Weller Special Reserve Recipe

Chill glass (optional)

If you prefer a slightly cooler drink, place the old-fashioned glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill with ice water while you prepare the cocktail, then discard the ice water before serving.

Measure

Using a jigger, measure 2 oz Weller Special Reserve bourbon and 0.5 oz demerara simple syrup. Place the mixing glass or stirring vessel on your work surface.

Combine ingredients

Pour the bourbon and the demerara simple syrup into the mixing glass. Add 2 dashes aromatic bitters and 1 dash orange bitters (optional) to the mixing glass.

Stir with ice

Fill the mixing glass with a generous amount of ice. Stir the mixture firmly for 20–30 seconds (about 20–30 full turns) until the liquid is well chilled and slightly diluted. Aim for a silky texture and clear appearance.

Prepare serving glass

Place a large ice cube or fresh ice into the chilled old-fashioned glass.

Strain

Slowly double-strain (or just strain) the stirred mixture over the large ice cube in the serving glass to remove any tiny shards of ice.

Express orange oils

Using a peeler or channel knife, cut a 1–2 inch strip of orange peel. Hold it over the glass and give it a firm twist to express the citrus oils over the surface of the drink, then rub the peel around the rim of the glass.

Add garnish

Drop the expressed orange peel into the drink. Optionally, add a Luxardo or brandied cherry on a pick and rest it against the ice.

Serve immediately. Sip slowly to appreciate Weller Special Reserve's vanilla, caramel, and baking spice notes complemented by the sugar and bitters.