Old Fashioned Cocktail. It all starts with Bourbon. Kentucky Bourbon. We went to Kentucky over the holidays to visit with Jeff’s family and friends, I wish I had more photos to share of the farms, the distilleries, the cows, but it was a more personal trip rather than an Instagram trip. And I’m glad that it was. There are moments that are better left with memories in your heart than photos splattered on Instagram. That said I did have some wonderful food and drink. I want to end this year with a cocktail, as I often do, and bring you the Old Fashioned Cocktail.

It can be made with either Rye or Bourbon, but I think Bourbon is the best choice in this case. The original way of preparing it is by muddling a sugar cube with the bitters. I didn’t have sugar cubes so I made a simple syrup instead. I also don’t like cocktails too sweet so this made it easier to get the sugar ratio to my liking.

As with many old old recipes, the origins are not clear. But It has its roots in Louisville, KY which claims to have first invented the drink. From there to New York City, who knows? In any case it’s a wonderful cocktail. A couple things I’ll note, the more orange tasting the better (rub the orange peel on the rim), also it’s ok to go heavier on the Angostura bitters if that’s what you like. It’s sort of like adding salt to food, everyone has their taste.

This year (well the past few years) has had its share of ups and downs, so I’m looking forward to more ups than downs in 2020, lol. It’s been quite a decade! (egads!) I’ve lived in four different apartments and now in one house that we own, over three states and 3000 miles. I started the blog in January 2013 while I was looking for work in San Francisco, it was a fun creative project and still is. I learned a whole lot about cooking, photography and myself. So I guess I’ll always remember the “teens” as my food blog years. Where will I go from here? I’m not sure. We’re always in a place of self discovery, that will never end. But I hope to share what I’ve learned over the years in some capacity. So we’ll see. I wish you all the very best in the coming year and going forward. Cheers! Bourbon! Yeah! Happy New Year! :)

Old Fashioned Cocktail

1 teaspoon simple syrup
2 good dashes Angostura bitter (adjust to taste)
2 ounces bourbon (I use Buffalo Trace, but Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve are good options too)
Orange twist
Bada Bing Cherries

Mix the simple syrup and bitters in a chilled rocks glass. Add Bourbon and stir. Add one large ice cube, or a few small cubes, stir until chilled and properly diluted, at least 30 seconds. Garnish with orange twist on the side of the cube and Cherry.