Booker's Recipe

Chill glass

Place an Old-Fashioned (rocks) glass in the freezer or fill it with ice and set aside while you prepare the cocktail. Chilling the glass keeps the drink colder longer without over-diluting it.

Combine sweetener and bitters

In a mixing glass or directly in the chilled rocks glass, add 0.25 oz simple syrup, 2 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters (if using). Stir briefly to combine.

Add bourbon and ice

Pour 2 oz Booker's bourbon into the mixing glass (or into the rocks glass if you mixed there). Add one large ice cube or enough regular ice to fill the glass.

Stir to chill and dilute

If using a mixing glass, stir with a barspoon for about 20–30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled (internal temperature roughly 0–4°C) and the exterior of the mixing glass has light frost. If you mixed in the serving glass, stir about 10–15 seconds. This gentle stirring integrates flavors and achieves proper dilution for a high-proof bourbon like Booker's.

Prepare garnish

Cut a wide strip of orange peel (avoid too much pith). Hold it over the glass and express the oils by gently pinching the peel with the outside facing down toward the drink, then run the peel around the rim and drop it into the glass. Add a Luxardo or brandied cherry on a pick if desired.

Serve immediately. Sip slowly to appreciate the rich, hot-proof bourbon character balanced with just a touch of sweetness and bitters.