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Gold Rush Recipe

Gold Rush Recipe

By What’s Baking

A silky blend of honey's warmth and bourbon's complex depth, brightened with fresh lemon for a perfectly balanced cocktail that dances between sweet, sour, and spirit.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A rocks glass filled with a brilliantly amber-hued cocktail, photographed in warm, honey-colored light that accentuates its golden tones. Large, crystal-clear ice cubes catch the light while casting dramatic shadows through the drink. A macro shot captures tiny beads of condensation forming on the glass's exterior, with a delicate lemon twist resting on the rim, its oils visibly released across the surface. The backdrop features subtle honeycomb textures and warm wood tones, complementing the bourbon's rich character and honey sweetness that define this Gold Rush cocktail.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml bourbon whiskey</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">22.5ml honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water, cooled)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">22.5ml fresh lemon juice</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Lemon twist for garnish</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Hawthorne strainer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger or measuring tool</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Rocks glass</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Ice mold for large cube (optional)</li> </ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Prepare your honey syrup by mixing equal parts honey and hot water (if not already made), stirring until completely dissolved. Allow to cool completely before using - this creates a mixable sweetener that incorporates smoothly into cold ingredients without clumping. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Fill your rocks glass with ice (preferably one large cube if available) to chill it while you prepare the cocktail. This pre-chilling ensures your drink stays colder longer and prevents excessive dilution. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add 60ml bourbon, 22.5ml honey syrup, and 22.5ml fresh lemon juice. Measure carefully - the perfect Gold Rush balances the bourbon's strength with the right amount of sweetness and acidity. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds. You're not just mixing ingredients but also aerating the cocktail, which creates a silky mouthfeel while properly chilling and diluting the drink. The shaker should become frosty on the outside. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Discard the ice from your chilled rocks glass and replace with fresh ice - ideally one large cube which will melt more slowly, maintaining the cocktail's integrity. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Strain the cocktail from the shaker into your prepared glass. A proper strain ensures no ice chips or lemon pulp make it into the final presentation. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Cut a strip of lemon peel about 5cm long. Twist it over the drink to express the oils onto the surface - you'll see a fine mist land on the cocktail, adding aromatic complexity. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass before placing it as a garnish. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Serve immediately while the cocktail is perfectly chilled. The Gold Rush should appear golden-amber with a subtle sheen from the honey and a refreshing aroma from the lemon oils. </li> </ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cocktail
🔥 Calories: 220 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 26 g
🍭 Sugar: 25 g
🍗 Protein: 0 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 1 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What's the best bourbon to use in a Gold Rush cocktail?

Choose a bourbon with moderate proof (40-45% ABV) and balanced flavour profile. Mid-range options like Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark, or Four Roses Small Batch work brilliantly. Their caramel and vanilla notes complement the honey while standing up to the lemon's acidity.

Can I make honey syrup in advance for multiple cocktails?

Absolutely! Honey syrup can be prepared in batch and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Simply combine equal parts honey and hot water, stir until dissolved, and let cool completely before using in your cocktails.

Is a Gold Rush similar to a Whiskey Sour?

Yes, the Gold Rush is essentially a whiskey sour variation that uses honey syrup instead of simple syrup. Both cocktails feature the same core formula of spirit + sweetener + citrus, but the Gold Rush's honey component creates a richer, more complex flavour profile with floral notes.

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