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Rye Old Fashioned

A spirit-forward cocktail that highlights the spicy, peppery profile of rye whiskey balanced with sugar, bitters, and a hint of citrus.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 165
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2.5 ounces rye whiskey 100 proof or higher for best flavor
  • 1 sugar cube or 0.5 teaspoon simple syrup
  • 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash orange bitters optional but recommended
  • 0.25 ounce water
  • Ice preferably one large cube or several smaller cubes
  • Orange peel for garnish
  • Cocktail cherry for garnish optional

Equipment

  • Mixing glass or cocktail shaker
  • Bar spoon or long-handled spoon
  • Jigger for measuring
  • Rocks glass (10-12 ounces)
  • Cocktail strainer
  • Cutting board and sharp knife for garnish
  • Muddler (optional but helpful)

Method
 

  1. Fill a rocks glass with one large ice cube or several smaller cubes.
  2. Place a sugar cube in a mixing glass and add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters and 1 dash of orange bitters if using.
  3. Add 0.25 ounce of water to the mixing glass to help dissolve the sugar.
  4. Gently muddle the sugar cube until it mostly dissolves, being careful not to over-crush.
  5. Pour 2.5 ounces of rye whiskey into the mixing glass with the sugar mixture.
  6. Add ice to the mixing glass and stir with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds to chill without diluting excessively.
  7. Strain the mixture into the prepared rocks glass over the ice.
  8. Express the oils of an orange peel over the drink, rub the peel around the rim, and garnish with the peel and optional cherry.

Notes

Serve immediately and enjoy slowly to savor the complex spice of the rye whiskey.