Dark Spice Honey Old Fashioned
A warm, rich take on the classic old fashioned with honey sweetness and a hint of aromatic spices to deepen the bourbon's flavor. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 6 minutes pairs bourbon, honey syrup (1:1 honey and water), dashes Angostura bitters for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 0.5 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 whole clove
- 1 wide strip orange peel
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz bourbon, 0.5 oz honey syrup, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Step 2: Add 1 whole clove to the glass and fill with large clear ice cubes.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Strain into a rocks glass over one large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Express the oils of 1 wide strip of orange peel over the surface, twist to release the aroma, then rim the glass and rest the peel on top as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dark Spice Honey Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Dark Spice Honey Old Fashioned?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bourbon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Dark Spice Honey Old Fashioned?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Dark Spice Honey Old Fashioned for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Dark Spice Honey Old Fashioned?
Cocktails quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
