Brown Sugar Old Fashioned Recipe

Combine

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup packed dark brown sugar and 1/2 cup water. Add optional orange zest and cloves if using.

Heat and dissolve

Place over medium heat and stir until sugar fully dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Reduce

Lower heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture slightly thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 6–8 minutes. Do not over-boil; it should be syrupy, not overly thick.

Cool and strain

Remove from heat, discard cloves (and orange zest if you prefer a clear syrup), and let cool to room temperature. Transfer to a clean jar; refrigerate. Yields ~6 oz and keeps 2–3 weeks refrigerated.

Chill glass (optional)

If desired, chill an old fashioned glass by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes or filling with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.

Measure and mix

Add 1/2 oz brown sugar reduction, 2 oz Old Forester 100 Proof bourbon, and 3 dashes aromatic bitters into a mixing glass or shaker filled with plenty of ice.

Stir

Stir the mixture gently for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 full strokes) until well chilled and properly diluted (glass should feel cold).

Prepare glass

Discard ice water from the chilled glass if used. Place a large ice cube or sphere into the glass.

Strain

Strain the stirred cocktail over the large ice cube in the old fashioned glass.

Express and garnish

Take an orange peel and hold it over the drink, skin side down. Give it a firm twist to express the oils over the surface, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the glass.

Final aromatic touch

Optionally add a final tiny drop of brown sugar reduction onto the top of the cube or a micro-spray of aromatic bitters for extra aroma.