Old Forester Birthday 2023 Recipe

Build and stir

Add 2 oz Old Forester Birthday 2023, 0.5 oz demerara sugar syrup, 0.25 oz orange curaçao, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 3 dashes Angostura bitters into a mixing glass.

Add ice and chill

Fill the mixing glass with plenty of ice (large cubes preferred). Stir briskly for 20–30 seconds until the outside of the glass is cold and the liquid is well chilled and slightly diluted.

Prepare glass

Place a large clear ice cube in an Old-Fashioned (rocks) glass.

Strain

Strain the chilled cocktail over the large ice cube in the prepared glass using a julep or Hawthorne strainer to ensure a clean pour.

Express and garnish

Take one piece of orange peel, hold it over the glass and give it a firm twist to express oils over the surface of the drink, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the glass as garnish.

Serve

Serve immediately. Sip slowly to appreciate the bourbon's complexity and the citrus/bitters balance.

Combine 2 cups demerara sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Stir until sugar is completely dissolved, bring just to a simmer for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Use 0.5 oz for the cocktail recipe above.