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Best Old Fashioned Bourbon Cocktail

A timeless bourbon old fashioned balanced with sugar, Angostura and orange bitters, and an express orange twist for a smooth, elegant cocktail.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American Classic
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
  • 1 sugar cube or 1 teaspoon simple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash orange bitters optional but recommended
  • Large ice cube or 3 to 4 medium ice cubes
  • Orange peel for garnish
  • Cherry for garnish optional
  • Small splash of filtered water

Equipment

  • Rocks glass or lowball glass (10 to 12 ounces)
  • Bar spoon or long stirring spoon
  • Muddler or back of a wooden spoon
  • Cocktail jigger for measuring
  • Citrus peeler or vegetable peeler for orange twist
  • Ice cube maker or large ice cubes

Method
 

  1. Chill the glass by filling a rocks glass with ice and cold water, then set aside for 1 minute.
  2. Prepare an orange peel by cutting a 2-inch long strip, avoiding the white pith.
  3. Discard the chilled water and add the sugar cube and both dashes of bitters to the cold glass.
  4. Gently muddle the sugar and bitters together for about 10 seconds until a smooth paste forms.
  5. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of filtered water to the glass to help dissolve any remaining sugar.
  6. Stir with a bar spoon until the sugar paste is fully dissolved and forms a cohesive liquid.
  7. Add one large ice cube or three to four medium cubes to the glass, then pour in 2 ounces of bourbon.
  8. Stir slowly and steadily for about 30 seconds until the drink is properly chilled.
  9. Express the orange peel over the drink to release oils, then drop it into the glass and garnish with a cherry if desired.

Notes

Use one large ice cube when possible to minimize dilution and enhance presentation.