Stirred Honeyed Whiskey Old-Fashioned

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

A smooth, warming whiskey cocktail sweetened with honey and balanced by aromatic bitters, served over a large ice cube. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, 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.

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

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place a large clear ice cube in a rocks glass.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing glass filled with ice cubes to the brim, pour 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1/2 oz honey syrup, and add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
  3. Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
  4. Step 4: Strain the mixture over the large ice cube in the rocks glass.
  5. Step 5: Express the oils of 1 large strip of orange peel by holding it over the glass and twisting it to release the oils, then rub the peel around the rim and rest it on the glass as garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stirred Honeyed Whiskey 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 Honeyed Whiskey Old-Fashioned?

Refrigerate any leftover stirred honeyed whiskey 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 Honeyed Whiskey 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 Honeyed Whiskey 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 Honeyed Whiskey 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.