Gold Rush Cocktail

Bourbon, lemon, and honey combine for a cocktail that's perfect in all seasons.

Updated July 19, 2024

Why It Works

High-proof bourbon adds extra kick but is nicely tempered by the honey syrup.

This simple sour has a name that calls to mind a 19th-century classic, but it's much more modern than that. Bartender T. J. Siegal created it for New York's Milk & Honey in the mid-2000s.

The cocktail blends bourbon, lemon juice, and honey syrup for a whiskey-laced spin on the Bee's Knees. I like a high-proof bourbon for this: Old Grand Dad Bonded is a good choice.

March 2015

Recipe Details

Gold Rush Cocktail Recipe

Prep 5 mins

Active 5 mins

Total 5 mins

Serves 1 cocktail

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Ingredients

2 ounces bourbon
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed juice from 1 lemon
3/4 ounce honey syrup (see note)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker. Shake until well chilled, about 10 seconds. Strain into an ice-filled double old fashioned glass.
Liz Voltz

Special Equipment

Cocktail shaker, cocktail strainer

Notes

To make honey syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup honey in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until honey is dissolved. Cool before using. The syrup will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How to Use Honey in Cocktails

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
53	Calories
0g	Fat
15g	Carbs
0g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories	53
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g	0%
Saturated Fat 0g	0%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 15g	5%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Total Sugars 14g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 9mg	45%
Calcium 3mg	0%
Iron 0mg	0%
Potassium 32mg	1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.