Don Julio 1942 Recipe

Chill glass

Place your old-fashioned glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail so it's nicely chilled.

Measure and combine

In a mixing glass or shaker, pour 2 oz Don Julio 1942 Añejo Tequila, 0.25 oz simple syrup, and 0.5 oz fresh lime juice. Add 2 dashes of orange bitters.

Add ice and stir

Fill the mixing glass with ice (preferably large cubes). Using a bar spoon, stir for 20–30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted (the outside of the mixing glass will feel cold and a little frosted).

Prepare serving glass

Dump the ice water from the chilled old-fashioned glass (if used) and add a single large ice cube or sphere to the glass.

Strain

Using a Hawthorne or julep strainer, strain the stirred cocktail over the large ice cube in the chilled old-fashioned glass.

Express orange oils

Take the orange twist and hold it skin-side down over the drink. Give it a sharp twist to express the orange oils over the surface of the cocktail, then rub the peel around the rim of the glass.

Optional flamed peel

For a smoky, aromatic finish (optional): hold the orange peel skin-side toward a lit match or small torch, quickly flame the peel to heat the oils, then twist and express over the drink. Drop the twist into the glass as garnish.

Serve

Serve immediately. Sip slowly to appreciate the tequila's caramel, vanilla, and cooked-agave notes balanced with the brightness of lime and the hint of orange bitters.

Rinse and wash used glassware and utensils. Store the mixing glass and bar tools for next use.