Traveller Full Proof Whiskey Recipe

Chill glass

Place an old-fashioned glass or rocks glass in the freezer for a few minutes, or fill it with ice and water to chill while you prepare the cocktail.

Measure & combine

Add 2.25 oz bourbon (90–100 proof) and 0.75 oz rye whiskey into a mixing glass or pint glass. The higher-proof bourbon gives body and warmth; the rye adds a spicy, bright counterpoint.

Add sweetener & bitters

Add 0.5 oz Demerara or dark brown sugar syrup, 3 dashes aromatic bitters, and 1 dash orange bitters to the mixing glass.

Add ice & stir

Fill the mixing glass with large cubed ice. Stir gently and steadily for 20–30 seconds (about 20–30 full rotations) until the mixture is well chilled, slightly diluted, and slightly viscous—this opens the flavors and smooths the high proof.

Prepare glass

Discard ice/water from the chilled glass if you used that method. Add a single large ice cube (or a few fresh rocks) to the glass.

Strain

Double-strain or use a Hawthorne/ julep strainer to pour the stirred whiskey blend from the mixing glass into the prepared old-fashioned glass over the large ice cube.

Express and garnish

Take an orange peel and hold it skin-side down over the cocktail. Pinch or twist it to express the oils across the surface of the drink, then rub the peel's rim on the glass and drop it in as a garnish.

Optional smoke/finish

For an added single-barrel-like aroma, briefly warm the orange peel with a lighter and flame it over the drink, or light a cinnamon stick and pass the glass through the smoke for a few seconds. Serve immediately.