Published: December 17, 2025 | Updated: December 17, 2025
The Gold Rush Cocktail is one of those rare drinks that bridges cocktail history with modern hospitality, and it’s become a staple in my own home bar. As someone who develops cocktails regularly for Elicit Folio, I recently exchanged and compared recipes while touring the Southern Distilling Company. I always appreciate recipes that rely on technique rather than complicated ingredients. While visiting their distillery, the mixologist and I exchanged notes on how to make the ultimate Gold Rush cocktail.
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What makes this cocktail stand out is its balance. When you combine quality bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and a properly prepared honey syrup (made using the method I teach in my 3:1 honey syrup blog), you get a drink that’s bright, smooth, naturally sweetened, and incredibly easy to execute with professional-level consistency. Whether you’re building your cocktail skills, hosting friends, or simply exploring iconic bourbon cocktails, the Gold Rush is a foundational recipe every home bartender should know.
Why You’ll Love This Gold Rush Cocktail
- The perfect balance of bourbon, rich honey syrup, and fresh citrus.
- Uses a honey syrup instead of granulated sugar, just like the original bee’s knees (a similar cocktail from the Prohibition era).
- No egg whites or complicated steps, just shake, strain, sip.
What Does a Gold Rush Taste Like?
Imagine the warmth of bourbon softened by honey and lifted with fresh lemon. The flavor of this cocktail can be summed up as:
- Bright and citrusy
- Smooth from the rich honey syrup
- Slightly sweet but never heavy
It’s truly the perfect bourbon cocktail if you’re serving guests who want something balanced and approachable.
Ingredients for My Gold Rush Cocktail
- 2 oz bourbon – Use your favorite bottle; I used a Southern Distilling bourbon for its smooth, caramel-rich flavor.
- 1 oz honey syrup – A luxurious, 3:1 ratio of pure honey mixed with part water, giving sweetness and body without graininess. If you want more bite, simply pair this down to .75 oz
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice – Always choose fresh citrus for the brightest flavor and perfect balance.
- Lemon twist (for garnish) – Adds a pop of aroma and elevates the final sip.
- Large ice cube – Helps the drink chill with minimal dilution.
How to Make a Gold Rush Cocktail (Step-by-Step)
This cocktail is very easy to make. Simply the following steps:
STEP 1: Add bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
STEP 2: Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
STEP 3: Double strain into a chilled rocks glass over one large ice cube.
STEP 4: Optional, garnish with a lemon twist for aroma.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The honey syrup can be prepared days in advance and stored in a sealed container or storage container in the fridge.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
- Chill your rocks glasses beforehand for an extra-luxe experience.
More Cocktail Favorites from Elicit Folio
- Honey Syrup for Cocktails (3:1 rich syrup)
- Rosé Lemon Drop Martini
- Strawberry Hennessy Margarita
- Eggnog Cocktail
- Apple Cider Sangria
FAQ
Is this similar to a Bee’s Knees?
Yes! A Bee’s Knees uses gin, while the Gold Rush uses bourbon — both rely on honey and citrus.
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes you can! If you want to make this a mocktail recipe, swap bourbon for a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative and keep the honey + lemon the same.
Can I add ginger?
Absolutely! Many bartenders mix in a little bit of ginger honey syrup for a warm, spicy twist.
Who invented the Gold Rush?
Credits go to T.J. Siegal at Sasha Petraske’s Milk & Honey — as chronicled by writer Robert Simonson, who helped popularize many modern classic cocktails.
Gold Rush Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Jigger
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz Honey Syrup
- ¾ oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
- Ice
- Lemon Peel optional garnish
Instructions
- Add bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled rocks glass over one large ice cube. Optional, garnish with a lemon twist for aroma. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Quick Gold Rush Cocktail Video Tutorial
Craving More?
If you make this Gold Rush Cocktail, tag me on Instagram at @elicitfolio. I love seeing your creations! You can also follow me on Pinterest and comment “recipe” on my videos for a direct link sent right to you.
delicious gold rush cocktail. I also love recipes that have simple ingredients and tons of flavor in every sip!
WOW, this golden rush cocktail looks so refreshing, I don’t drink but I do entertain during the Holidays and my friend’s drink. I think I’m going to try this cocktail recipe out, it’s so easy to make and I bet that lemon adds a lot of flavors mixed with that bourbon.
This looks like such a nice, simple cocktail, and I love that it doesn’t require anything fancy. The honey and lemon with bourbon sounds smooth and comforting, especially for a quiet evening at home.
The goldrush cocktail looks awesome . Perfect for the holiday season to make and enjoy for a party or with friends over drinks and nibbles.
This is the perfect cocktail for sipping after a long day OR entertaining. I love the flavors and that it’s not one of those mixes that tries SO HARD.
This is very much like a cocktail that my family made quite a bit. It’s so simple, and the honey and lemon are perfect in it.
I like bourbon. Haven’t really enjoyed it as a cocktail before, just usually over the rocks, but I like the idea of honey in it. So I need to try this one day.