Classic Old Fashioned Recipe

Combine sugar and water

In a small saucepan combine 1 cup demerara sugar and 1 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture comes just to a simmer.

Infuse smoke

Remove pan from heat. If using a smoking gun: place the hot syrup in a heatproof container, cover, and inject smoke for 10–20 seconds, then seal and let sit 5 minutes before venting. If not using a smoking gun: add one small cinnamon stick (or a 1/4 tsp smoked paprika for a hint of smoke) to the hot syrup and steep for 10 minutes. The goal is a subtle smoky note, not overpowering.

Finish syrup

Strain out solids (if used), stir in 1/4 tsp vanilla extract if desired, then cool to room temperature. Transfer to a sealed bottle and refrigerate. Syrup will keep 2–3 weeks refrigerated.

Chill the glass: Place an Old Fashioned (rocks) glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill with ice while you prepare the cocktail to chill.

Measure and combine: In a mixing glass or stirring glass add 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz smoked demerara syrup, 3 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters (if using).

Stir with ice: Fill the mixing glass with plenty of ice and stir for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 full strokes) until well chilled and slightly diluted.

Prepare serving glass: Discard ice from the chilled Old Fashioned glass if you used it to chill. Place a large ice cube in the glass.

Strain: Strain the stirred cocktail over the large ice cube in the serving glass.

Garnish and express: Hold a piece of orange peel over the drink and give it a firm twist to express the oils over the surface, then rub the peel's rim along the glass and drop it in. Add a Luxardo cherry if desired.

Serve: Present immediately. Optionally offer a small straw or stirring pick.