Lockdown Libations no. 11: Gold Rush

I think the remainder of this project will essentially involve bouncing back and forth between gin and bourbon recipes, since that’s what the bulk of the bottles in my cupboard contain. With the odd vodka one thrown in.

Since last week was gin, it’s only fair to go back to bourbon. (I’m a middle child; I’m all about fair.)

Blanton's Bourbon

I’ve also set a mini goal to not use Cointreau for at least the next couple of weeks. Which rules out the Bourbon Sidecar I was considering — watch this space!

Over the summer, when the travel restrictions were eased, I spent a few days in Kelowna and visited the Tantalus winery for a tasting. I ended up buying a few bottles. (Their Riesling is excellent.) And I impulse bought some of their honey. A little jar with the most beautiful golden colour. The vineyards have beehives and Arlo’s Honey Farm collects the golden liquid from them and puts it into jars so it can be sold in the wineshop.

Tantalus honey

I’ve been sitting on it for several months now mostly because I wasn’t sure what to do with it. (I basically use honey in tea and for peanut butter and honey sandwiches — I make no apologies — and this seemed a little bit of a waste for the Tantalus.) But I cracked it a few weeks ago for tea and when I was licking the spoon after, I was taken aback. The depth of flavour is so lovely. It’s not just that straight-up sweetness from big-production honey.

(Aside, I think I shall drizzle some over Parm tonight for watching the next episode of WandaVision.)

Coming across this recipe for a Gold Rush seemed the perfect opportunity to use this honey. And, really, it’s a Bourbon Sour with a different sweetener. What’s not to love?

Break out any good honey you have for this one. You will be rewarded.
Gold Rush II

Gold Rush III

Gold Rush I

Gold Rush

  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 1 ounce honey syrup — see below
  • 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • lemon peel, to garnish

To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add bourbon, honey syrup and lemon juice. Shake vigorously for 15 to 30 seconds, until the vessel is cold to the touch. Strain into a rocks glass with one large ice cube. Garnish with lemon peel.

Honey Syrup

Warm equal parts of honey and water on the stove (or microwave on low heat), stirring occasionally until dissolved.

Confession: I did this by boiling water and adding it to an equal part of honey and then stirred. Which, bonus, means not having to wash a pot.

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