American Standard Recipe

Combine ingredients

Add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 0.5 oz dry vermouth, 0.25 oz orange curaçao and 2 dashes Angostura bitters into a mixing glass or shaker.

Optional balance

If you prefer a slightly softer, rounder profile, add 0.25 oz simple syrup. Do not add if you want a drier, more spirit-forward drink.

Add ice and stir

Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes and stir gently but steadily for 30–45 seconds (about 20–30 full strokes) until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted.

Strain

Prepare a chilled rocks or coupe glass. Double-strain the mixture into the glass over one large ice cube (or without ice if serving up) using a julep strainer and fine mesh if desired.

Express and garnish

Hold a lemon peel over the glass, skin side down, and give it a firm twist to express oils over the surface. Rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the drink. Optionally add a cocktail cherry on a pick.

Serve immediately while cold. Tasting note: the American Standard is a balanced, slightly sweeter Manhattan-style cocktail with bright orange notes from the curaçao and herbal complexity from the two vermouths.

Rinse or wash the mixing glass, bar spoon, and strainer after use. Replenish ice if serving multiple cocktails.