The Gold Rush Cocktail is a tasty drink made from just three main ingredients that blend together nicely. Bourbon, honey and lemon join to provide a light yet rich flavor. The whiskey gives a smooth base, honey adds a touch of sweetness and lemon adds brightness. Though few components are used, together they make a well-balanced drink that goes down easy but leaves your taste buds wanting more.
Why You’ll Love This Gold Rush Bourbon Cocktail Recipe
- A Twist on Classics: The Gold Rush is similar to a whiskey sour but uses honey instead of sugar. Or think of it as a bees knees cocktail but substituting bourbon for gin. It combines elements of popular drinks into one tasty treat.
- Simple Yet Satisfying: Despite only a few key ingredients, this cocktail really stands out with its smooth, complex blend of flavors. The interplay between lemon, honey and whiskey leaves your taste buds happy.
- Easy to Make: You need just three main things – lemon, honey and bourbon. Using one lemon for juice and zest means minimal effort. This drink is great when you want something delicious without dragging out a fully stocked bar.
- Any Time of Year: While some mixes are seasonal, the Gold Rush suits all occasions. The lemon gives refreshment in summer yet the honey and whiskey provide warmth perfect for fall/winter too. It’s a versatile classic to enjoy regardless of the month.
How To Make A Gold Rush Cocktail Recipe?
Here is an easy way to make a Gold Rush Cocktail recipe: First, note some necessary ingredients for this recipe that are the followings:
The Ingredients
- Honey Syrup: Just mix honey and water in a microwave-safe container and heat until combined. Let cool before use.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice tastes brighter than bottled. Squeeze yourself for the best flavor.
- Bourbon: A quality bourbon like Four Roses, Maker’s Mark, Basil Hayden or Bulleit works well.
- Lemon Peel: Remove the peel from the juiced lemon before using it as a colorful garnish on the rim of the glass.
Ingredients With Measurements To Make This Recipe
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Honey simple syrup | 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) |
| Lemon juice | 1 ounce (2 tablespoons, about 1/2 medium lemon) |
| Bourbon | 2 ounces (1/4 cup, such as Four Roses, Maker’s Mark, Basil Hayden or Bulleit) |
| Lemon peel | For garnish |
Crafting Of Gold Rush Cocktail
- Make Syrup: Combine equal amounts of honey and water. Zap in the microwave until the honey fully mixes in when stirred.
- Build the Cocktail: Put ice into a cocktail shaker. Pour in the bourbon, lemon juice and honey syrup.
- Shake It Up: Put the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Serve: Remove lid and pour the mixed drink through a strainer into a chilled glass.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Add a lemon peel twist to the rim. Sip and savor your gold rush cocktail!
Time For Preparation
| Prep Time | Total Time | Serving Size |
| 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 1 serving |
Recipe Variations
- Ginger Twist: Replace half the honey syrup with ginger liqueur like Domaine de Canton. The ginger adds extra heat to complement the honey.
- Orange Zest: For a hint of citrus depth, include a few drops of orange bitters in with the other ingredients before shaking. The bitters complement the lemon flavor.
Gold Rush Cocktail Storage Tips
- Enjoy Fresh: Like other mixed drinks, the Gold Rush tastes best served immediately after stirring.
- Short Term Storage: If storing for later, pour the cocktail into a sealed container and refrigerate until ready to drink. Consume within a day for optimal flavor.
| Note: Prep Ahead: For entertaining, make the honey syrup up to a month before. Also juice and peel lemons the day before your event. Meal Prep Tip: Having the key ingredients ready to go lets you quickly mix Gold Rushes when guests arrive, without last minute work. Your cocktail station will be stress-free. |
What To Serve With A Gold Rush Cocktail Recipe
- Crostini: Serve crowd-pleasing toppings like whipped feta or pumpkin goat cheese on crisp bread slices.
- Dips and Spreads: Delicious options to complement drinks include honey ricotta with nuts and dried fruit, brie encased in pastry or a tropical pineapple cheese ball.
- Finger Foods: Have fun finger foods like brie-filled bites and spinach puffs so guests can graze while socializing. The eats complement the Gold Rush cocktails perfectly.
Recommended Tools To Make This Gold Rush Cocktail Recipe
- Cocktail Shaker – A must for mixing drinks properly. It’s worth the purchase if you enjoy making cocktails regularly.
- Jigger – Useful for accurately measuring the amounts of liquids needed in recipes. Takes the guesswork out of proportions.
- Citrus Juicer – Convenient for getting the most juice from fruits like lemons and limes. Great for cocktails and other recipes too. A high-use tool in any kitchen.
Recipe Tips And Tricks
- Make the Syrup: Though you can skip this step, the syrup mixes better into the drink versus honey alone. Honey sticks to surfaces, so the syrup distributes evenly.
- No Proper Tools? No Worries: If no cocktail shaker, just use a protein powder bottle, water bottle or mason jar for mixing. Shake vigorously to combine.
- Prepare in Advance: The simple syrup will stay fresh in the fridge for a month. Making a bigger batch means always having what’s needed for quick Gold Rushes instead of remaking small quantities.
Nutrition In Gold Rush Cocktail Recipe
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 169 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Protein | 0.1g |
| Fat | 0.1g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.01g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.01g |
| Potassium | 36mg |
| Fiber | 0.1g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Vitamin A | 2IU |
| Vitamin C | 11mg |
| Calcium | 2mg |
| Iron | 0.1mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Gold Rush sweet?
While bourbon is often associated with colder months, the Gold Rush cocktail proves it can be enjoyed year-round. Made with bourbon, honey syrup and refreshing lemon, it balances sweet and tart flavors in a drink that’s simple to make yet dangerously easy to sip on through summer and into fall.
What does gold rush taste like?
The Gold Rush cocktail strikes a good balance between its ingredients. The honey syrup provides sweetness without being overly so. Bright lemon juice adds tartness that keeps the drink light and refreshing. A dose of bourbon lends a gentle aromatic warmth and just a hint of complexity. It’s a well-rounded whisky drink.
How much alcohol is in a gold rush?
This cocktail contains 2.4 standard drinks worth of alcohol. With 18.42% alcohol by volume or 36.84 proof, it delivers 19.4 grams of pure ethanol.
