Gold Rush Cocktail Recipe

The Gold Rush first showed up in New York at the famous Milk & Honey bar in the early 2000s. It’s a twist on the classic Whiskey Sour, but with honey instead of sugar. That little change gives the drink a richer, smoother kind of sweetness. When you take a sip, you get the warm notes from the bourbon along with a crisp pop of lemon.

You’ll see how easy it is to make this at home. Whether you’re new to mixing drinks or already love whiskey cocktails, you can shake up a Gold Rush that tastes like it came straight from your favorite bar.

What's in a Gold Rush Cocktail?

A Gold Rush cocktail brings together bourbon, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice for a smooth, balanced drink. Think of it as a Whiskey Sour, but with honey instead of sugar. It also has a little in common with the Bee’s Knees, except you get a deeper, warmer flavor from the bourbon.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Each part of the Gold Rush plays a clear role in its flavor and feel.

Bourbon - Go for a mid-range bourbon that’s mellow, with some oak and a hint of vanilla. Something aged around 4 to 8 years works great. If you go much older, the bourbon can taste a little too woody.
If you want to mix it up, you can swap in rye whiskey for more spice or use Scotch for a bit of smoke.

You might also like: Easy 2-Ingredient Bourbon Cocktails

Honey Syrup - Just mix equal parts honey and warm water until it’s smooth (this makes it blend much better than straight honey). If you want a thicker drink, try two parts honey to one part water.
You can also use flavored honey, like orange blossom or clover, to add your own twist.

Fresh Lemon Juice - Always squeeze your lemons right before you make your drink for the best flavor and smell. Bottled lemon juice works if you’re in a rush, but it just doesn’t have the same bright kick as fresh juice. Strain out any pulp or seeds so your cocktail turns out nice and smooth.

What You’ll Need

You really just need a few basics to make a Gold Rush cocktail at home:

• Cocktail shaker
• Hawthorne strainer
• Jigger
• Rocks glass

If you want to make things even easier, a Jigger helps with juicing lemons, a fine mesh strainer gets your drink extra smooth, and a large ice mold is great if you want to impress with your presentation.

Want to keep things simple? You can always grab a stainless steel cocktail set. It usually comes with everything you need to shake, strain, and serve your drinks at home.

How to Make a Gold Rush Cocktail

Start by making your honey syrup. Just mix equal parts honey and warm water in a small bowl or jar until it’s smooth and clear. Let it cool before you use it (trust me, this makes it blend in better and keeps your drink tasting balanced).

Now grab your cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice cubes (not crushed ice. The bigger cubes melt slower, so your drink stays cold without getting watered down).

Pour in your bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and that honey syrup you just made. Give it a good shake for about 15 seconds, until the outside of your shaker feels nice and frosty. That’s a good sign you’re ready to go.

Strain your mix into a chilled rocks glass over one big ice cube. Using a single large cube not only looks cool, but it keeps your cocktail cold longer.

For the finishing touch, twist a strip of lemon peel over the top and drop it in. This adds a fresh aroma and a little pop of citrus flavor right at the end.

You’ll find all the exact measurements in the recipe card below.

Tips and Tricks to Make the Best Gold Rush Cocktail

• Pick a good bourbon. Go for a mid-range bottle with smooth vanilla and oak flavors. Try to skip anything too harsh or super sweet since those can mess up the balance of your drink.
• Always make your honey syrup first. Just stir together equal parts honey and warm water for a 1:1 mix. If you want a richer, thicker cocktail, use two parts honey to one part water. That thicker syrup gives your Gold Rush a deeper flavor and a silkier feel.
• Add a garnish for some flair. A twist of lemon peel brings out a fresh aroma. You can also pop an edible flower on top if you want that modern, polished look.
• Tweak to your taste. If your drink ends up a little too sweet, splash in more lemon juice. If it’s too tart, add a bit more honey syrup. Always give it a quick taste before serving so you can adjust it just how you like.

Gold Rush Recipe Variations

Changing up your Gold Rush cocktail is a great way to keep things interesting. Just a few simple tweaks can totally switch up the flavor.

• Try rye whiskey if you like a little more spice and kick. Rye gives your Gold Rush a bold, sharper edge compared to bourbon.
• Experiment with flavored honey syrup. Add things like lavender, ginger, or cinnamon to your honey before you mix it with water. Each one brings a subtle twist that still feels balanced and delicious.
• Go smoky with Scotch. If you want something deeper, swap the bourbon for a peated Scotch. You’ll get a hint of smoke that plays really well with the honey and lemon.
• Add a few dashes of bitters. Orange bitters or classic aromatic bitters can round out the flavor and help balance the sweetness.
• Mix in some fruit. If you’re craving a fruity touch, try muddling a peach slice or a few raspberries in your shaker before you add everything else. The fruit mixes in nicely with the honey and whiskey for a smooth, mellow drink.

More Cocktails to Try

• Whiskey Sour
• Old Fashioned
• Penicillin
• Bee’s Knees 
• Manhattan
• Bourbon Peach Smash
• Bourbon Buck

Frequently Asked Questions