Thirsty Thursday: Burnt Sugar Old Fashioned

by Jake McGlothlin on October 30, 2014

in Thirsty Thursday

bulleit_bourbon_frontier_whiskeyI recently purchased a bottle of Bulleit Bourbon. The original reason for buying it was a bourbon pumpkin pie for a party (which turned out extremely well, I might add). But now I have this mostly full bottle of bourbon sitting on the shelf. What to do, what to do…

A little research later and I found a cocktail that looks pretty interesting: a Burnt Sugar Old Fashioned.

I have always had a thing for caramel, and this recipe brings forth a bit of that flavor. Toasting the sugar without really burning it takes a touch of finesse, but it does bring a unique and interesting flavor you can’t otherwise really get. This cocktail is simple and quick to make, and is sure to impress.

Here’s what you need:

1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1.5 oz Kentucky Bourbon
¾ oz Burnt sugar syrup (made using the sugar)
Dash of Bitters
Twist of orange

Here’s what you do:

Cook the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat without stirring until it starts to turn brown around the edges. Start stirring at that point and continue to do so occasionally until the sugar is melted and a deep amber color. Remove from heat and slowly pour in the water, stirring constantly. Return to the heat and cook for about five more minutes, until smooth. Pour into a jar and chill.

Combine the bourbon, syrup, and a dash of bitters in a rocks glass. Add a big ice cube and stir to combine. Garnish with the twist of orange. Enjoy.

Simple is good. Enjoy.