Driver Update Old Fashioned
A classic old fashioned with a twist of smoked cherry bitters, embodying the smooth optimization of system drivers. This recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together rye whiskey, demerara syrup, smoked cherry bitters for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 0.25 oz demerara syrup
- 3 dashes smoked cherry bitters
- 1 large strip orange peel
- 1 whole maraschino cherry
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz rye whiskey, 0.25 oz demerara syrup, and 3 dashes smoked cherry bitters.
- Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 3: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 4: Express the oils of a large orange peel over the surface by holding it skin side down and twisting firmly, then rub the peel around the rim and rest it on the glass.
- Step 5: Garnish with 1 maraschino cherry skewered on a cocktail pick placed across the rim.
