I do both. I should say, I made a magnetic stirrer so I heat (hot water bath for a few minutes) to reduce viscosity, give it a good shake and then put it on the stir plate for several more minutes. It's definitely better a few days later as all the flavors kinda mellow out, but don't fear the honey!! It's not overpowering at all. Well at least not for my taste buds. It's actually the whiskey that tries to steal the show in this mix so adjust that one gradually if you're gonna tweak.