Old Fashioned Recipe

Warm hot honey and hot water in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until fully combined and slightly thinner in consistency (do not boil). Alternatively microwave in a heatproof container for 20–30 seconds and stir. Cool to room temperature before using.

Strain if you used chili flakes to infuse the honey so the syrup is smooth. Store leftover syrup refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.

Build

Add 0.5 oz hot honey syrup and 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice to a mixing glass or shaker.

Add 2 oz Angel's Envy bourbon, 2 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters to the mixing glass.

Add plenty of ice and stir briskly for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted (the glass should feel noticeably cold).

Prepare glass

Place a large clear ice cube in a chilled rocks glass.

Strain the cocktail over the large ice cube into the rocks glass.

Express the lemon twist over the drink by holding it peel-side down and giving it a firm twist to release oils, then rub the rim with the twist and drop it into the glass.

To add smoked whiskey barrel oak aroma: hold the charred oak chip (or small piece of barrel oak) in a flame source (torch or lighter) until it begins to smolder slightly, then briefly cup the glass with the smoldering wood or pass the wood above the glass to impart smoke. Alternatively, ignite the wood, blow it out, and cover the cocktail with a cloche or inverted mixing glass for 10–20 seconds to capture smoke, then remove.

Serve immediately so the smoker aroma complements the honeyed bourbon and bitters.