This bourbon-based frozen gold rush cocktail is naturally sweetened, honey- and lemon- flavored, and blended with ice for a refreshing summer drink.
Despite the fact that the local schools are starting soon, it’s a) still the beginning of August and b) still HOT. Man oh man, this heat has been ongoing for weeks and weeks. I know this is the kind of weather I just couldn’t wait for when Nashville was getting a few crazy ice storms this past winter, but, uhhh, it’s had its run.
Seeing as Mother Nature has ignored my bribes of mango peach white sangria and sparkling ginger lemonade to tone it down a little, maybe this frozen gold rush cocktail might sweeten the deal enough to bring us some temperatures in the low 80s. A girl can wish!
The basics
I’m typically not one to opt for a cocktail with bourbon as my drink of choice, but the simplicity of a gold rush jumped out at me as one I needed to try. And I’m so glad I did!
A gold rush is a bourbon-based drink that also includes lemon juice and honey syrup. The honey and lemon flavors equally shine through and sweeten this drink just enough, all the while giving it a citrusy twist.
Drink ingredients
There’s no need to stock up on often calorie-laden mixers for this one. We’re bringing it back to basics here (with flair). The only component of this drink that requires a little lead time is the honey syrup.
It features the same recipe steps as simply syrup, instead we’re using honey. Bring 1/2 cup (four ounces) of water to a boil in a small saucepan, then whisk in 1/4 cup of honey until dissolved completely. Let the syrup cool, then refrigerate.
This frozen gold rush stays true to its bold yet unassuming roots with one minor/major difference – let’s throw it in the blender!
Add one ounce of the honey syrup, one ounce of lemon juice, and two ounces of bourbon to a blender along with ice and blend for an incredibly refreshing, slightly sweetened cocktail that’s just made for poolside sipping. Or deck lounging. Or hunkering down inside with the air conditioning because it’s just TOO hot to hang around outside. 🙂
Recipe notes
- Use your favorite bourbon! We don’t get super fancy.
- The honey syrup can be made ahead of time. Stored in the refrigerator it will stay for several days.
Frozen Gold Rush Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 oz honey syrup, recipe below
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3/4 cup ice cubes more or less to taste
Instructions
For the honey syrup:
- Add 1/2 cup of water to a small pot over high heat until it comes to a simmer. Once it's simmering, remove pot from the heat and whisk in 1/4 cup honey until combined. Store excess honey syrup in the refrigerator.
For the cocktail:
- In a blender, add 1 oz honey syrup, lemon juice, bourbon, and ice. Blend until ice has broken down and drink is frothy. Serve with a lemon garnish.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate. As it can vary due to many factors (brands used, quantities, etc.), we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
Slightly adapted from The Kitchn
Danielle says
The heat is not my friend, I’m so ready for it to cool down. This drink looks like a good way to cool down though, plus it’s almost the weekend 😉
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
I can totally send you some of our crappy weather if you’d like 😉 LOL I don’t do well in the heat at all, so I feel your pain! This cocktail looks delicious, I’ve never heard of a gold rush before, but I love all the flavors in there!