Julian's Old Fashioned Derby Cocktail

Julian Van Winkle, president of the legendary Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, shares his go-to cocktail - the Old Fashioned - that's a great addition to the traditional Mint Julep on Derby day.

Photo: Jennifer Davick

The Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery has a four generation history but their bourbons are special for another important reason, their recipe. All of the Van Winkle bourbons are made with corn, wheat, and, barley instead of corn, rye and, barley. This "wheated" recipe gives the bourbon a much softer, smoother taste and it also allows the whiskey to age more gracefully.

Julian's Old Fashioned

Ingredients:
1 to 2 brown sugar cubes
2 to 3 drops orange bitters
2 to 3 drops Angostura bitters
1 fresh orange slice
1 1/2 to 2 oz. Bourbon
Ice cubes



Preparation:

1. Place brown sugar cubes on a cocktail napkin. 
2. Sprinkle orange bitters and Angostura bitters over sugar cubes. (Napkin will soak up excess bitters.) 
3. Transfer cubes to a 10-oz. old-fashioned glass. 
4. Add orange slice and a few drops bourbon to glass. 
5. Mash sugar cubes and orange slice, using a muddler, until sugar is almost dissolved. (Avoid mashing the rind; doing so will release a bitter flavor.) 
6. Add 1 1/2 to 2 oz. bourbon, and fill glass with ice cubes. 
7. Stir until well chilled. 
8. Add more bourbon, if desired

Southern Living