Southern New Fashioned: A Spiced, Modern Take on a Classic
Sep 18, 2025
Ready to give your Old Fashioned a little Southern swagger? The Southern New Fashioned is a bold, modern riff that leans into sweet heat, rich aromatics and premium Southern ingredients. Created in collaboration with our friends at Red Clay Hot Sauce, this hot honey bourbon cocktail blends Highwire Distilling bourbon, their signature hot honey and our Chicory Pecan Bitters for a drink that’s warm, spicy and wonderfully memorable.
If you love a classic Old Fashioned but crave something with personality, this one’s for you.
What is a "New Old Fashioned Cocktail"?
A New Old Fashioned keeps the soul of the classic whiskey, sugar, bitters but reimagines the modifiers. Think bolder syrups, modern ingredients and fresh aromatics. In this version, the heat from Red Clay’s hot honey meets the warm, nutty depth of our bitters, transforming a timeless sip into something spirited and contemporary. It’s familiar, yet entirely its own.
The Southern New Fashioned Recipe
Makes one cocktail
Ingredients
- 0.5 oz Red Clay Hot-Hot Honey
- 3 dashes El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters
- 2 oz bourbon (we used Highwire Distilling)
- Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the hot honey and Chicory Pecan Bitters to a rocks glass and stir to blend.
- Fill the glass with ice and pour in the bourbon.
- Stir gently to chill and integrate.
- Express an orange peel over the top to release its oils, then drop it in.
- Cheers, y’all.
Chicory Pecan Bitters: Enhancing the Hot Honey Kick
Hot honey brings the heat but it needs support to stay balanced. Our Chicory Pecan Bitters provide exactly that. With notes of roasted pecan, warm spice and coffee-like chicory, they ground the bourbon’s sweetness and temper the honey’s kick. The result is a layered, aromatic Old Fashioned that feels both Southern and sophisticated.
Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a new old fashioned cocktail?
It’s a modernized Old Fashioned featuring updated syrups, bitters or spirits. The structure stays classic; the flavor gets a fresh twist.
What bourbon works best?
Choose a quality bourbon with enough backbone to stand up to the heat. Highwire Distilling is excellent, but any spirit with notes of oak, vanilla or caramel will pair beautifully.
Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?
Absolutely. Swap in regular honey for a milder version, or stir in a pinch of cayenne if you want to control the spice level yourself.
What do El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters taste like?
They’re warm, nutty and deeply aromatic think toasted pecan, chicory root and subtle baking spices. They add incredible depth to whiskey cocktails.
