The recipe side of edited whiskey.
Why this works
2.25 oz holds its shape better over ice.
Demerara adds depth without softness.
Angostura provides the core structure.
Orange bitters support bourbon, but stay optional for rye.
Orange peel finishes with aroma, not garnish theater.
Bourbon version
2.25 oz high quality bourbon
0.25 oz 2:1 demerara syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 dash orange bitters
1 wide strip orange peel
1 large clear ice cube
Rye version
2.25 oz high quality rye
0.2 to 0.25 oz 2:1 demerara syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 wide strip orange peel
1 large clear ice cube
Best bottle choices
Bourbon
Russell’s Reserve 10
Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Bardstown Origin Bourbon
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Rye
Michter’s Single Barrel Rye
Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye
Pikesville Rye
Wild Turkey 101 Rye
Demerara syrup
2 parts demerara sugar
1 part hot water
Stir until fully dissolved, then cool before using.
Method
Add the demerara syrup and bitters to a mixing glass.
Add the whiskey.
Fill with freezer-cold dense ice.
Stir for 20 to 30 seconds until fully chilled and lightly diluted.
Place one large clear cube in a double Old Fashioned glass.
Strain over the cube.
Express the orange peel over the surface, wipe the rim lightly, and place the peel neatly in the glass.
House pour card
Bourbon house
2.25 oz Russell’s Reserve 10
0.25 oz 2:1 demerara syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 dash orange bitters
Stir 20 to 30 seconds
Strain over large clear cube
Orange peel
Rye house
2.25 oz Michter’s Single Barrel Rye
0.2 to 0.25 oz 2:1 demerara syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Stir 20 to 30 seconds
Strain over large clear cube
Orange peel
Notes
Use fresh large ice only.
Do not muddle orange slices or cherries.
Do not add soda water.
Do not oversweeten it.
A cherry is optional garnish only, never part of the build.
For higher proof bourbon, stay closer to 0.2 oz syrup if you want it drier.
For softer bourbon, 0.25 oz is the better balance.
Final verdict
For the best bourbon Old Fashioned, use Russell’s Reserve 10 with demerara, Angostura, orange bitters, and orange peel.
For the best rye Old Fashioned, use Michter’s Single Barrel Rye with demerara, Angostura, and orange peel.
That is the final 10/10 build.
