The “Gold Rush” Is the Delicious Bourbon Cocktail I’ll Never Stop Drinking

I’m a sucker for any cocktail with bourbon. At first glance, this gold rush cocktail resembles its cousin, the whiskey sour, but don’t let the ingredient list fool you. Both cocktails are remarkably delicious, however the addition of honey syrup is what makes the gold rush one-of-a-kind.

While most cocktails are sweetened with a simple syrup made from water and sugar, this cocktail gets its beautiful golden hue and a burst of flavor from the honey syrup. It highlights the honey’s floral notes and adds a hint of citrus as the lemon peels steep into the syrup. When paired with the bourbon it creates a refreshing cocktail that goes down remarkably smooth. I promise it’s a cocktail that you’ll want more than one of — which is why this recipe makes enough for two.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s stunning. Not only does the cocktail taste delicious, but it also has a perfectly sun-kissed look that makes you feel like you’re celebrating a special occasion while sipping.

• Every sip is deliciously smooth. The combination of the honey syrup and bourbon work really well together and create a silky-smooth cocktail that goes down easy.

Key Ingredients in a Gold Rush Cocktail

• Honey: Adds floral, earthy notes to the cocktail, enhancing the oaky, smoky flavors in bourbon.

• Lemon: Brightens the drink and adds acidity that cuts through the honey and bourbon.

• Bourbon: Its smoky, woodsy flavor adds a punch and enhances the overall flavor of the drink.

How to Make a Gold Rush Cocktail

1. Make the honey simple syrup. Bring honey, water, and lemon peel to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until slightly reduced. Let cool completely, then discard the lemon peels.

2. Shake the ingredients. Place bourbon, lemon juice, and honey simple syrup in a cocktail shaker, adding enough ice to fill the shaker halfway. Seal the shaker and shake until the outside of the shaker is cold and frosty.

3. Cheers! Fill 2 old-fashioned glasses with ice. Pour the cocktail through a strainer into the glasses and garnish with a lemon twist.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

I like to keep honey simple syrup handy — you never know who’s gonna stop by. If you’re like me, make it in advance and stash it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

What to Serve with a Gold Rush Cocktail

• Honey Butter Popcorn Chicken Tower With Crispy Pepperoni

• Cowboy Butter Chicken Wings

• Buffalo Chicken Dip 

• Jalapeno Poppers  

• Spinach Artichoke Dip 

Gold Rush Cocktail

The bourbon and honey warm you up like a hot summer day.

Prep time 5 minutes

Cook time 5 minutes

Serves 2

Ingredients

For the honey simple syrup (makes about 1/3 cup):

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/4 cup water

• 2 wide strips lemon peel

For the cocktails:

• 4 ounces bourbon

• 2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 1/2 medium lemons)

• 2 ounces Honey simple syrup (recipe above)

• Ice

• 2 lemon twists, for garnish

Instructions

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Make the honey simple syrup:

1. Bring 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup water, and 2 wide lemon peel strips to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook until slightly reduced, 2 to 3 minutes.

2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let cool completely. Remove and discard the lemon peels. If not using immediately, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Make the cocktails:

1. Place 4 ounces bourbon, 2 ounces lemon juice, and 2 ounces honey simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add enough ice to fill the shaker halfway. Seal the shaker and shake until the outside of the shaker is cold and frosty, about 30 seconds.

2. Fill 2 old-fashioned glasses with ice. Pour the cocktail through a strainer into the glasses. Garnish each cocktail with a lemon twist.

Further Reading

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