Crafting the Perfect Old Fashioned: Ingredients Matter

• Whiskey: The soul of the Old Fashioned. I recommend using a 100 proof whiskey, ensures the spirit's presence is undeniable. Most people prefer to use bourbon for their Old Fashioned, but you can absolutely use rye for a spicier twist. My go-tos are Wild Turkey 101 and anything made by Knob Creek.
• Sugar: The sweet counterpoint to the whiskey's robustness. Traditionalists might prefer the rustic charm of a muddled sugar cube, but I advocate for making a Rich Demerara Syrup. The molasses that covers demerara sugar adds a toffee-like depth of flavor and using it as a rich syrup (2 parts sugar to 1 part water) adds texture to the cocktail.
• Bitters: Angostura bitters are a non-negotiable for that quintessential flavor profile. I also add a couple dashes of orange bitters for a citrusy undertone. Remember, the potency of your dashes may vary depending on the fill level of your bitters bottle.
• Black Cherries: A garnish that's more than mere decoration. Luxardo reigns supreme in my bar, but Filbri and Filthy offer commendable alternatives. You're definitely going to want to add a barspoon of the cherry syrup to speed up the process of the garnish contributing it's flavor.
• Orange: The final flourish comes from a squeezed orange peel across the top and then rimming the glass with the peel. The oils add a wonderful citrus bouquet for the nose.
• Ice: An unsung hero. After stirring and the ice melting, about half the drink comes from the water that made the ice. It's something to consider for every cocktail you make.