Whispering Oaks Old Fashioned

Step into the comforting embrace of a Southern oak grove with this innovative take on the timeless Old Fashioned. This cocktail combines the classic warmth of bourbon with a whisper of southern botanicals and smoky accents, perfect for sipping as the sun sets through the trees. Ingredients: - 2 oz high-quality bourbon - 1/2 oz black walnut liqueur - 1/4 oz smoked maple syrup - 2 dashes of orange bitters - 2 dashes of aromatic bitters - A sprig of fresh thyme - Orange peel for garnish - Ice sphere or large ice cube Instructions: 1. In a mixing glass, muddle the fresh thyme gently to release its oils. 2. Add in the bourbon, black walnut liqueur, smoked maple syrup, orange bitters, and aromatic bitters. 3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the mixture until well chilled, roughly 20-30 seconds. 4. Place an ice sphere or a large ice cube into a chilled Old Fashioned glass. 5. Strain the chilled mixture over the ice in the glass. 6. Express the orange peel over the cocktail by giving it a good twist to release the oils, then gently rub the peel around the rim of the glass before dropping it in as garnish. Serve with a small sprig of thyme on the rim and invite your guest to enjoy the layers of flavor that pay homage to an old classic with a new, smoky twist.