Espresso Martini

When properly made according to its original specifications, the Old-Fashioned\’s amber glow is not obscured by phosphorescent refugees embellished from the fruit stand.  The biting edge of the whiskey is not dulled by corn syrup but instead gently softened by a touch of the simplest ingredients, water and sugar,  accented by the bitters to bind the drink\’s few ingredients in harmony.  Chilled and anchored by a single large cube of ice, the drink is at home slung in its eponymous glass.  As the large ice cube slowly melts, the concoction mellows both itself and its owner.  This is a drink to be lingered over, a drink made for contemplation.\” 

 – The Old-Fashioned:  The Story of the World\’s First Classic Cocktail by Robert Simonson

The LSL Jefferson Reserve Old-Fashioned

INGREDIENTS
2 ounces of Jefferson’s Reserve (2.5 after a long day at work)
1 teaspoon simple syrup
3 dashes Angostura bitters
Garnish: orange peel
Rocks Glass

HOW TO MAKE
Add the simple syrup and bitters to a rocks glass.

Fill the glass with a large ice cube, add the Jefferson’s Reserve, and gently stir counter-clockwise with a bar spoon for 30 seconds.  When you stir the cocktail not only do you chill the drink, a gentle melting of the outer layer of ice will help dilute it.

Express the oil of an orange peel over the glass, then drop in.  Alternatively after expressing the orange peel you can singe it with a lighter to bring a hint of smokiness to the flavor profile.

Basic Simple Syrup (1 Cup)

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 cup water

Heat the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.   The moment the water begins to boil, remove from the heat, let cool, then refrigerate.  Store tightly sealed i the refrigerator, the syrup will keep for 1 week.  

About Jefferson\’s Bourbon

Founded in 1997, Jefferson’s is the brainchild of Trey Zoeller and his father Chet, a famed bourbon historian. They were continuing a family whiskey tradition that goes back to Trey’s 8th generation grandmother who was arrested in 1799 for the “production and sales of spirituous liquors.” His curious and experimental mindset has allowed him to push the boundaries of bourbon whiskey. Upholding tradition, yet always discovering new possibilities.  You can find Jefferson Reserve and Jefferson Ocean at Leaning Sign Liquor in Grand Prairie, Texas.