Basil Hayden Recipe

Chill glass (optional)

If desired, place an Old-Fashioned glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink to lightly chill the glass. Discard ice/water before serving.

Place a mixing glass or cocktail shaker (without ice if you have a mixing glass) and add 2 oz Basil Hayden bourbon and 2 dashes Angostura bitters.

Add plenty of ice to the mixing glass (enough to properly chill and dilute — roughly 4–6 large ice cubes or a large single cube around the spirit).

Stir gently for about 20–30 seconds (15–20 full strokes) until the drink is well-chilled and slightly diluted — the mixing glass should feel very cold on the outside.

Strain the stirred bourbon into the prepared Old-Fashioned glass over one large ice cube (or a few smaller cubes if you didn't chill the glass).

Express the orange peel over the drink by holding it with the outer skin facing down and pinching to release oils, then rub the peel around the rim and either drop it into the glass or discard according to preference.

If using, gently slap the basil sprig between your palms to release aromatics and rest it on the surface of the drink as an optional herbaceous accent.

Serve immediately.