Midnight Cowboy Recipe

Make honey syrup

If you don't have honey syrup ready, combine equal parts honey and hot water (about 1/4 cup honey + 1/4 cup hot water), stir until fully dissolved, cool before using. Measure 0.5 oz of this syrup for the cocktail.

Add 2 oz bourbon, 0.5 oz fresh orange juice, 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz honey syrup and 2 dashes orange bitters into a cocktail shaker.

Fill the shaker with ice (about 6 large cubes). Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very cold and slightly frosted.

Double-strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass over one large ice cube (or a few medium cubes). Double-straining removes small ice shards and pulp for a clean finish.

Slowly pour (float) 1 oz of chilled cabernet sauvignon over the back of a bar spoon onto the cocktail so it forms a thin layer on top. Alternatively, gently pour 0.25 oz for a lighter wine accent if preferred.

Express the oils of an orange twist over the drink by holding the twist skin-side down over the glass and giving it a quick pinch. Rub the rim with the twist and drop it into the cocktail as garnish.

Serve immediately. Recommend stirring gently once if the guest prefers the wine incorporated; otherwise let the cabernet float slowly integrate as they sip.