Old Fashioned Recipe

Make 1:1 simple syrup

Combine 0.5 cups granulated sugar and 0.5 cups water in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring, until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and cool. Store in the refrigerator. Use 0.5 tsp per cocktail as listed above.

Place the sugar cube (or 0.5 tsp simple syrup) into an old-fashioned (rocks) glass.

Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters directly onto the sugar cube (or into the syrup in the glass). If using a sugar cube, add about 1 teaspoon of water to help dissolve.

Muddle the sugar, bitters, water, and a small piece of orange peel (use the peel flesh-side down first to release oils) until the sugar is mostly dissolved and fragrant. If using simple syrup, stir to combine with bitters and oils.

Add 2 ounces of bourbon to the glass and stir briefly to integrate (about 10–15 seconds).

Add a large ice cube (or several ice cubes) to the glass and stir gently for another 10–15 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the drink.

Express the oil of a fresh orange peel over the drink by holding it over the glass, skin side down, and giving it a firm twist. Run the peel around the rim of the glass, then drop it into the cocktail as garnish.

Optional: add a maraschino cherry or brandied cherry on a pick for garnish.

Serve immediately.