Ol' Fashioned Recipe

If using a sugar cube

Place a sugar cube in the bottom of the old-fashioned glass. Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters and a few drops (about 0.25 oz) of water or 0.25 oz simple syrup. Muddle until the sugar is dissolved into a paste.

If using simple or demerara syrup

Add 0.25 oz simple syrup (or demerara syrup) to the bottom of the glass, then add 3 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters if using. Stir gently to combine.

Add 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey to the glass. Stir with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted (the glass exterior should become cool and some small ice chips may form).

Add one large clear ice cube (or several large cubes) to the glass. Stir once more briefly to chill the spirit without over-diluting.

Express the orange peel: hold the peel over the drink with the outside (orange) side facing down and give it a good, quick squeeze to spray the oils over the surface; then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the glass.

Garnish with a maraschino cherry if desired. Serve immediately.

If you prefer a slightly sweeter, richer Old Fashioned, use demerara syrup or a small piece of demerara/sugar cube and muddle with bitters. For a brighter citrus aroma, include the orange bitters and always express the orange peel over the drink.

Adjust bitters: typical ratio is 3 dashes Angostura to 1 dash orange bitters, but you can increase or reduce bitters to taste.

Serving temperature and dilution: stir until well chilled and slightly diluted — roughly 20–30 seconds — to open the flavors without making the cocktail watery.