This year for Christmas one of Xan’s stocking stuffers was a book called The 12 Bottle Bar. And ever since then he’s been pretty into making cocktails. It’s really a win-win. I got him a gift he’s happy with and then he ends up making cocktails for us to enjoy.

My favorite drinks are usually something slightly tart a just a little sweet. If there’s something like that on a menu there’s a good chance I’ll be ordering it. It’s biggest competition would be something with bubbles. But, those are at the top of my go-to list.

Even though his favorites are Manhattan-style drinks, this weekend Xan made a something he thought I would like. It’s his version of a Gold Rush, which is one of my very favorite drinks at one of my very favorite restaurants – Beasley’s Chicken and Honey. Not to mention it may be one of the easiest drinks you’ll ever try.

It was like a little sip of home. And definitely made me miss warm North Carolina summers.

How pretty is this cocktail glass? It's one of my very favorites and I take any excuse to use it!

Gold Rush
erves: 1

1½ ounces Rye Whiskey
¾ ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice
¾ ounce honey simple syrup (1-part honey to 1-part warm water)
1 lemon twist

Combine all ingredients in a large glass and stir for 30 seconds. Strain drink into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with lemon twist and enjoy!