Love classic whiskey cocktails that pack bold flavor and a little edge? Then you’ve got to try the Maple Honey Habanero Old Fashioned. This isn’t your standard sipper—it’s a sweet, spicy, and dangerously smooth twist on the timeless favorite.
Maple Honey Habanero Old Fashioned | Heath Riles BBQ
This cocktail was born during a late-night recipe session when I’d just picked up a bottle of Angel’s Envy Triple Cask. I’d been hearing rave reviews about it, and I knew I wanted to put it to the test. An Old Fashioned felt like the perfect showcase, but instead of reaching for sugar, I grabbed my Heath Riles BBQ Maple Honey Habanero Glaze. A few dashes of orange bitters later, and this bold, fiery riff was ready to shine.
The result? A smooth, flavorful drink that balances rich bourbon notes with waves of sweetness and just enough habanero heat to keep things interesting.
The Old Fashioned: A True Classic
The Old Fashioned is one of the most iconic whiskey cocktails in history—simple, elegant, and endlessly adaptable. Traditionally, it’s made with bourbon or rye, a sugar cube, bitters, and a twist of citrus. Its roots stretch back to the early 1800s, making it a true standard in the cocktail world.
But like any great classic, the Old Fashioned is also a blank canvas. A small swap in the sweetener or a new style of bitters can change the drink’s entire personality. That’s what makes this Maple Honey Habanero version so exciting—it takes tradition and layers on a bold, BBQ-inspired twist.
The Ingredients
You don’t need a full bar setup to make this cocktail—just a few high-quality ingredients and a couple of tools.
Heath Riles BBQ Maple Honey Habanero Glaze (1 oz) – The star of the show. Sweet maple, smooth honey, and a kiss of habanero heat. It brings big flavor without overwhelming the bourbon.
Bourbon (2 oz) – In this recipe, I used Angel’s Envy Triple Cask. Its rich oak, vanilla, and caramel notes balance perfectly with the sweet-spicy glaze.
Orange Bitters (2–3 dashes) – These add brightness and a touch of citrus, cutting through the richness for a clean finish.
Orange Peel (for garnish) – Expressed over the glass, it elevates the aroma and ties everything together.
Ice (large cube) – A slow-melting cube is best—it chills the drink without watering it down.
The Process for Making a Maple Honey Habanero Old Fashioned
This cocktail comes together in minutes, but each step adds to the balance and flavor.
- Add the Glaze: Start with your mixing glass. Pour in 1 ounce of Maple Honey Habanero Glaze. This replaces the sugar cube, delivering sweetness and spice in one smooth step.
- Pour the Bourbon: Measure out 2 ounces of bourbon using a measuring jigger, and add it to the glass. A bold, rich bourbon stands up best to the glaze’s sweetness.
- Add the Bitters: Drop in 2–3 dashes of orange bitters. They bring a citrus backbone that pushes back against the maple-honey sweetness.
- Ice and Stir: Add ice to the mixing glass and stir gently for 15–20 seconds using a bar spoon. The goal is to chill the drink and develop a silky texture without over-diluting it.
- Serve: Strain with a strainer into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Express an orange peel over the drink with a peeler to release aromatic oils, then drop it in as garnish.
The Results
Your first sip delivers smooth bourbon upfront, followed by maple and honey sweetness. Just as the richness settles in, the habanero sneaks in with a warm, lingering heat that lingers on the finish. The orange bitters add brightness, while the citrus peel ties all the flavors together.
This drink doesn’t shy away—it’s bold, balanced, and a little dangerous. The kind of cocktail you’ll savor while tending the smoker or swapping stories with friends well into the evening.
Serving Suggestions
This Old Fashioned pairs beautifully with rich, smoky BBQ flavors. Here are three standout Heath Riles BBQ recipes that make for next-level pairings:
- Apple Pie Ribs on the Traeger Ironwood XL: Sweet, sticky ribs with juicy apples, rich cinnamon, and a touch of heat—echoing the maple-honey character of the cocktail.
- Spicy Cherry Apple Pork Belly Burnt Ends on the Traeger Ironwood XL: Tender, caramel-glazed pork belly bites with layers of cherry, apple, and spice. Rich, juicy, and just fiery enough to play off the habanero twist in your drink.
- Jalapeño Popper Cheese Dip on the Traeger Timberline 1300: Gooey, cheesy, and loaded with jalapeño heat—this dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’ll complement the cocktail’s spicy sweet profile perfectly.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Want to batch this for a party? Here’s how:
- Batch the Base – Combine the glaze, bourbon, and bitters in a sealed pitcher or jar. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serve Fresh – Always pour over fresh ice. The big cube slows dilution.
- Skip Ice in Storage – Keep your batch cold but ice-free to avoid over-dilution.
- Prep Garnishes Ahead – Peel and store orange garnishes in an airtight container for quick finishing touches.
Final Sip
The Maple Honey Habanero Old Fashioned is proof that a little creativity can elevate a timeless classic. With rich bourbon, sweet maple-honey layers, and a bold habanero kick, this cocktail is as smooth as it is daring. It’s perfect for winding down after a cook or sharing a moment with friends.
So here’s to big bourbon flavors, a hint of fire, and the perfect BBQ companion. Cheers, y’all.
Equipment and Tools
Mixing glass, Measuring jigger, Bar spoon, Strainer, Rocks glass, Peeler for garnish