Honeyed Whiskey Whisper: Honey Whiskey Cocktail

This honey whiskey cocktail is a silky, three-minute sour built on whiskey, honey syrup, fresh lemon, and a dash of bitters. If the whiskey-honey-lemon combination sounds familiar, it is the backbone of the classic Gold Rush, and this Honeyed Whiskey Whisper is our smoother, coupe-served take using Crown Royal Salted Caramel. It is sweet, citrusy, and aromatic.

Ingredients

2 oz whiskey (we use Crown Royal Salted Caramel for a rounder caramel note; bourbon or a honey whiskey also works)
1/2 oz honey syrup (see below to make it)
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1 dash Angostura bitters (optional, but it adds depth)
Ice, plus a lemon twist to garnish

How to Prepare

1. Add the whiskey, honey syrup, lemon juice, and bitters to a shaker.

2. Fill with ice and shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds.

3. For our Whisper version, strain up into a chilled coupe. For a classic Gold Rush serve, strain over a large cube in a rocks glass.

4. Express a lemon twist over the top and drop it in.

Style of Glass to use

Coupe

Color of Drink

Amber

Cocktail Flavor Profile

Sweet, citrusy, and aromatic

Skill Level

Intermediate Level

How to make honey syrup

Stir equal parts honey and warm water until fully combined, then cool. Warming the water dissolves the honey so it mixes into a cold cocktail instead of sinking to the bottom. It keeps refrigerated for about two weeks.

This drink and the Gold Rush cocktail

A Gold Rush is just bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon, shaken and served over ice. This recipe uses that same trio and adds a dash of bitters plus a coupe serve for a slightly more refined drink. Want the original? Skip the bitters, use bourbon, and pour it over a big cube.

Which whiskey to use

Crown Royal Salted Caramel gives the smoothest, sweetest result and needs the least honey. A classic bourbon makes a drier, more traditional Gold Rush, and an actual honey whiskey doubles down on the honey character, in which case cut the honey syrup in half.

Warm honey whiskey variation (hot toddy style)

To make a cold-weather version, build the whiskey, honey syrup, and lemon in a mug and top with hot water instead of shaking with ice. It becomes a honey whiskey toddy, soothing and warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a honey whiskey cocktail?

A short cocktail of whiskey, honey syrup, and lemon, sometimes with bitters, shaken and served up or over ice. The classic version is called a Gold Rush.

Is this the same as a Gold Rush?

It is a Gold Rush variation. The Gold Rush is bourbon, honey, and lemon on the rocks; this adds bitters and is served up in a coupe.

How do I make honey syrup?

Stir equal parts honey and warm water until smooth, then cool.

What whiskey works best?

Crown Royal Salted Caramel for smoothness, bourbon for a classic Gold Rush, or a honey whiskey for extra honey flavor.

Do I need bitters?

No, they are optional, but a single dash of Angostura adds depth and balances the sweetness.

Should I serve it up or on the rocks?

Up in a coupe for an elegant serve, or over a large cube in a rocks glass for the traditional Gold Rush.

Can I make it warm?

Yes, top with hot water instead of shaking with ice for a honey whiskey toddy.

Honeyed Whiskey
Whisper: Honey Pro Tips

Warm your honey syrup slightly before mixing—it blends easier and brings out deeper caramel notes from the whiskey for a more balanced finish.

Made With

Crown Royal Salted Caramel Canadian Whisky (750Ml)

$29.99$49.99

Crown Royal is excited to unveil their latest flavor creation: Salted Caramel. This new blend is crafted from the finest Canadian whiskies, meticulously chosen by Crown Royal's expert master blenders. The process of creating this distinctive whisky involves infusing it with the deliciously sweet and salty notes of caramel,...