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This Spiced Honey Bourbon Old Fashioned is the perfect cozy cocktail recipe for November and December nights. Homemade spiced rosemary and honey simple syrup, mixed with warming bourbon, fresh lemon, and orange. Perfect for cold nights and easy to create. Simply mix everything together for a classic cocktail that’s perfectly spiced, has a bit of sweetness, and is so delicious! Tip? Make a large batch for family and friends to sip on over the holidays.
And the official countdown is on. We have just about a week and a half left from now until Thanksgiving, and surprise, I am excited! Not only am I looking forward to a good meal, but also a little downtime. It’s been hard to keep up with everything the last few months, but with the holidays here, it’s time to slow down a little and enjoy the magic of the season…
Will I listen and take my own advice? Probably not, BUT, I do have the perfect cocktail to slow down and cozy up with. And you know?
It’s one of my favorites yet.
The simple details.
This one is different because for once, I’m focusing more on spices and citrus and much less on the fruit. I’m a fruity cocktail kind of person, but I’m switching things up. The key to this drink lies within the spiced honey syrup. It’s a mix of sweet honey and warming spices, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Simmer together with woodsy rosemary in a small saucepan and then finished off with two extra special touches…fresh orange peel and a splash of sweet vanilla.
When shaken up with a couple ounces of bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and a squeeze of fresh orange juice, it’s sweet, spicy, and delicious. Pour over large ice cubes for the best flavors.
Simple to mix up, but oh so GOOD.
As I mentioned, you can also make this into more of a punch for serving guests. If doing so, I would probably recommend doubling the recipe, depending on how many people you plan to serve…or if you just know your guests will be back for seconds.
With our family, my guess is that many will be back for seconds. My sister-in-law, whom I just sent the recipe to, said “this might be my fave drink of yours”. She’s a tough critic, so that should tell you something about this drink, it’s a good one!
If you wanted to make this drink sparkle even more, I’d add some candied rosemary. It’s so simple to make. Just grab some fresh rosemary sprigs, dampen them with water, and cover in granulated sugar. Let the rosemary dry for an hour at room temperature. Now you have pretty, glistening, rosemary that’s the perfect final touch.
And that’s pretty much it. It’s a classic, but with a seasonal twist that makes it even better. This one is perfect for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Enjoy guys!!
Looking for other easy bourbon cocktails?? Here are my favorites:
Lastly, if you make this Spiced Honey Bourbon Old Fashioned, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Spiced Honey Bourbon Old Fashioned
Ingredients
Spiced Honey Syrup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus more for serving
- 2 cinnamon sticks, (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- 1 tablespoon cardamom pods , (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom)
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
- zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Old Fashioned
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) bourbon
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) lemon juice
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) orange or clementine juice
- 1-2 dashes orange bitters
- 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) spiced honey syrup
Instructions
- 1. To make the spiced honey syrup. In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the honey, rosemary, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger to a boil over high heat. Boil 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla. Let cool. This syrup makes enough for about 6 drinks.2. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2-3 tablespoons honey syrup, the bourbon, lemon juice, orange juice, and orange bitters. Add ice and shake. Strain into a glass. Garnish with an orange slice and rosemary, if desired.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Spiced Honey Bourbon Old Fashioned Pitcher
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus more for serving
- 2 cinnamon sticks , (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- 1 tablespoon cardamom pods , (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom)
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
- zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces (1 cup) bourbon
- 4 ounce (1/2 cup) lemon juice
- 4 ounce (1/2 cup clementine or orange juice
- 3-4 dashes orange bitters
- 3-4 ounces (1/4 - 1/2 cup) spiced honey syrup
- 1 blood orange or regular orange, sliced or regular orange, sliced
Instructions
- 1. To make the spiced honey syrup. In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the honey, rosemary, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger to a boil over high heat. Boil 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla. Let cool. Remove the rosemary, cinnamon, cardamom pods, and ginger. This syrup makes enough for about 6 drinks.2. In a punch bowl, combine the honey syrup, the bourbon, lemon juice, orange juice, and orange bitters. Stir to combine, chill until ready to serve. Serve over ice. Garnish with an orange slice and rosemary, if desired.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Mine turned into a piece of honey candy when I put it in the drink
Made these for Thanksgiving for my FIL who is an old-fashioned drinker. Wasn’t sure he’d enjoy the nontraditional taste. He loved it and asked if I would bring it again on Christmas. Thanks again for sharing all your amazing recipes. Happy holidays!
