Gold Rush Cocktail

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Smoky and sweet, the Gold Rush cocktail will make you feel like you’ve struck it rich.

I was in college during the mid-to-late 1990s, just a quick train ride away from New York City up in Westchester County. Many of my friends would head into Manhattan on the weekends, carousing, partying and having the time of their lives. Why didn’t I go? Sometimes I would, but mostly I stayed on campus because I was a colossal dork. Come Monday, I’d hear about their escapades and all the cool places they hung out. One of these was a hot night spot, a bar called Milk & Honey.

In the early 2000s, the owner of Milk & Honey, Sasha Petraske, was closing up shop after a particularly long day. Childhood friend, T.J. Siegal, was on hand and ordered his usual Bourbon Sour. Except this night, Siegal requested that honey syrup be used in place of the simple syrup. The result was a new, golden-colored elixir that combined the smoky robustness of the bourbon with the floral sweetness of the honey.

Siegal named his invention the Gold Rush. Soon after, the cocktail became one of the most popular tipples at Milk & Honey. Since New York City has always been a hub for tourists, people from all over the globe would have a drink or two at the popular bar and as a result, the cocktail was soon being served the world over. Today, it is considered a contemporary classic, even though some folks have mistakenly thought it’s from the pre-Prohibition era.

Unfortunately, Milk & Honey closed its doors permanently in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But since we’ll be making the Gold Rush cocktail for ourselves tonight, I like to think that a small piece from that popular place is still keeping its spirit alive. The bar and those times might be a thing of the past, but its legacy will still fill our glasses with delicious nostalgia as long as we remember them.

What is the Best Bourbon to Use in a Gold Rush?

If you have a favorite bourbon, you’ll want to use that when mixing up a few Gold Rushes. You know what you like and you’ll be guaranteed a tasty cocktail. If you’re unsure of what bourbon to choose, I’d suggest going with some well-known brands. A bottle of Jim Beam or even something a little higher-end like Buffalo Trace or High West won’t disappoint, and they work great on their own, straight up or on the rocks.

What kind of glassware and garnish are used?

A large single ice cube in a sturdy rocks glass will keep your cocktail cool longer and less diluted. Garnish with a lemon twist for an extra expression of citrus oil.

How do you make honey syrup?

This recipe is super easy. Put equal parts honey and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until dissolved and after it has cooled store in your fridge in an airtight container. It should keep and stay fresh for a couple of weeks.

Similar Cocktails to the Gold Rush

If the robust and sweet flavors of the Gold Rush cocktail had you pining for more, you’re in luck. There are quite a few adult beverages out there that favor the drink we made tonight, while being different enough to give you a totally new experience. If you’re not sure where to start, let Twist & Toast give you some recipe ideas. Check these out below, then explore the site for even more delicious drams.

• Bourbon Sour – The original drink that the Gold Rush is based on.
• Gin Sour – Crisp and refreshing, this classic sour is one of my all-time favorites.
• Bourbon Manhattan – A sophisticated and smooth take on the legendary cocktail.
• New York Sour – Red wine is added to this recipe for a tangy, layered sipping experience.