Several friends this summer fell in love with my Old-Fashioned cocktails. One friend said he always loved the simplicity of my preparation. I said I never did anything fancy. It was always simply about the drink and about the ceremony of sharing that first sip with someone special.
Salud …
1. I begin with a beautiful glass …
2. I drop in a Demerara sugar cube …
3. I douse it with aromatic bitters. Three or four dashes. I give the cube a moment to soak it up. …
4. I use a muddler to crush the soaked cube and mix it with the bitters. Essentially, I’m trying to make a paste or syrup base. …
5. I drop in a single large ice cube or sphere. …
6. I slowly pour in three fluid ounces of bourbon, usually Bullitt. …
7. I gently stir it 20 times, keeping the back of the spoon lightly pressed against the inside of the glass as I stir. …
8. I cut off an orange rind, and with the white part facing up, I hold it over the drink and quickly fold it lengthwise. The oils spray into the bourbon. I then rub the rind along the edge of the glass and the inside of the glass. I then drop it into the drink. …
9. I drop in two Luxardo cherries and two spoonfuls of the dark syrup. …
10. I light a cigar, watch the sunset and take a moment to appreciate the small luxuries and pleasures of life.
Tell your friends!
stillness of heart 
My recipe is almost the same but don’t do orange or cherries. The single ice cube is key. (I see you have the ice ball makers) I go between Willet and Bullitt. Bullitt seems to be a little better for old fashions. Willet is better for sipping neat. Thanks for sharing.
My favorite cocktail and I only use Luxardo cherries, the best!
Since I know nothing about preparing cocktails, I was wondering if you’ll invite me over to share one. Chuckle. Enjoy, Muriel