It's Time To Give This Legendary Cocktail A Hot Honey Upgrade

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You can love an old fashioned without being stuck in the past. There are always plenty of expert tips for crafting a perfect old fashioned, but what if you're itching to stir things up a bit and try something ... new-fashioned? Flavored bitters and floral twists on the classic cocktail old fashioned are fun (a sweet lavender old fashioned might tickle your fancy), but what about a simple upgrade that keeps the foundation of the drink intact and simply gives it a little extra kick?

Hot honey needs no introduction here. Whether you're drizzling it over pizza, enhancing your breakfast sandwiches, or adding some zing to your favorite cocktails, this sweet-spicy condiment has been a viral hot commodity for a while now. And, it's the perfect easy addition that'll take your old fashioned to the modern age.

While the old fashioned typically calls for simple syrup or sugar, swapping in hot honey adds a whole new dimension of flavor. The smooth sweetness of honey complements the bourbon's caramel notes, while the heat offers just enough of a kick to amplify the burn of the liquor and tantalize your taste buds.

Making this upgraded cocktail is a breeze. Stir Mike's Hot Honey or a homemade version of the condiment into your bourbon until it fully dissolves, then top off with ice. Or, you could mix equal portions of hot honey and water to create a spicy-sweet simple syrup for the drink. Garnish with a twist of orange peel, and boom — your old fashioned is officially new and ready for sipping.

If you love the idea of a hot honey old fashioned, we challenge you to kick it up even further. Pair the hot honey with smoky-flavored bitters, go extra spicy with Mike's Extra Hot Honey, or add depth to the spice with some chili pepper-infused simple syrup.

Or, maybe you're not ready to embrace hot honey just yet. That's cool — there are plenty of other ways to give your old fashioned a little boost in flavor. For instance, if you like the idea of spice without the honey, consider a cinnamon or ginger syrup swap. These will warm up your drink and still add that sweet-spicy balance we're after. Cinnamon has that comforting, holiday vibe, while ginger brings a little more punch. Or, try making your own spiced syrup with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, vanilla, and honey for tons of warm flavor. 

Of course, if you're not into the heat, try maple syrup instead of the usual sweeteners. It adds a rich, earthy sweetness with subtle woodsy notes that complements bourbon in a way simple syrup just can't. 

Whatever you choose, remember this: the old fashioned isn't just for old souls. It's a timeless drink that's got plenty of room for a little innovation. Whether you go with hot honey or opt for one of these spicy alternatives, you can embrace both the classic and the new in one glass. Cheers to that!