Wild Turkey 101 Recipe

Prepare glass

Chill an old-fashioned glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail. If using, place a large ice cube or sphere into the glass and set aside.

Combine ingredients

Fill a cocktail shaker or mixing glass with 6 ice cubes. Add 2 oz Wild Turkey 101 bourbon, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz simple syrup, 0.25 oz orange liqueur (if using), and 2 dashes Angostura bitters.

Shake

Secure the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until the outside of the shaker is cold and properly diluted (this both chills and integrates the citrus with the bourbon).

Strain

Discard the ice or water from the chilled serving glass. Double-strain the cocktail into the prepared old-fashioned glass over the large ice cube/sphere using a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer (or just a Hawthorne if you don't have a fine strainer).

Garnish & finish

Express the oils from a lemon twist over the drink by holding the twist skin-side down about 2–3 inches above the surface and giving it a firm twist, then run the peel around the glass rim and drop it into the drink. Optionally, express an orange peel as well for an extra citrus aroma. Serve immediately.

Notes: Wild Turkey 101 is high-proof and bold; the lemon and syrup balance its spicy, caramel character. Adjust simple syrup by ±0.25 oz to taste. If you prefer a stirred, less-bright variation, substitute 0.25–0.5 oz sweet vermouth for the orange liqueur and stir 30 seconds with ice, then strain over ice.