Malone's Old Fashioned Recipe

Prepare glass

If using an absinthe rinse (optional), pour 2 ml absinthe into the serving glass, swirl to coat the inside, then pour out or discard excess so only a thin aromatic film remains.

Mix

In a mixing glass, add 0.5 oz demerara sugar syrup, 3 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters. Stir briefly to combine.

Add spirits and chill

Add 2 oz bourbon to the mixing glass, then fill with plenty of ice. Stir gently with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 full strokes) until well chilled and slightly diluted.

Assemble

Place a single large ice cube or sphere in the rinsed rocks glass. Strain the chilled bourbon mixture over the ice.

Garnish

Express the oil from the orange peel over the drink by holding the peel with the outside facing the cocktail and giving it a firm squeeze (or flame briefly for a flamed orange oil effect). Rub the peel along the rim of the glass and drop it into the drink. Add 1 Luxardo cherry on a pick and serve.

If you used the flamed orange oil option, after expressing the peel briefly hold a lit match or lighter near the peel and squeeze to flame the oils toward the surface for a bright, caramelized aroma. Be cautious and perform over a safe surface.