Honeyed Bourbon Apple Old Fashioned

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

A warming bourbon cocktail enhanced with honey and spiced apple bitters, perfect for cozy evenings. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 4 minutes brings together bourbon, honey syrup (1:1 honey and water), dashes spiced apple bitters for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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: 4 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 large clear ice cube in a rocks glass.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon, 3/4 oz honey syrup, and 3 dashes spiced apple bitters directly into the glass.
  3. Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
  4. Step 4: Express the oils of 1 large strip of orange peel over the surface by holding it skin side down and twisting firmly.
  5. Step 5: Rub the peel around the rim of the glass and rest it on the edge as garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honeyed Bourbon Apple Old Fashioned take to make?

Total time is about 4 minutes (4 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Honeyed Bourbon Apple Old Fashioned?

Refrigerate any leftover honeyed bourbon apple old fashioned in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honeyed Bourbon Apple 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 Honeyed Bourbon Apple 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 Honeyed Bourbon Apple Old Fashioned?

Cocktails cocktails & drinks 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.