After the Goldrush: A Prize-Winning Cocktail Worth Tasting
After the Goldrush recently claimed the title of Best New Cocktail in the Louisville Eccentric Observer’s annual awards competition. While the accolade is largely a popularity contest, that’s all the endorsement I need to pique my interest. A drink that can captivate the taste buds of so many is definitely one I want to try.
What truly draws me in, though, are the intriguing ingredients. As someone naturally curious and always eager for a challenge, the prospect of recreating this award-winning potion at home is irresistible. Crafting a new cocktail is more than mixing flavors, it’s exploration of creativity and discovery.
With a name like After the Goldrush, I can’t help but imagine it as a cocktail that balances elegance with a touch of rugged charm, much like the spirit of the gold rush itself. Whether it’s the ingredients, the craftsmanship, or the story behind the glass, this drink promises an experience as rewarding as striking gold.
The Goldrush and After The Goldrush
The original goldrush was created at Milk & Honey in the big apple using honey syrup, lemon juice and bourbon. It set the table for bar-master Eron Plevan to riff on and he did that with this award-winning drink. He uses two modified ingredients and adds a third component to yield a deliciously different flavor profile.
The Special Ingredients
Sima, a Finnish spring mead with lightly carbonated, low alcohol content is one of the secrets. I call it an adult version of lemonade, but you can’t buy it at the store. It’s worth the effort for a cocktail or simply chilled by the glass. Get the recipe HERE and you can thank me later, because summer is coming!
Modified honey syrup is next. Orange blossom water in the syrup adds fantastic aroma and a bitter touch to grab your attention.
Finally, we substitute Super Lemon Juice for the standard squeezed variety. It’s an eco- friendly version with all the flavor of hand squeezed, the fragrance of fresh peels and only 10% of the environmental impact. Thanks to @Bar_Expo for their recipe.
After The Goldrush
Wheated bourbon, orange blossom, lemon and sima!
Ingredients
- 1–1/2 oz premium wheated bourbon
- 1/4 oz orange blossom honey syrup
- 3/4 oz super lemon juice (substitute fres squeezed if you must)
- 1 oz Sima
- Carved lemon star – garnish
Instructions
- Make your sima, super lemon juice and syrup in advance
- Carve your lemon star
- Place all the ingredients in an ice filled shaker
- Shake and strain into a chilled coupe glass
- Float the garnish on the foam