A hot honey old fashioned is one of my new favorite drinks! This hot honey bourbon cocktail uses Mike’s spiced-up honey to add a kiss of heat and sweet to the classic beverage. It’s very warming, and perfect as both a fall and winter cocktail option.
With just 3 ingredients (aside from garnishes and ice) it doesn’t get much simpler than this! Bourbon is complimented by a kiss of heat from the hot honey for a cocktail that will warm you to your toes!
It takes less than 5 minutes to throw together, and doesn’t require any fancy equipment, which makes this drink perfect for entertaining as well. With vibes perfect for fall and winter, it’s a great option for any of your holiday get-togethers.
I love to finish mine with a cocktail cherry and orange slice for an elegant twist, but honestly it’s great on its own as well!
Ingredients List
2 ounces bourbon
1 tsp hot honey (such as Mike’s)
2-3 dashes orange bitters
Ice cube
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can use any bourbon you like, or rye whiskey is a good alternative if needed
Any brand of hot honey works (or even homemade), but Mike’s is a very popular brand that can be found in most grocery stores. You can also add more (up to 1 Tbsp) to taste if you want a spicier drink!
I prefer the flavor of orange bitters the best, but you can also use Angostura or another type of bitters of your choosing
If you find old fashioned cocktails to be too strong, top your drink with ginger beer, ginger ale, or apple cider for a nice compliment that helps to cut the alcohol
Garnish options include: orange slice, spiraled twist of orange or lemon peel, cinnamon stick, or a bourbon or other cocktail cherry
Step By Step Instructions
To an old fashioned glass (or similar) add the bourbon and the honey, the stir until the honey dissolves
Shake 2-3 dashes of orange bitters on top
Add an ice cube (a large cube is best to minimize dilution)
My Air Fryer Creme Brulee, Air Fryer Baklava, and Air Fryer Pound Cake would all be good pairings!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Substitute Bourbon With Another Type of Alcohol?
Yes, you can replace bourbon with whiskey (preferably rye whiskey) or even dark rum for variations in flavor.
However, it will not truly be an old fashioned anymore if you change the alcohol.
What’s the Best Honey to Use for This Cocktail?
Mike’s Hot Honey is the most common brand name on the market. However, other brands like Heinz, Sue Bee, or Bees Knees are all great!
Different hot honey varieties get their heat from different sources, such as chili peppers, sriracha, or harissa. You’ll get different flavor profiles and heat levels, so experiment to find your favorite!
How Do I Adjust the Spiciness Level of the Drink?
To control the spiciness, adjust the quantity of hot honey used in the cocktail. You can add some plain honey as well to keep the sweetness level up while reducing the heat.
For an even spicier option, you could add some sriracha or a couple shakes of hot sauce to the drink.
Can I Make This Cocktail in Larger Batches for a Group?
Yes, you can scale up the ingredients accordingly and prepare a larger quantity in a pot or a pitcher.
However, since different people may have different spice tolerances, I find it’s easier to make the drinks individually and to taste.
Are There Any Non-Alcoholic Substitutes for Bourbon in This Recipe?
To make a non-alcoholic mocktail version, swap bourbon with apple cider or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative for a similar taste without alcohol.
You can also use sparkling apple juice to give it a fizzy twist!
Recipe Pro Tips
You can also combine the ingredients in a shaker or mason jar, and shake until the honey dissolves, then strain into a glass. I just prefer to not need to use more equipment!
The round “craft” ice cubes are perfect for this, but if you don’t have one (because I don’t, either) then you can use a large square cube instead
Glassware. An old fashioned or rocks glass is the best choice here, but you could get away with a cognac glass or brandy snifter in a pinch as well
Storage and Serving Tips
Feel free to mix the cocktail up to 48 hours in advance and store in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator. Mix again before pouring. Add ice into individual glasses before serving to prevent dilution
I don’t usually recommend making large batches of this due to personal spice preferences among a crowd. I find it easier to make them to taste for each person. However, if you know your friends and family can all take a little heat, then feel free to scale the recipe and mix in a pitcher!
This Mike’s hot honey old fashioned features bourbon with a sweet kiss of heat thanks to the hot honey. It’s a simple, 3-ingredient cocktail that takes just minutes to throw together, and the warming flavors are perfect for fall and winter.
A hot honey bourbon cocktail is one of my favorite choices for entertaining, since it’s simple to put together. If you have someone adverse to a little heat (this drink isn’t spicy; just a kiss of heat), then use some regular honey as well!
You can also dilute the cocktail with ginger ale or cider, as the flavors pair together very well. I realize that old fashioneds can be strong for some, so cutting it may be a better option if you prefer your drinks weaker!
Hot Honey Bourbon Cocktail (Mike’s Hot Honey Old Fashioned)
This hot honey bourbon cocktail features Mike’s hot honey combined with a classic old fashioned. With just 3 ingredients and a few minutes to put together, it’s perfect for fall and holiday entertaining!
2Ouncesbourbon(such as Knob Creek, Wild Turkey, etc)
1Tsphot honey(such as Mike's)
2-3DashesAngostura orange bitters
Ice cube(large size preferable)
Instructions
To an old fashioned glass (or similar) add the bourbon and the honey, the stir until the honey dissolves
2 Ounces bourbon, 1 Tsp hot honey
Shake 2-3 dashes of orange bitters on top
2-3 Dashes Angostura orange bitters
Add an ice cube (a large cube is best to minimize dilution)
Ice cube
Garnish if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
You can use any bourbon you like, or rye whiskey is a good alternative if needed
Any brand of hot honey works (or even homemade), but Mike’s is a very popular brand that can be found in most grocery stores. You can also add more (up to 1 Tbsp) to taste if you want a spicier drink!
I prefer the flavor of orange bitters the best, but you can also use Angostura or another type of bitters of your choosing
If you find old fashioned cocktails to be too strong, top your drink with ginger beer, ginger ale, or apple cider for a nice compliment that helps to cut the alcohol
Garnish options include: orange slice, spiraled twist of orange or lemon peel, cinnamon stick, or a bourbon or other cocktail cherry
This recipe doubles (or more) easily, so feel free to make it a double or make a batch for a crowd, as long as they can handle a little heat!
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any garnishes or other additions, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword honey bourbon old fashioned, honey cocktails with a kick, hot honey bourbon cocktail, hot honey cocktail recipes, hot honey old fashioned, mike’s hot honey old fashioned, spicy bourbon cocktail, warming alcohol drinks
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
