To be clear, Spook is an old-fashioned and it’s quite traditional (well because we’re using simple syrup we might as well just call it a brandy cocktail). While typically associated with bourbon or rye, brandy has been used in old-fashioneds for as long as old-fashioneds have been made. This particular crafting uses clear Copper & Kings Unaged Apple Brandy. To keep it clear, only Orange Angostura Bitters were used because they are also clear. And, if you’re going to have a clear old-fashioned, it better have a large crystal clear cube. The ice in the picture was made using a rose shaped insulated mould. 24k gold lead is embedded within the ice (the gold is certainly an optional flair).
Spook
This is a variant of the old-fashioned that uses clear unaged apple brandy.
Equipment
- Mixing glass
- bar spoon
- jigger
- paring knife
- Rock's glass
Ingredients
- ⅓ oz extra rich simple syrup 2:1 solution
- 4 dashes Angostura Orange Bitters (chosen because they are clear)
- 2 oz Unaged Apple Brandy (Copper & Kings)
- 1 swath orange peel
Instructions
- Combine ⅓ oz extra rich simple syrup, 4 dashes Angostura Orange Bitters, and 2 oz Unaged Apple Brandy with ice in a mixing glass and stir to child.
- Strain over fresh ice (ideally a large clear cube or sphere) in a rocks glass.
- Carefully cut an orange twist from the rind of an orange and twist over drink to express essential oils. Rub on the rim and then drop into the glass or hang on the rim to garnish.
