Averna Recipe

Chill glass

Place an old-fashioned (rocks) glass in the freezer for 5 minutes or fill it with ice and cold water while you prepare the cocktail to cool the glass.

Build and stir

In a mixing glass add 2 oz Averna, 1 oz bourbon, 0.5 oz fresh orange juice, 0.25 oz simple syrup and 2 dashes Angostura bitters. Fill the mixing glass with ice to near top.

Stir for dilution

Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 full rotations) until well chilled and slightly diluted. The exterior of the mixing glass should feel cold and slightly wet.

Prepare serving glass

If you chilled the serving glass with ice water, dump it out. Add 1–2 large ice cubes to the chilled old-fashioned glass.

Strain

Strain the chilled cocktail from the mixing glass into the serving glass over the large ice cube(s), leaving behind any excess small ice shards.

Optional sparkling finish

If you prefer a slightly lighter drink, gently top with 0.5 oz club soda or sparkling water. Do not stir vigorously; a gentle swirl is enough to incorporate.

Garnish and serve

Express the orange peel over the drink by holding it skin-side down over the glass and giving it a quick twist to spray the oils onto the surface. Rub the peel on the glass rim if desired, then drop it into the drink. Serve immediately.