The Gold Rush is already one of bourbon's cleanest modern templates: whiskey, honey, and lemon. The Indigo Gold Rush keeps that structure and adds butterfly pea flower color, creating a drink that looks fresh without losing its simplicity.
Indigo Gold Rush
Prep time: 5 to 8 minutes (with prepared ingredients)
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz butterfly pea honey syrup
- Lemon wheel
Method
- Add bourbon, lemon, and syrup to a shaker.
- Shake with ice until chilled.
- Strain over a large cube.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Bar Tools
- Jigger
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
Whiskey Scene Notes
Make the syrup with honey for a softer texture and more natural fit with bourbon.
Choosing the Whiskey
Use bourbon with honey, vanilla, and orange peel notes. Bottled-in-bond bourbon can work if the syrup is rich enough.
Technique Notes
The drink should remain a Gold Rush first. The color is a secondary pleasure, not the main flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair with roast chicken, cornbread, honey-glazed carrots, or a cheese board.
Variations
- Add ginger syrup.
- Use rye for a drier version.
- Top with soda for a longer drink.
Hosting and Service
Serve over one large cube. This is a strong brunch or early evening cocktail because it is bright, familiar, and visually appealing.
