BROWN SUGAR OLD-FASHIONED

From Mario Batali -this was a really fun version of an Old Fashioned --the dark brown sugar really highlights the taste and smell of the bourbon!

Makes 1 drink

For brown sugar syrup:

1 ½ cups brown sugar ( I used dark)

1 ½ cups water

For the cocktail:

3 fresh ice cubes

2 tablespoons brown sugar syrup

3 ounces bourbon ( used Buffalo Trace)

Aromatic bitters

Orange twist -didn't have on hand so I used an Amarena cherry ;)

To make brown sugar syrup:

Boil water, then pour over brown sugar in a large beaker or pitcher. Stir vigorously until brown sugar is completely dissolved.

To make one cocktail:

Place ice cubes to an old-fashioned glass, then add brown sugar syrup, bourbon, and 3 dashes aromatic bitters.  Stir briefly until combined.

Gently squeeze the orange twist over the drink to release its oils, then drop it into the glass and enjoy immediately. (Skip the cherry—we're adults.)