Old Fashioned Recipe

Combine demerara sugar and hot water in a small heatproof container. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow to cool to room temperature, then transfer to a sealed bottle and refrigerate. Syrup will keep up to 3 weeks.

Chill an old-fashioned (rocks) glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes; discard chilling ice if using.

In a mixing glass or mixing tin, add 0.5 oz (about 1 tablespoon) of the prepared demerara syrup and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.

Add 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey to the mixing glass.

Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes (enough to chill without diluting too quickly) and stir gently for 20–30 seconds until chilled and slightly diluted (the outside of the glass will sweat).

Discard the ice from the chilled serving glass and place one large clear ice cube in the glass.

Strain the stirred cocktail over the large ice cube using a Hawthorne or julep strainer.

Express the oils from one orange peel by holding it skin-side down over the drink and giving it a firm twist about 6–8 inches above the glass, then rub the peel along the rim and drop it into the drink (or discard if you prefer).

Optional: Add a Luxardo or brandied cherry on a pick and rest it on the ice.

Serve immediately.