Description
A timeless and easy-to-make cocktail featuring bourbon, bitters, orange peel, and a maraschino cherry for a perfectly balanced, smooth sipping experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 oz bourbon (e.g., Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark)
- 1 sugar cube or ½ teaspoon simple syrup
- 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large strip orange peel
- 1 maraschino cherry (preferably Luxardo)
- Ice (large cubes preferred)
Instructions
- Prep your orange peel and cherry by cutting a large strip of orange peel with mostly zest and minimal pith. Set aside the maraschino cherry.
- Place the sugar cube or simple syrup in an Old Fashioned glass. Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters. If using a sugar cube, add a splash of water to help it dissolve.
- Drop in the orange peel, then muddle gently to crush the sugar and release the oils from the peel without overdoing it.
- Pour in 2 ounces of bourbon. Add one large ice cube or enough smaller cubes to fill the glass.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon or regular spoon for about 30 seconds to chill and dissolve the sugar fully without over-diluting.
- Twist the orange peel over the glass to release oils, then drop it in along with the cherry. Optionally squeeze the cherry to release extra flavor. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Use fresh orange peel for best aroma. Do not skip bitters as they add essential complexity. Use large ice cubes to avoid quick dilution. Stir gently instead of shaking to keep flavors balanced. Try different bourbons for unique flavor profiles. Variations include using maple syrup, smoky Scotch, muddled berries, or spices like cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 3 oz c
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4
- Carbohydrates: 5
Keywords: Old Fashioned, bourbon cocktail, classic cocktail, easy cocktail recipe, whiskey cocktail, bitters, orange peel, maraschino cherry