Stirred Honey-Spiced Bourbon Old Fashioned
A smooth bourbon cocktail enhanced with natural honey and warm spices, served over a large ice cube for slow dilution. This cocktails & drinks-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together bourbon, honey syrup (1:1 honey and water), dashes Angostura 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 210 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large clear ice cube
- 1 strip orange peel
- 1 star anise pod
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz honey syrup, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes to the brim and stir gently for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 3: Place one large clear ice cube into a rocks glass.
- Step 4: Strain the cocktail over the ice cube carefully to avoid splashing.
- Step 5: Express an orange peel over the glass to release the oils, then rub it around the rim and rest it on the ice.
- Step 6: Garnish with a single star anise pod laid gently on the ice for an aromatic finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stirred Honey-Spiced Bourbon Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Stirred Honey-Spiced Bourbon Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover stirred honey-spiced bourbon 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 Stirred Honey-Spiced Bourbon 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 Stirred Honey-Spiced Bourbon 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 Stirred Honey-Spiced Bourbon Old Fashioned?
Cocktails & Drinks 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.
