Knob James Recipe

Chill glass

Place a rocks glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you mix the cocktail to chill.

If using a large ice cube, prepare it in advance. If not, have several fresh large cubes or one large sphere ready.

Combine ingredients

In a mixing glass or shaker filled halfway with ice, pour 2 oz bourbon, 0.75 oz sweet vermouth, 0.25 oz amaro (optional), 0.25 oz orange liqueur, and 0.25 oz simple syrup.

Add bitters

Add 2 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters to the mixing glass.

Stir to chill and dilute

Using a long bar spoon, stir the mixture briskly for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 full rotations) until well chilled and slightly diluted. Aim for proper dilution to tame the alcohol and meld flavors.

Strain over ice

Discard the ice or water from the chilled rocks glass. Place the large ice cube into the glass and strain the mixed cocktail over the ice using a Hawthorne or Julep strainer.

Express orange oil

Take the orange peel, hold it over the glass with the outer skin facing down and give it a firm squeeze (or fold) to express the oils over the surface of the drink. Rub the peel around the rim for added aroma, then drop it into the glass.

Finish

Add a Luxardo or maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick into the drink. Serve immediately.