There is a reason this iconic drink has remained a staple of the American bar for over a century. Its perfect balance of spicy whiskey, aromatic bitters, and a hint of citrus makes it the ultimate sophisticated nightcap for a quiet evening at home.

Recipe Details

Yields: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
1 sugar cube
2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
1 teaspoon water
Ice (large cube preferred)
Orange peel
Maraschino cherry (optional)

Instructions

Drop the sugar cube into a sturdy rocks glass.
Carefully add the bitters and the water directly onto the sugar cube.
Use a muddler to crush the cube, stirring until the sugar has mostly dissolved into a light syrup.
Fill your glass with ice, ideally using a single large cube to keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.
Pour your choice of bourbon or rye whiskey over the ice.
Stir the mixture with a long spoon for 20–30 seconds until the glass feels well chilled.
Hold the orange peel over the glass and twist it to express the fragrant oils across the surface, then drop the peel inside.
Garnish the drink with a maraschino cherry if you like.

Tips for Success

To ensure the best flavor, start with a high-quality whiskey and be mindful not to over-sweeten the mixture. For those who enjoy a slightly richer mouthfeel, you can substitute the sugar cube with 1/4 ounce of simple syrup or demerara syrup.