A gold rush cocktail is the bourbon lovers perfect summer drink! Made with 3-ingredients, this easy and refreshing drink is sure to prove that vodka and gin aren’t the only summertime spirits.
In our 15 year journey of home bartending, my husband I and initially leaned hard on vodka and gin drinks for summer sipping. But with us both being more partial to bourbon and whiskey, we found that this bright and fun bourbon cocktail proves this thought wrong! Made with bourbon, honey simple syrup, and lemon juice, this drink couldn’t be easier. We’ve detailed which bourbons work best in this recipe, and outlined easy to follow steps for easy mixing on your end!
Although this drink has that pre-prohibition era feel, it’s creation is actually credited to New York City’s Milk & Honey bar in the mid-2000s. The Gold Rush is a modern take on a classic whiskey sour, replacing the standard sugar simple syrup with honey simple syrup. Doing this also happens to create a refined sugar free cocktail, which is great for those trying to avoid refined sugars.
And if you love this drink for summer sipping, be sure to try our hot toddy recipe in the fall and winter (it’s got the same vibe, but warm and cozy).
What is a Gold Rush Cocktail
A gold rush cocktail is a refreshing modern bourbon cocktail that’s a play on a whiskey sour made with honey instead of cane sugar. The drink’s creation is attributed to New York City’s famous Milk & Honey bar in the mid-2000’s. The name “gold rush” comes from the drink’s beautiful golden color and is also a nod to the California Gold Rush era when whiskey was a staple spirit.
Why You’ll Love This Gold Rush Cocktail
- Level of difficulty: This is an easy cocktail to make. You do have the added step of making homemade honey simple syrup for this cocktail recipe, but that is an easy process as well.
- Flavor: The lemon and honey compliment the boozy bourbon in this drink, creating a light, crisp, and refreshing cocktail.
- Time: From start-to-finish, it will take you approximately 5 minutes to mix up your Gold Rush cocktail (this does not include the time to make the simple syrup).
Gold Rush Cocktail Ingredients
- Bourbon: Using a high quality bourbon is recommended for this cocktail recipe. As there are minimal ingredients, you want to select a bourbon you like as the flavor will shine through. My top recommendations would be: anything from J.Henry & Sons, Makers Mark Cask Strength, and Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. If you have a local distillery near you that makes bourbon, give them a try too!
- Honey Simple Syrup: Homemade honey simple syrup is key to this drink. It adds that lovely honey flavor without any grainy sugar in your cocktail.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon is ideal for this cocktail, so make sure to have a lemon on hand. You can garnish your drink with a lemon wedge or lemon twist for a little extra pizazz too.
Cask Strength Bourbon vs. Regular Bourbon
There are different types of bourbon available for purchase, so you may see a bottle labeled ‘cask strength’ or ‘barrel proof’. Cask strength bourbon is taken directly from the barrel to the bottling line, whereas a standard bourbon will have some water added in order to get it to the appropriate taste or ABV the distiller is looking for to sell it. To get to the point, cask strength or barrel proof whiskey is stronger. It’s often touted as having a deeper flavor profile.
How to Make a Gold Rush Cocktail
Place lemon juice, honey simple syrup, and bourbon in a cocktail shaker (or mason jar!) with ice and shake vigorously to combine and cool.
Strain the drink into a low ball or old fashioned glass.
Option to garnish with a lemon wedge or lemon twist.
Sip and enjoy!
Gold Rush Drink Recipe Variations
Try different types of honey. The type of honey you use in your honey simple syrup will subtly affect the flavor of your gold rush. Wildflower honey creates a more complex, floral flavor, while clover honey is milder and sweeter. Orange blossom honey adds citrus notes that’s a lovely pairing with the lemon juice.
Use rye whiskey instead of bourbon. For a spicier, more assertive version of this cocktail, swap the bourbon for rye whiskey. Rye has a bolder, peppery flavor that stands up nicely to the honey and lemon.
Add fresh herbs. Muddle a sprig of fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil in the bottom of your cocktail shaker before adding the other ingredients for an herby twist.
Adjust the sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, reduce the honey simple syrup to ½ ounce. If you like it sweeter, increase it to 1 ounce.
What to Serve with Gold Rush Cocktail
The gold rush’s bright lemon and honey flavors make it incredibly versatile for food pairings. This bourbon cocktail works as an aperitif before dinner or alongside a variety of dishes.
