a richer honey syrup, adjust the ratio to a 2-to-1 honey to water ratio.
Bourbon recommendations
When choosing the bourbon for your cocktail, reach for something that’s not been aged for too long. Something between 6-9 years should be good. If it’s too aged, then your bourbon and honey drink will be too oaky, and that can overpower the rest of the ingredients. The secret lies in getting that delicate balance of flavors just right. We love Wild Turkey bourbon (opens in new window) for this recipe because of its sweet vanilla and caramel notes and spiced orange peel finish. It’s the perfect match for honey syrup and fresh lemon juice.
How to serve this classy clinker
The classic version is served in an Old Fashioned glass with one large ice cube and a lemon peel twist. We recommend serving these drinks with a snack platter of cured meats, cheese, and fresh melon for a gorgeous pairing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It's similar to a Whiskey Sour, but the addition of honey creates a richer mouthfeel and flavor, while the lemon juice cuts through this richness resulting in a refreshing summer sipper.
This classic cocktail is best served as a pre-dinner drink. Serve these with a snack platter of cured meats, cheese and summer melon.
Store leftover honey syrup in a bottle in your fridge. It should keep for up to a month.
