Gold Rush

The Gold Rush is a rich, honey-infused bourbon cocktail that gained popularity in the early 2000s. It’s a simple yet sophisticated blend of bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup. This contemporary classic is both warming and refreshing, making it perfect for any season.

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Yields1 Serving
Ingredients
 2 oz Bourbon (Recommended: Bulleit, Woodford Reserve, or Maker’s Mark)
 ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
 ¾ oz Honey Syrup (recipe below)
 Ice Cubes
Honey Syrup
 1 part Honey
 1 Hot Water
Equipment
1
  • Cocktail shaker

  • Jigger or measuring shot glass

  • Fine mesh strainer

  • Rocks glass

  • Bar spoon

Instructions
2

1. Prepare the Honey Syrup:

  • Combine 1 part honey and 1 part hot water in a small bowl or saucepan.

  • Stir until the honey is completely dissolved.

  • Let it cool to room temperature before using.

  • Store any leftover syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.


2. Prepare the Cocktail:

  1. Prepare the Glass:

    • Fill a rocks glass with ice and set aside.

  2. Combine Ingredients:

    • In a cocktail shaker, add bourbon, lemon juice, and honey syrup.

    • Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.

  3. Strain and Serve:

    • Strain the cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over fresh ice.

  4. Garnish and Serve:

    • Garnish with a lemon wheel or a lemon twist for a citrusy aroma.

    • Serve immediately while the cocktail is cold and aromatic.

Serving and Presentation
3
  • The Gold Rush is traditionally served in a heavy-bottomed rocks glass over a large ice cube to maintain its chill without excessive dilution.

  • The bright, golden hue of the cocktail makes it visually striking and inviting.

Pairing Suggestions
4
  • Appetizers: Spiced nuts, sharp cheddar cheese, or honey-glazed bacon.

  • Main Course: Grilled pork chops, lemon-rosemary chicken, or BBQ ribs.

  • Dessert: Lemon tart, honey-soaked baklava, or vanilla bean ice cream.

Tips and Variations
5
  • Stronger Gold Rush: Increase the bourbon to 2.5 oz for a more potent version.

  • Smoky Gold Rush: Substitute half the bourbon with a peaty Scotch or add a splash of mezcal.

  • Ginger Gold Rush: Add a splash of ginger syrup or a few slices of muddled ginger for a spicier kick.

  • Herbal Gold Rush: Infuse the honey syrup with fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.

  • Mocktail Gold Rush: Replace the bourbon with chilled black tea or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative for a refreshing mocktail version.

Cocktail Trivia
6
  • The Gold Rush was created in the early 2000s at Milk & Honey, a renowned speakeasy-style bar in New York City.

  • It was inspired by the classic Whiskey Sour, but the honey syrup adds a smoother, richer sweetness compared to traditional simple syrup.

Ingredients

Ingredients
 2 oz Bourbon (Recommended: Bulleit, Woodford Reserve, or Maker’s Mark)
 ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
 ¾ oz Honey Syrup (recipe below)
 Ice Cubes
Honey Syrup
 1 part Honey
 1 Hot Water

Directions

Equipment
1
  • Cocktail shaker

  • Jigger or measuring shot glass

  • Fine mesh strainer

  • Rocks glass

  • Bar spoon

Instructions
2

1. Prepare the Honey Syrup:

  • Combine 1 part honey and 1 part hot water in a small bowl or saucepan.

  • Stir until the honey is completely dissolved.

  • Let it cool to room temperature before using.

  • Store any leftover syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.


2. Prepare the Cocktail:

  1. Prepare the Glass:

    • Fill a rocks glass with ice and set aside.

  2. Combine Ingredients:

    • In a cocktail shaker, add bourbon, lemon juice, and honey syrup.

    • Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.

  3. Strain and Serve:

    • Strain the cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over fresh ice.

  4. Garnish and Serve:

    • Garnish with a lemon wheel or a lemon twist for a citrusy aroma.

    • Serve immediately while the cocktail is cold and aromatic.

Serving and Presentation
3
  • The Gold Rush is traditionally served in a heavy-bottomed rocks glass over a large ice cube to maintain its chill without excessive dilution.

  • The bright, golden hue of the cocktail makes it visually striking and inviting.

Pairing Suggestions
4
  • Appetizers: Spiced nuts, sharp cheddar cheese, or honey-glazed bacon.

  • Main Course: Grilled pork chops, lemon-rosemary chicken, or BBQ ribs.

  • Dessert: Lemon tart, honey-soaked baklava, or vanilla bean ice cream.

Tips and Variations
5
  • Stronger Gold Rush: Increase the bourbon to 2.5 oz for a more potent version.

  • Smoky Gold Rush: Substitute half the bourbon with a peaty Scotch or add a splash of mezcal.

  • Ginger Gold Rush: Add a splash of ginger syrup or a few slices of muddled ginger for a spicier kick.

  • Herbal Gold Rush: Infuse the honey syrup with fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.

  • Mocktail Gold Rush: Replace the bourbon with chilled black tea or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative for a refreshing mocktail version.

Cocktail Trivia
6
  • The Gold Rush was created in the early 2000s at Milk & Honey, a renowned speakeasy-style bar in New York City.

  • It was inspired by the classic Whiskey Sour, but the honey syrup adds a smoother, richer sweetness compared to traditional simple syrup.

Notes

Gold Rush
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