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Home » Cocktails

Published: Jul 2, 2024 by Tiffany · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Gold Rush Cocktail

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The gold rush cocktail is a modern-day classic that combines three of my favorite flavors - bourbon and equal parts honey syrup and fresh lemon juice.  This bourbon cocktail originated at a bar on New York's lower east side and became an instant hit.  

It's one of my favorite cocktails and I recommend making it with the best bourbon you can afford  since there are just three simple ingredients.

A gold rush cocktail served with a lemon twist on a gold tray.
Jump to:
  • What is a Gold Rush Cocktail?
  • Why this is a great drink:
  • How to make a Gold Rush Cocktail
  • Garnish Suggestions
  • Pitcher Variation
  • What kind of liquor is best for a Gold Rush Cocktail?
  • Glassware for Serving this Cocktail
  • Recipe

What is a Gold Rush Cocktail?

The Gold Rush is a simple cocktail, made from bourbon, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice. It's a twist on both a classic Whiskey Sour (which combines whiskey, lemon and honey or sugar) and a Bee's Knees Cocktail (which combines gin, lemon and honey). This combination of bourbon and honey gives the Gold Rush recipe a unique flavor and texture that elevate the drink beyond its simple ingredients.

Why this is a great drink:

  • An uncomplicated cocktail that requires only three ingredients, making it the perfect drink for an at home mixologist.
  • Rich honey syrup 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.
Two gold rush cocktails on a gold serving tray.

How to make a Gold Rush Cocktail

A Gold Rush cocktail only takes a few minutes to create and only requires a cocktail shaker, strainer and a rocks glass for serving.  

  • 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 glass and add a garnish if desired. Serve immediately.

Garnish Suggestions

  • Lime wedge or lime wheel
  • Lemon wedge or lemon 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
Lemon juice being poured from a jig into a gold shaker.

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 fresh ice.

What kind of liquor 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 bright lemon flavors. 

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.

A gold rush cocktail in a serving glass.

Glassware for Serving this Cocktail

An illustration of a cocktail served in a rocks glass

A short rocks glass, also known as an Old-Fashioned Glass, is the preferred glassware for serving a Gold Rush drink. It allows the cocktail to be fully emerged in ice, which makes for easy sipping.

If you have tried this recipe, we would love it if you leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and comment below!

Recipe

A gold rush cocktail served in an old fashioned glass on a gold tray.
Print Pin
5 from 2 votes

Gold Rush Cocktail

The gold rush cocktail is a modern-day classic that combines three of my favorite flavors - bourbon and equal parts honey syrup and fresh lemon juice.  This bourbon cocktail originated at a bar on New York's lower east side and became an instant hit.  
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Total Time 5 minutes minutes
Servings 1

Equipment

  • 1 Cocktail Shaker
  • 1 Rocks Serving Glass

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Bourbon Whiskey
  • ¾ ounce Lemon Juice
  • ¾ ounce Honey Simple Syrup
  • ice cubes
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
  • Add the bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice.
    2 ounces Bourbon Whiskey, ¾ ounce Lemon Juice, ¾ ounce Honey Simple Syrup
  • 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.
    ice cubes

Notes

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. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 34mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Portrait of Tiffany Welsh.

Hi, I'm Tiffany!

I love cooking, baking and trying new recipes. This space is all about sharing ideas for cocktails, mocktails, coffee, juice and smoothies. Anything that will quench your thirst!

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