Heracles Old Fashioned Recipe

Chill glass

Place the rocks glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to chill it. Discard ice water before serving.

Combine ingredients

In a mixing glass, add 2 oz rye whiskey, 0.25 oz orange curaçao, 0.25 oz simple syrup, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, and 1 dash orange bitters.

Stir with ice

Fill the mixing glass with plenty of ice and stir gently for 20–30 seconds (about 20–30 rotations) until well chilled and slightly diluted. The aim is to bring the drink to about 10–12°C (50–54°F) and achieve a silky texture.

Prepare glass

Discard the ice water from the chilled rocks glass (if used). Place a single large ice cube in the glass.

Strain

Using a strainer, pour the mixed cocktail over the large ice cube in the rocks glass.

Garnish — orange peel

Cut a wide strip of orange peel (about 1.5–2 inches long, avoiding too much pith). Hold the peel with the outside facing down over the drink, warm the peel briefly with a lighter (optional) and quickly express the oils by pinching the peel to release them over the surface of the cocktail. If you want a theatrical flamed orange, bring a lit match or lighter between the peel and the cocktail skin and give a quick squeeze so a small flare ignites the oils; pass the flame quickly and safely, then immediately wipe the peel's inner side on the rim and drop it into the glass.

Garnish — cherry (optional)

If using, thread a Luxardo cherry on a pick and rest it on the ice or drop it into the glass.

Serve immediately. Sip slowly to enjoy the balance of warm spice from the whiskey, citrus and bitter notes from the curaçao and bitters, and the subtle sweetness from the syrup.

Use the jigger to measure spirits and modifiers for accuracy. Use the bar spoon to stir and the strainer to pour into the glass. A peeler or knife makes the orange peel; a lighter or match can be used for the optional flamed peel.