Texas Gospel Old Fashioned Recipe

Rinse or salt the glass

If using bacon fat rinse: warm 1 tsp bacon fat slightly so it becomes liquid, pour into an Old Fashioned glass, swirl to coat interior, discard excess so a thin film remains. If using smoked salt: rub a pinch of smoked salt briefly around rim or place a small pinch in bottom of glass. Set glass aside.

Add 2 oz rye whiskey, 0.5 oz peach liqueur, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.25 oz simple syrup, 2 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters (if using) into a mixing glass or Boston shaker.

Fill the mixing glass with large ice, then stir for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted (aim for about 15–20% dilution). Stirring rather than shaking keeps the cocktail clear and silky.

Strain the chilled cocktail into the prepared Old Fashioned glass over a single large ice cube or sphere.

Express the orange peel over the drink by holding it skin-side down 2–3 inches above the glass and giving it a firm twist so the oils spray onto the surface; then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the drink.

Skewer the Luxardo or brandied cherry and rest it on the ice (or drop it in). If you used smoked salt, optionally sprinkle a very light pinch on top of the drink for aroma.

Optional: for an added smoky aroma, briefly (1–2 seconds) blow smoke from a smoking gun or burned rosemary into the glass before sealing with the peel and cherry.