The Halliwell Recipe

Prep glass

Place a mixing glass or large chilled rocks glass in the freezer for 2–3 minutes or fill the serving glass with ice water to chill while you prepare the cocktail.

Measure spirits

Using a jigger, pour 1.5 oz blended Scotch, 0.75 oz sweet vermouth, 0.5 oz amaro and 0.25 oz orange liqueur into a mixing glass.

Add bitters and ice

Add 2 dashes aromatic bitters and 1 dash orange bitters to the mixing glass. Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes to just above the liquid level.

Stir

Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30–40 seconds (about 20–30 strokes) until the mixture is well-chilled and slightly diluted — the glass should feel very cold and the liquid become slightly viscous.

Discard chill ice

If you chilled the serving glass with ice water, discard the water and any ice. If you used the freezer method, remove the serving glass from the freezer.

Strain

Using a Hawthorne or julep strainer, double-strain the stirred cocktail into a chilled Old Fashioned glass over one large clear ice cube (or three large ice cubes).

Express orange oil

Hold an orange peel about 3–4 inches above the glass, skin-side down. Gently but firmly twist the peel to express the oils over the surface of the cocktail, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the drink as garnish.

Optional cherry

If using, drop a Luxardo or brandied cherry onto the ice for an additional aromatic note and visual accent.

Serve immediately and enjoy slowly — this is a contemplative sipper best appreciated neat.