Restaurants›Storyville Chicago›Old Fashioned Recipe

Old Fashioned Recipe

Inspired by Storyville Chicago

Time6m

Serves1

Bourbon or Rye, aromatic bitters, demerara, orange swath

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Ingredients

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Cocktail

2 oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey1/4 oz Demerara syrup (or simple syrup made from demerara sugar)3 dashes Aromatic bitters (Angostura or similar)1 to taste Orange peel swath (about 1 large strip)1 cube Large ice cube(s)

Optional garnish

1 piece Luxardo cherry or maraschino cherry1 tbs Extra demerara sugar (if making syrup by hand)1 tbs Hot water (if making syrup by hand)

Method

Prepare demerara syrup (if not using pre-made)

Quick demerara syrup

Combine 1 tablespoon demerara sugar and 1 tablespoon hot water in a small container. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Let cool to room temperature before using. Yields ~0.5 oz; measure 0.25 oz for the cocktail.

Build the Old Fashioned

Place a mixing glass or Old Fashioned (rocks) glass on your work surface.

Add 0.25 oz demerara syrup to the glass.

Add 3 dashes aromatic bitters directly onto the syrup so flavors meld.

If you want a touch of dilution and to chill the glass, add a small splash (about 0.25 oz) of room-temperature water or one small bar spoon of water — optional. Stir gently to combine bitters and syrup.

Add 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey into the glass.

Add one large ice cube (or enough ice to fill the glass if you don't have a large cube).

Stir the drink gently for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted (aim for about 15–25% dilution from the ice).

Express the oils from one large strip of orange peel over the surface of the drink by holding it with the outer (colored) side down and giving it a firm twist about 2–3 inches above the glass. Rub the peel around the rim, then drop the swath into the glass.

If desired, add one Luxardo or maraschino cherry as a garnish (place on top of ice or skewer through the peel).

Serve immediately with a short straw or without — enjoy.