The Old Fashioned Gets a Decadent New Spin

{A guest post from Kimpton’s Master Mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout}

Every year, come Thanksgiving, I get excited about aged spirits like whiskies, cognacs and Calvados. Of course, since it’s an American holiday, let’s not leave out bourbons and ryes.

Speaking of bourbon, here’s a twist on an Old Fashioned that I’ve dubbed the “Spaniard.” It calls for dark, rich chocolate bitters. Whip one up and enjoy a historic holiday in a new way.

You’ll need:

1 ½ oz. Buffalo Trace bourbon
1 oz. Medium dry Amontillado sherry
Dashes of Bitter Truth chocolate bitters
¼ oz. Rich simple syrup (see recipe below)

To make the rich simple syrup:

Add two parts demerara sugar (a type of unrefined sugar) to one part hot water in a small pot and let sit over warm heat while stirring till dissolved. Do not bring to a boil.

To mix the cocktail:

In an Old Fashioned glass, dash the bitters and add the rich simple syrup. Add bourbon and Amontillado sherry, as well as small amount of ice. Stir in glass. Finish with more ice to fill. Garnish with an orange twist.

Cheers and happy Thanksgiving,

Jacques