Hi Gail! Thank you so much for giving this recipe a try! So glad to hear you enjoyed it! Merry Christmas to you! xT
I tried this recipe. While I liked the overall results the recipe was a little confusing for me—a total novice bartender. It was a little heavy on the orange bitters as well. But of course that is a personal preference. Also I don’t think the original recipe makes enough to make it punch bowl worthy.
Thank you for the feedback Mary! xT
This was the perfect afternoon cocktail my husband and I were looking for this lazy fall Sunday afternoon, just decorated the tree and this drink hit the spot for the seasonal taste we wanted. I substituted orange zest for a splash of grand marnier. Adding this one to the holiday craft cocktail list!
Hi Beth,
I appreciate you making this recipe and your feedback! So glad it was enjoyed:) Have a great week! xT
These were so good! I made them for Thanksgiving before dinner and they were a huge hit. Next time I’ll make a double batch of the syrup, so there won’t be so many sad faces when they run out!
Hey Valerie,
Thanks for making this recipe and your comment, so glad it was enjoyed! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! xx
I used the recipe for a big event with my mobile bar. Huge hit!!
How long does the syrup last if you combine with the orange juice?
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for making this recipe and your comment, so glad it was enjoyed! You can keep the syrup and oj in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! xx
This was one of the specialty cocktails we served at our daughter’s October wedding! It was delicious and perfect for a crisp autumn day!
Hi Angie,
Wonderful!! I love to hear that you enjoyed this recipe! Thanks so much for your feedback and trying the recipe! Happy Thanksgiving! xT
Can you use maple syrup if you don’t have honey?
Hi Anastasia,
Yes, maple syrup will work well for you! Please let me know if you have any other questions! Cheers! xx
Looks so good, want to offer as a mocktail on Thanksgiving. What would you suggest I substitute for the bourbon?
Hey Teresa,
You could omit the bourbon and use 1 tablespoon of apple cider or sparkling apple cider along with 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. I hope this helps! xx
Tieghan!
I made a batch for thanksgiving last year enough for one for each guest. Everyone was standing around the island while I was making gravy VERY CLOSE BY and asked me to make a second batch…while I was making gravy!! Ha!! I just got a text from my nephew who asked me to triple it this year! I know I can make the syrup ahead but what about the alcohol? Thank you! Your cocktails can’t be beat!
Awe love to hear this Noreen:) Thanks so much for making this recipe!! Sure, you could totally make the entire drink ahead of time, just follow the pitcher instructions! I hope this helps! xx
I am making these this weekend. Can the syrup be made in advance, how early? There is star anise in almost every picture but nowhere in the recipe. Was this just for the pictures and not an ingredient?
Hi there! You could make the syrup a few days early! I just used star anise as a garnish, but you don’t need to use it you don’t have it on hand! xT
If you had a book with all your cocktails I’d definitely buy it
Thank you Maria! xT
I love this recipe and make it in large quantities. I always have a lot of sediment in the syrup. Is this normal or should I boil it longer?
Hey Michelle,
Happy Monday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! I would say that’s pretty normal:) xT
How long is the syrup’s approx. shelf-life?
if you would like the sediment to be strained out more, you could consider using a cheese cloth to strain the syrup. layer several cloths together to catch more sediment.
Loved this! Of course, you had me at bourbon. Does the syrup need to be refrigerated? Making a drink kit as a gift and would like to include a little jar of the syrup. Also going to do this step ahead for a dinner party.
Hey there,
Happy Monday!❄️🎄 I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your review, so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Yes, you can keep the syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. xT
Loved the combo of spices! Didn’t have fresh rosemary sprigs but just used dried. My husband who usually doesn’t join me on the bourbon drinks loved it 😊 Cheers!
Hey Andrea,
Happy Monday!!☃️ Thanks a lot for making this recipe and sharing your review, I love to hear that it was a winner! xx
hi! Looking forward to giving this a try for a neighborhood party. We’re not traditionally bourbon drinkers, do you have a recommendation on one to use? Thanks!
Hey Maggie,
Sure, I really like Off Hours and 4 Roses bourbon. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Cheers! xx