Burnt Sugar Old Fashioned

Happy Thanksgiving!  So you forgot to thaw your turkey?  Burned your rolls?  Have gummy under seasoned mashed potatoes?  Might I suggest you burn a little caramel, toss it in a rocks glass with a shake of bitters and a couple ounces of high-proof bourbon, stir until cold and humbly accept praise from your friends and family for saving the day.

Hey sis, pour your whiskey in libation and give thanks!

Burnt Sugar Old Fashioned, makes one

Notes: This is not your typical Wisconsin supper club old fashioned.  But trust me, you may never go back.  Use a high-proof bourbon, I suggest Wild Turkey 101 but Knob Creek 100 proof would also be welcomed in my glass.  Cheers!

1/3 Cup sugar

Aromatic bitters, such as Angostura or Fee Brothers

2 ounces bourbon

Orange slice for garnish

For the burnt sugar syrup: Place the sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until the edges start to darken to an amber color.  Stir the sugar and let it cook until the sugar is dissolved and uniformly a deep amber color. Remove from heat, and stirring constantly add 1/3 cup water.  The caramel will harden at this point, return the saucepan to the stove over medium low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the caramel is melted into the water and it is smooth.  Poor syrup into a glass jar and stick it out in the snow to cool (Rach, you will have to use your fridge).  

For the cocktail: Place 3/4 ounce burnt sugar syrup in a rocks glass, add a few dashes of bitters, pour in 2 ounces of bourbon, toss in a couple of ice cubes and stir until the drink is ice cold.  Garnish with an orange.  You are now a hero of Thanksgiving.