Gold Rush

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon
• ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• ¾ oz Honey Syrup (3:1 honey to water)
• Garnish: Lemon Twist

Instructions

1. Prepare Honey Syrup: Combine 3 parts honey with 1 part hot water and stir until fully dissolved. Allow to cool before using.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup to a cocktail shaker.
3. Shake: Add ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Serve: Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.
5. Garnish: top with a lemon twist.

Bartender's Notes

The Gold Rush was created by T.J. Siegal at the legendary Milk & Honey bar in New York City in the early 2000s. This simple riff on the whiskey sour represents a keystone moment in the modern cocktail renaissance and has since become a beloved contemporary classic.

The cocktail follows the classic sour template (spirit, citrus, sweetener) but elevates it by substituting honey syrup for simple syrup. The honey adds complexity and a silky mouthfeel that perfectly complements bourbon's caramel and vanilla notes.

While any quality bourbon works well, those with pronounced caramel and vanilla notes particularly shine in this application. The honey syrup's richness allows this cocktail to work beautifully year-round—refreshing in summer yet warming enough for winter enjoyment.

For a variation, try infusing your honey syrup with spices like cinnamon or ginger for added complexity, or experiment with different bourbon expressions to discover your perfect balance.