Classic Cocktails & Drinks With A Funky Twist

Gold Rush Cocktail

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Updated: 03/14/18

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

The Gold Rush Cocktail is a simple yet refreshing whiskey drink that is perfect for slow sipping. The blend of bourbon, honey syrup, and zesty lemon juice is sure to dazzle your taste buds.

gold rush cocktail in glass with giant ice cube

This gorgeous gold rush drink recipe isn’t for sipping under the covers while blowing your nose.  Nope! It’s like a cold hot-toddy. The bourbon flavor blends flawlessly with lemon and honey to create a refreshing cocktail that you’ll love to sip slowly on a warm afternoon.

two gold rush cocktails in glasses with giant ice cubes

Gold Rush Cocktail Ingredients

All you need for a batch of this delicious gold rush is probably in your kitchen right now! For the full drink recipe including all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Bourbon: Since this is a spirit-forward drink, it is important to use a bourbon that you truly love.
  • Lemon juice: Anytime a cocktail calls for citrus juice, getting fruit and squeezing it fresh is always preferred for the best flavor, so grab some lemons for fresh lemon juice.
  • Honey: Adds just enough sweetness and cuts the tartness of the lemon and warm burn of the bourbon. Honey Syrup is perfect for this recipe, but I share a few tips for getting honey to mix into the drink below.

Homemade Honey Syrup

A common and effective way to sweetened cocktails is by creating a syrup. Since honey can be thick and sticky, it may not dissolve evenly in cold liquids like cocktails. By diluting honey with water to make a honey syrup (similar to creating a simple syrup with sugar), you ensure it mixes smoothly, resulting in a more consistent flavor throughout the drink.

Honey syrup distributes more evenly throughout the cocktail, providing a balanced sweetness without overwhelming the other flavors. This allows the honey flavor to complement the other ingredients rather than overpowering them. Use 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey syrup instead of honey. We also love honey syrup in the Bees Knees Cocktail. If you prefer to use plain honey, microwave the honey for 10 seconds or add a small bit of hot water to make it thinner so it’s easier to pour and combine with the other ingredients.

Honey Syrup

Using honey syrup in cocktails offers a versatile, consistent, and enjoyable drinking experience compared to using plain honey. It is easy to make and allows you to enjoy the natural sweetness of honey while seamlessly integrating it into your favorite drinks.
Jar of honey syrup recipe
gold rush cocktail being poured into glass

How to Make a Gold Rush Cocktail

Here is an overview of how this simple cocktail comes together. For the full recipe, please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Combine ingredients. Add the whiskey, lemon juice, and honey to a rocks glass with ice.
  • Stir well. Make sure to fully incorporate the honey.
  • Pour and enjoy. Pour into tall glasses with large ice cubes and prepare to sit and sip the summer away.
TOP PICK

Large ice cube tray

These large ice cubes are perfect for keeping your cocktail cold without diluting it.
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Make a Pitcher of Gold Rushes

Whisk the ingredients together in a large pitcher, making sure to fully incorporate the honey. Chill in the refrigerator for two to four hours. Strain into glasses with large ice cubes. Here are the measurements to make a pitcher of six drinks:

  • 1 1/2 cups bourbon
  • 1/2 cup honey syrup
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice

Other Whiskey Cocktail Recipes

If you make this Gold Rush Cocktail or any of our other cocktails, please let us know what you think by leaving a comment below!

gold rush cocktail in glass with giant ice cube
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Gold Rush Cocktail

Serves: 1 cocktail
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 5 minutes
This Gold Rush Cocktail is three simple ingredients. Make a huge batch and sip it on the patio on a warm day!

Ingredients

For One Cocktail

  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey softened or thinned
  • 1 1/2 tabelspoons lemon juice

For One Pitcher (Makes 6 drinks)

  • 12 ounces bourbon
  • 1/2 cup honey (see note)
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice

Instructions

  • To make one cocktail: In a mixing glass, whisk together ingredients until fully combined.  Shake with ice and then strain into a glass with a large ice cube.
  • To make a full pitcher:  Whisk the ingredients together in a large pitcher, making sure to fully incorporate the honey.  Chill in the refrigerator for two to four hours.  Strain into glasses with large ice cubes.

Notes

You can also swap the honey for 1 1/2 tablespoons honey syrup.
gold rush cocktail in glass with giant ice cube

Did You Make This

Gold Rush Cocktail

I’d love to see what you made! Tag me @shakedrinkrpt and hashtag it #shakedrinkrepeat!

Lisa Longley has been creating great recipes for more than a decade. While it is too hard for her to pick her favorite cocktail, she is known to love our dirty martini.

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