Old Fashioned Recipe

Chill glass (optional)

Place an old-fashioned glass (lowball / rocks glass) in the freezer for a few minutes or fill with ice water while preparing ingredients to lightly chill the glass. Discard ice water before building the drink.

If using simple syrup: Add 1/2 teaspoon simple syrup to the chilled old-fashioned glass. If using a sugar cube: place the sugar cube in the glass and add 1 teaspoon water, then add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and muddle until the cube is mostly dissolved.

Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters (if you didn't add them with the sugar cube) to the syrup or dissolved sugar in the glass and stir to combine. This ensures the sugar and bitters are well integrated before adding whiskey.

Add 2 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey to the glass.

Add a large ice cube (or several large ice cubes) to the glass, then stir gently for 15–30 seconds until the drink is slightly diluted and well chilled. Aim for about 20–25% dilution by eye/time depending on ice and temperature.

Express the orange peel: hold the peel with the outer (zested) side facing down over the drink and give it a firm twist to release the oils across the surface. Run the rim of the glass with the peel, then drop it into the drink.

Optional: Add a maraschino cherry or brandied cherry on a cocktail pick as a garnish. Serve immediately.