Old Fashioned Recipe

Add sugar and bitters

If using a sugar cube: place the sugar cube in the bottom of an old fashioned glass and saturate with 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Add a few drops (about 1/4 tsp) of water or 1/4 tsp simple syrup to help dissolve. Muddle the sugar cube until it is mostly dissolved. If using simple syrup: add 1/2 teaspoon simple syrup and 2 dashes Angostura bitters directly into the glass and stir briefly to combine.

Add bourbon

Measure 2 ounces of bourbon with a jigger and pour it into the glass over the syrup/bitters mixture.

Stir with ice

Add one large ice cube (or enough ice to nearly fill the glass). Using a bar spoon, stir gently for 20–30 seconds to chill, dilute slightly, and integrate flavors. Aim for a slight chill and about 10–15% dilution; the stirring time will vary with ice size and temperature.

Garnish and serve

Express the oils of an orange peel over the surface of the drink by holding the peel skin-side down above the glass and giving it a quick twist so oils spray onto the drink. Rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the glass. Optionally add a maraschino cherry on a pick. Serve immediately.

Ensure the old fashioned glass is at room temperature or chilled briefly if desired. Prepare a large ice cube ahead of time for slower dilution. Have your jigger, bar spoon, peeler, and muddler within reach to streamline assembly.