TL;DR: The Big-Batch Old-Fashioned is what happens when party-hero ambition meets zero-stress execution. Rolling up to a gathering with a full bottle of pre-batched cocktails isn't just thoughtful—it's a flex. No shaking, no stirring, no measuring once guests arrive.

The Big-Batch Old-Fashioned is what happens when party-hero ambition meets zero-stress execution.

Rolling up to a gathering with a full bottle of pre-batched cocktails isn't just thoughtful—it's a flex. No shaking, no stirring, no measuring once guests arrive. Just pour over ice, garnish, and collect compliments. This formula combines rye whiskey (or bourbon if you lean sweeter), rich simple syrup, Angostura bitters, and measured water to mimic the dilution you'd normally get from stirring a single drink over ice. The result: a perfectly balanced sipper that's ready whenever you are, whether that's a backyard barbecue, holiday gathering, or Saturday tailgate.

🥃 INGREDIENTS: • 3½ cups rye whiskey (or bourbon) • 1½ oz rich simple syrup (½ cup sugar + ¼ cup water) • ½ oz Angostura bitters • ½ cup cold water • Orange wheels, citrus peels, or cocktail cherries for garnish (optional)

🥄 METHOD: 1. Make rich simple syrup: Bring ½ cup sugar and ¼ cup water just to a boil, stirring vigorously until sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool (about 30 minutes). 2. Measure 3½ cups from one 1-liter bottle rye whiskey (or bourbon). Pour remaining whiskey into a separate container for another use. 3. Using a funnel, pour measured whiskey back into bottle. 4. Add 1½ oz rich simple syrup, ½ oz Angostura bitters (prying the built-in dasher off the bitters bottle will make measuring easier), and ½ cup cold water. 5. Replace the bottle cap and gently rock the contents back and forth a few times to combine. 6. Taste and adjust the syrup, bitters, or water by the teaspoonful if desired, then chill thoroughly. 7. To serve, fill a rocks glass with ice and pour in about 3½ oz of batched old-fashioned. 8. Garnish with orange wheels, citrus peels, or cocktail cherries if desired.

Save this for your next hosting weekend.

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