Classic snack pairings: Like most bourbon cocktails, this drink is perfect with salty snacks like nuts, pretzels, and potato chips.
For appetizers: The gold rush pairs wonderfully with charcuterie boards or basic cheese and meat plates because the bright citrus cuts through rich, fatty meats and cheeses perfectly.
For dinner: This cocktail complements grilled meats beautifully, especially our homemade turkey burgers or grilled chicken. The honey and lemon notes also pair nicely with pork dishes and barbecue.
For brunch: The gold rush makes an excellent brunch cocktail! Serve it alongside our French toast casserole and oven cooked bacon, or with a savory brunch main like our smoked salmon and spinach quiche or homemade egg bites, for a fun start to your day!
How to Store Gold Rush Drink
Gold rush cocktails are best enjoyed immediately after mixing when the drink is ice cold and the flavors are at their brightest. Fresh lemon juice is a key component for this drink and its flavor deteriorates quickly once mixed.
If you’d like to do some prep ahead of time, make your honey simple syrup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Fresh squeeze your lemon juice and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, though it’s always best used within 24 hours for the brightest flavor.
If you do find yourself with leftover cocktail mixture, strain out any ice and store in a airtight container in the fridge. Just note it the flavor and quality won’t be as good as a freshly made cocktail.
Gold Rush Cocktail Recipe FAQs
Since there are minimal ingredients in this cocktail, using a high-quality bourbon is important when making the Gold Rush cocktail. I outlined my three favorite varieties above, but honestly, the best bourbon for this summer bourbon drink recipe is a bourbon that you enjoy!
In a pinch, most whiskeys will serve as a good substitute. The name ‘bourbon’ is short for ‘Bourbon whiskey’, and there are other types of whisky too: Irish whiskey, Scotch whiskey (aka ‘Scotch’), rye whiskey, Japanese whiskey, etc. Any whiskey will likely be good in your Gold Rush, however, I would recommend avoiding smoked whiskeys (like Islay-variety Scotch) as the smoke flavor would likely overpower the honey and lemon.
Honey simple syrup is a delicious and versatile sweetener to have in your fridge! Great in cocktails, coffees (both warm and iced), and teas (both warm and iced).
Yes, I use a simple tool called a channel knife to make my citrus twists. It is an inexpensive and small piece of equipment that can really help you to up your garnish game!
While this drink is best made fresh, you can absolutely prep the components in advance. Make your honey simple syrup up to 2 weeks ahead and store it in the fridge. You can also juice your lemons a day ahead and keep the fresh lemon juice refrigerated in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, just shake together the bourbon, honey simple syrup, and lemon juice with ice for a freshly made cocktail in seconds.
Yes! To make a pitcher of gold rush cocktails for a party, combine 12 ounces bourbon, 6 ounces honey simple syrup, and 6 ounces fresh lemon juice in a pitcher and stir well (this creates about 6 servings). Store this mixture in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before serving (don’t prep it too far ahead as the lemon juice will lose its fresh flavor). Don’t add ice directly to the pitcher as it will dilute the drinks as it melts. The batch can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
When ready to serve, shake individual portions with ice in a cocktail shaker and strain into glasses, or pour the mixture over ice in rocks glasses and stir.
Love this Bourbon Cocktail? Give these Cocktail Recipes a Try Too!
- Raspberry Bourbon Smash
- Blackberry Bourbon Smash
- Peach Bourbon Smash
- Chai Bourbon
- Brandy Old Fashioned
Bourbon Gold Rush Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ – 1 oz honey simple syrup
Instructions
- Place lemon juice, honey simple syrup, and bourbon in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously to combine and cool
- Strain the drink into a low ball or old fashioned glass
- Option to garnish with a lemon wedge or lemon twist
Charlie says
This one’s classic! One of the first restaurant-quality cocktails I ever learned to make at home. Great recipe.
Meredith says
So happy to hear you enjoy a good Gold Rush too – cheers!
M. says
This is such an easy and delicious bourbon drink- thanks!
ourlovelanguageisfood says
so glad you enjoyed it! cheers!
Aunt Martha says
Note to self: buy more bourbon!
ourlovelanguageisfood says
excellent note to self – a must for this great cocktail!