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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Method
Cocktail
Prepare glass
Select a rocks glass (old-fashioned glass). If you prefer your cocktail slightly chilled, place the glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill with ice water while you assemble ingredients; discard the ice water before building the drink.
Add syrup and bitters
Pour 0.25 oz simple syrup into the glass. Add 2 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters (if using).
Build and stir
Add the large ice cube (or several large cubes) to the glass. Pour 2 oz Sazerac Rye over the ice. Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture gently but thoroughly for about 20–30 seconds (roughly 20–30 full turns) until the cocktail is well chilled and slightly diluted — the spirit should coat the back of the spoon.
Express and garnish
Take the orange peel and hold it skin-side down over the glass about 3–4 inches above the surface. Give it a firm quick squeeze/pinch to express oils across the cocktail, then rub the peel's rim along the glass edge and drop it in as garnish. Optionally add a Luxardo or brandied cherry on a pick.
Serve: Present immediately. Sip slowly to appreciate the rye's spice and the balance of sugar and bitters.