Apple Cider Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe with Spiced Syrup

Instructions:

1. Part 1: Making the Spiced Apple Syrup. Combine apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a small heavy-bottomed saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes until it reduces slightly and coats the back of a spoon thinly. Do not over-reduce.
4. Remove from heat. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container, discarding the spices. Allow the syrup to cool completely before using.
5. Part 2: Assembling the Cocktail. Add the measured Spiced Apple Syrup and the dashes of Angostura Bitters into a mixing glass.
6. Pour in the Bourbon or Rye Whiskey.
7. Add a generous amount of high-quality ice to the mixing glass. Stir consistently and gently for 30–45 seconds to achieve the perfect chill and dilution.
8. Place one large, fresh ice cube into a chilled rocks glass. Strain the mixture from the mixing glass over this fresh ice.
9. Garnish: Take the swath of orange peel. Hold it over the drink (skin-side down) and twist sharply to express the fragrant oils across the surface. Run the peel around the rim of the glass, then drop it into the cocktail.