The Ridge Recipe

Chill an old-fashioned glass (or rocks glass) by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water while you assemble the cocktail.

Combine ingredients

In a mixing glass or shaker, add 2 oz bourbon, 0.5 oz rye whiskey, 0.5 oz amaro, 0.25 oz Chartreuse, and 0.5 tablespoon maple syrup.

Add bitters and ice

Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixing glass. Fill the mixing glass about three-quarters full with cocktail ice.

Stir

Stir gently for 20–30 seconds (or until the exterior of the mixing glass is well-chilled and slightly frosted). The goal is to chill, dilute about 20–25% and integrate flavors — avoid over-diluting.

Prepare glass

Discard the chilling ice water from the old-fashioned glass (if used). Place one large ice cube or sphere into the chilled glass.

Strain

Double-strain (using a Hawthorne/mesh strainer) the stirred cocktail into the prepared glass over the large ice cube to remove small shards of ice and any solids.

Express and garnish

Take one piece of orange peel, hold it over the glass skin-side down and give it a firm squeeze to express the oils across the drink. Optionally run the peel around the rim, then drop it into the drink as garnish.

Optional torching

For a smoky orange aroma, lightly torch the expressed orange peel with a kitchen torch for 1–2 seconds before dropping it into the cocktail. This step is optional but adds a charred citrus note that complements the whisky and amaro.