Old Fashioned Recipe

1. Make honey syrup (if not prepared)

Combine equal parts honey and hot water (for example 1/4 cup honey + 1/4 cup hot water). Stir until fully dissolved and cool. Use 0.5 oz for this drink. (You can prepare ahead and store refrigerated.)

2. Build and stir

Add 2 oz bourbon, 0.5 oz Amaro Nonino, 0.25 oz pear brandy, 0.5 oz honey syrup, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, and 1 dash orange bitters into a mixing glass filled with ice.

3. Stir to chill and dilute

Stir the mixture briskly for 20–30 seconds (about 20–30 turns of a bar spoon) until well chilled and slightly diluted. The goal is a silky texture and proper dilution.

4. Prepare glass

Place a single large ice cube or sphere into an Old Fashioned (rocks) glass.

5. Strain

Strain the stirred cocktail over the large ice cube in the prepared glass.

6. Garnish

Express the oils of an orange peel over the surface by holding peel skin-side down and giving it a firm squeeze or a quick twist about 6 inches above the drink. Wipe the rim with the peel and drop it into the glass. Optionally, rest the peel on top of the ice.

7. Serve

Serve immediately. Sip slowly to enjoy the balance of bourbon, bitter-sweet Amaro, delicate pear note, and honeyed sweetness.

8. For a colder, slightly more diluted drink, stir longer or use smaller ice, then strain into a chilled glass with fresh ice.

9. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce honey syrup to 0.25 oz. For a more pronounced pear note, increase pear brandy to 0.5 oz and reduce bourbon by 0.25–0.5 oz.