Owen's American Tonic Recipe

REFRESH

1. 1

   Prep the glass

   Select a highball or Collins glass. If desired, chill it briefly by placing it in the freezer for 2–3 minutes or filling it with ice water while you prep.

2. 2

   Add base and citrus

   Discard any ice water and fill the chilled glass about three-quarters full with fresh ice (see ingredient). Pour 30 ml bourbon into the glass, then add 15 ml fresh lemon juice.

3. 3

   Stir to chill and combine

   Using a bar spoon, gently stir the bourbon and lemon over the ice for 10–15 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the mixture.

4. 4

   Top with tonic

   Slowly top the drink with 90 ml calorie-free tonic water, pouring down the spoon or the inside of the glass to preserve carbonation and create a clear top layer.

5. 5

   Add bitters and finish

   Drop 2 dashes of Angostura bitters onto the surface of the tonic (they will float and add aromatic complexity). Give the drink one very gentle stir—1–2 turns—just to marry the bitters with the top few millimeters.

6. 6

   Garnish and serve

   Express the oils from 1 lemon twist over the drink by holding the twist over the glass and pinching so the oils spray onto the surface, then run the twist around the rim and drop it in as garnish. Serve immediately.