Combine bourbon (2 oz), Cocchi Americano (0.75 oz), Strega (0.25 oz), fresh lemon juice (0.5 oz), simple syrup (0.25 oz) and 2 dashes Angostura bitters into a cocktail shaker. Add 6 ice cubes to the shaker.

Shake

Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is well chilled and slightly frosted on the outside. This both chills and dilutes the mixture to balance the cocktail.

Prepare glass

Fill a rocks glass or short tumbler with 3–4 fresh ice cubes.

Strain and top

Double-strain the shaken cocktail over the prepared glass (use a Hawthorne and fine strainer if available) to remove small ice shards and pulp. Top gently with 2 oz soda water poured down the inside of the glass to preserve effervescence.

Garnish and finish

Express a lemon twist over the cocktail by holding the twist skin-side down above the drink and giving it a sharp bend to release oils; rub the peel on the rim and drop it into the glass as garnish.

Serve

Serve immediately while effervescence is bright. Sip slowly to enjoy the interplay of small-batch bourbon richness, the floral/herbal Strega notes, and the bitter-quinine lift from Cocchi Americano.