Whiskey Dreaming Recipe

Make honey syrup (if not prepared)

Combine equal parts honey and warm water (e.g., 1/4 cup honey + 1/4 cup warm water) and stir until fully combined. Cool before using. Yields more than needed; store refrigerated.

Combine ingredients

Add 2 oz Maker's Mark bourbon, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.75 oz honey syrup, and 3 dashes Orange Angostura bitters into a cocktail shaker.

Shake

Add ice to the shaker (about 1 cup) and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is well chilled and slightly frosted. This chills and slightly dilutes the cocktail for balance.

Strain

Double-strain (use both the shaker strainer and a fine-mesh strainer) into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass for a refined presentation. Alternatively, strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube if you prefer it on the rocks.

Express the oils of a lemon twist over the surface of the cocktail by holding the twist over the drink and giving it a firm squeeze so the citrus oils spray onto the drink. Then rub the twist around the rim and drop it into the drink or rest it on the rim.

Optionally, add a brandied cherry or a flamed orange peel for extra aroma. If using an orange peel flame: hold the peel between the drink and a lit match, squeeze to release oils through the flame briefly, then discard or garnish.