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Gold Rush Cocktail

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updated: 05/06/25

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

This Gold Rush Cocktail made with bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice is the perfect easy drink for sipping on the patio. It is refreshing and sweet, and bound to be a new favorite.

If you like bourbon and honey, you will absolutely love this simple cocktail. Its deep golden hue gives it its name. It is similar to a Bee’s Knees cocktail (one of my favs) but uses Bourbon instead of gin. The simple ingredients in this drink come together in the best way, for the perfect balance of tart and sweet. I think this is such a great drink for spring and summer!

Gold Rush Ingredients

  • Bourbon: Find a bourbon whiskey that you truly love. Visiting a local distillery is a great way to try different whiskeys without having to buy a whole bottle. My personal opinion is that Knobb Creek is the best bourbon for this delicious cocktail.
  • Honey Syrup: Like simple syrup it is equal parts honey and water. It adds the perfect touch of sweetness. It gives the delicious taste of honey in an easy to pour syrup.
  • Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best for cocktails so grab some fresh lemons.

How to Make a Gold Rush Cocktail

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Add your bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice to a mixing glass.

Step 2: Give it a Good Stir

Add ice and give it a good stir to combine.

Side view of person's hand stirring pitcher of Gold Rush Cocktail recipe with ice. Lemon slices beside.

Step 3: Strain and Serve

Strain into old-fashioned glasses or rocks glass and add a large ice cube.

Side view of pitcher of Gold Rush Cocktail recipe being poured into tumbler of with ice.

Serving

A large ice cube is the perfect way to keep this gold rush drink cold without diluting it. These silicon ice cube trays give the perfect size cube and are easy to keep in your freezer. An extra lemon wedge or lemon twist makes the perfect garnish!

Make it a Pitcher

This is a great cocktail to sip on the patio with friends, so I thought I’d give you the measurements to make a six cocktail pitcher:

  • 1 1/2 cups bourbon
  • 1/2 cup honey syrup
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
Side view of Gold Rush Cocktail with lemon slice beside

Other Great Cocktail Recipes

If you make this gold rush recipe or any of my other cocktail recipes, please let me know what you think by leaving a comment below!

Tumbler of Gold Rush Cocktail with lemon slice and ice
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Gold Rush Cocktail

Serves: 1 cocktail
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
This Gold Rush Cocktail made with bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice is the perfect easy drink for sipping on the patio. It is refreshing and sweet, and bound to be a new favorite.

Ingredients

For One Cocktail:

  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey syrup see notes
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  • Combine the bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice in a mixing glass.
    2 ounces bourbon, 1 1/2 tablespoons honey syrup, 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Stir to combine. Add in some ice, and give the cocktail a good stir.
  • Strain the cocktail into a small tumbler with a large ice cube. Garnish with a lemon slice and enjoy.

Notes

  • To make honey syrup, combine 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Continue cooking above five minutes until the syrup has thickened. Store leftover honey syrup in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one month.
  • To use honey instead of honey syrup use 1 1/2 ounces of warmed honey instead.
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: cocktails
Cuisine: American
Tumbler of Gold Rush Cocktail with lemon slice and ice

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Gold Rush Cocktail

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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