Matrix Old Fashioned Recipe

Reduce malt liquor

Combine 1 cup Olde English malt liquor and 2 tablespoons water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to maintain a low simmer. Let the liquid reduce by roughly two-thirds (to about 1/3 cup) — this takes approximately 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally and skim any excess foam. The aim is to concentrate the malt, caramel and slightly bitter notes without burning.

Incorporate turbinado

When the reduction has reached the target volume and is syrupy, lower the heat to low and whisk in 3 tablespoons turbinado sugar until fully dissolved. Continue to warm for 1–2 minutes to meld flavors, then remove from heat. Allow the reduction to cool to room temperature; it will thicken slightly as it cools. Strain through a fine mesh if any solids or foam remain. This yields the 'malt-turbinado reduction' used in the cocktail.

Prepare glass and herbs

Choose an Old Fashioned (rocks) glass. Lightly slap the rosemary and thyme between your palms (or clap them lightly) to release aromatics. Reserve the sprigs for garnish and one small piece for express oiling the glass.

Build the drink

In a mixing glass or short stirring vessel, add 0.5 oz of the cooled malt-turbinado reduction, 3 dashes Angostura bitters, and 1 dash orange bitters. Add 2 oz Maker's Mark bourbon. Fill the mixing glass with large ice and stir gently but thoroughly for 25–30 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted.

Finish & garnish

Strain the stirred cocktail over a single large ice cube in the prepared rocks glass. Express an orange peel over the drink by holding it skin-side down and giving a firm twist to release oils, then rub the rim with the peel and drop it into the glass. Tuck the rosemary and thyme sprigs against the ice (optionally briefly torch the rosemary tip for 1–2 seconds to add a charred herbal aroma, taking care with safety). Place one herb sprig horizontally across the glass or nest it into the ice as the aromatic garnish.

Serve immediately. The resulting Matrix Old Fashioned should present the warmth and vanilla of Maker's Mark brightened by concentrated malt-caramel sweetness from the reduction, layered with herbal top notes and classic bitters.