Honey-Lime Old Fashioned

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smooth, honey-sweetened twist on the classic Old Fashioned, with zesty lime notes that capture the lively spirit of online creativity. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 6 minutes pairs bourbon whiskey, honey syrup (1:1 honey and water), fresh lime juice 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.

Prep: 6 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1/2 oz honey syrup, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters into a mixing glass filled halfway with ice cubes.
  2. Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
  3. Step 3: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
  4. Step 4: Express the oils from a lime twist over the surface by holding it with the peel facing down and twisting firmly, then rub the rim of the glass with it and drop it in.
  5. Step 5: Express the orange peel over the drink similarly and rest it on the rim for aroma and color.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Lime 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 Honey-Lime 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 whiskey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Lime 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 Honey-Lime 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 Honey-Lime 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.