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–+ servings

The Scientifically Perfected Old Fashioned

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A stripped-back Old Fashioned that puts the whiskey front and center. No muddled fruit. No clutter. Just a single clear ice block for controlled dilution and a rich 2:1 demerara syrup that gives the drink its smooth weight. Built for high-rye whiskey so the spice stands tall and the sweetness supports instead of smothering. Clean. Precise. True to the bone.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Cocktail, Drinks
Cuisine: American, Classic
Calories: 175
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz 60ml High-Rye Bourbon (e.g., Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve) OR a Split Base (1 oz Bourbon + 1 oz Rye Whiskey)
  • 0.25 oz 7.5ml Rich Demerara Syrup (2:1 ratio) OR Gomme Syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
  • 1 dash Orange Bitters e.g., Regan’s No. 6
  • 1 strip Orange Peel Wide swath, pith removed
  • 1 large Clear Ice Cube Approx. 2x2 inches

Equipment

  • Double Old Fashioned Glass (Heavy Bottom)
  • Bar Spoon (Long handle for smooth rotation)
  • Jigger (Essential for precise ratios)
  • Y-Peeler (For wide, pith-free garnishes)
  • Large Ice Cube Mold (For clear ice)

Method
 

  1. Chill the Glass: Place your large, clear ice cube into a heavy-bottomed Double Old Fashioned glass.
  2. Build the Matrix: Pour the rich demerara syrup, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters directly over the ice.
  3. Add the Spirit: Pour the 2 oz of whiskey over the ice/syrup mixture.
  4. The Scientific Stir: Insert a bar spoon and stir smoothly for 30–45 seconds. Your goal is to reach a temperature of roughly -5°C (23°F). This specific duration provides the exact amount of water dilution needed to release the whiskey's hydrophobic aromatic compounds without making the drink watery.
  5. Express the Oils: Take the orange peel and hold it skin-side down about 3 inches above the glass. Squeeze firmly to express the essential oils (limonene) onto the surface of the drink.
  6. Garnish: Rub the peel around the rim of the glass to coat it in oil, then tuck the peel neatly next to the ice cube.
  7. Serve: Drink immediately while the thermal equilibrium is perfect.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktailCalories: 175kcalCarbohydrates: 7gSugar: 6g

nutrition disclaimer: nutrition is an estimate based on ingredients and serving size. values may vary due to substitutions, brands, and kitchen tools. when in doubt, run your own numbers.

Notes

  • Why Rich Syrup (2:1)? Standard simple syrup (1:1) adds too much water volume for the amount of sugar needed. Rich syrup (2 parts sugar to 1 part water) provides a velvety, weighty texture ("mouthfeel") that coats the palate, similar to the pre-Prohibition use of gum arabic.
  • The Ice Matters: We specify "Clear Ice" because it lacks air bubbles. This makes it denser, reducing the surface area relative to its mass. It melts significantly slower than cloudy freezer ice, keeping your drink cold without over-diluting it.
  • The "No Muddle" Rule: Do not muddle orange slices or cherries. This releases pectin and bitter pith that destroys the silky texture of the spirit. The fruit flavor should come strictly from the expressed oils of the peel.
  • Spirit Choice: A "High-Rye" bourbon is preferred because the spicy rye grain acts as a counterbalance to the sugar syrup, ensuring the drink isn't too sweet.

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