Old Diamond Recipe

Chill glass

Place a coupe or rocks glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to chill it.

Combine ingredients

In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker (without ice), add 2 oz rye whiskey, 0.75 oz sweet vermouth, 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur, and 2 dashes angostura bitters.

Add ice and stir

Fill the mixing glass with large, fresh ice. Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30–45 seconds (about 20–30 full turns) until well chilled and slightly diluted — the mixing glass should feel very cold to the touch.

Prepare glass

If you chilled the glass with ice water, dump the water and any small ice. If you used the freezer, remove the glass just before straining.

Strain

Double-strain the cocktail (using a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer if available) into the chilled rocks glass over a single large ice cube for a short-sip presentation, or into the chilled coupe neat if you prefer no ice.

Garnish and finish

Express an orange twist over the drink by holding the peel skin-side down about 2–3 inches above the surface and giving it a firm squeeze to release oils. Rub the twist around the glass rim and drop it in. Optionally add a maraschino cherry on a pick. Serve immediately.

If you like a slightly sweeter or brighter result, stir in an extra 1/4 oz sweet vermouth or add a light rinse of absinthe to the glass before straining for an aromatic lift.