Old Fashioned Recipe

Cocktail

1. 1

   Measure and prepare

   Chill an Old Fashioned (rocks) glass by filling it with ice and setting aside. Prepare a large single ice cube if available or use 1–2 large ice cubes for the final serve. If using simple syrup, have 1:1 syrup ready; if using cane or demerara syrup, use the measured amount.

2. 2

   Build and stir

   Discard ice from the chilled glass. In a mixing glass or a separate mixing tin, add 0.25 oz simple syrup, 2 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters (if using). Add 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey. Add stirring ice (enough to fill the mixing glass) and stir gently for 20–30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted (roughly 15–20% dilution is typical).

3. 3

   Prepare serving glass

   Place a single large ice cube (or 2 large cubes) into the chilled Old Fashioned glass.

4. 4

   Strain and garnish

   Strain the chilled cocktail from the mixing glass into the serving glass over the large ice cube. Express the oils of an orange peel over the drink by holding the peel skin-side down over the glass and giving it a sharp twist, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the drink. Optionally, add a Luxardo or maraschino cherry on a pick. Serve immediately.

5. 5

   Optional variations and tips

   For a slightly richer flavor, swap in demerara syrup (0.25 oz). For a muddled sugar style, place 1 sugar cube and bitters in the serving glass, muddle with a splash of water to dissolve, then add whiskey and ice and stir. Use rye for a spicier profile or bourbon for a sweeter, rounder profile. Adjust syrup amount to taste (0.125–0.5 oz).