Old Fashioned Recipe

Combine 2 cups demerara sugar and 1 cup hot water in a heatproof container. Stir until sugar fully dissolves. Let cool to room temperature. Transfer to a sealed bottle and refrigerate. Syrup will keep for about 2–3 weeks.

Chill glass

Place an old-fashioned (rocks) glass in the freezer or fill with ice water to chill while you prepare the cocktail.

Measure and combine

In a mixing glass or shaker, add 0.5 oz demerara syrup and 3 dashes bitters. Add 2 oz Old Forester 86 bourbon.

Stir with ice

Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes. Stir gently but thoroughly for about 20–30 seconds (15–20 rotations) until the mixture is well-chilled and slightly diluted (about 15–20% dilution).

Prepare glass and strain

Discard ice or water from the chilled old-fashioned glass. Place one large clear ice cube in the glass. Strain the stirred cocktail over the large ice cube.

Express orange oil and garnish

Hold a piece of orange peel (cut about 1.5–2 inches) over the glass skin-side down and give it a sharp twist to express oils across the drink, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the glass. Optionally, add a Luxardo or brandied cherry.

Serve immediately and enjoy. Note: adjust syrup to taste if you prefer slightly sweeter or drier.