And proud of it! I met John Selby while helping to bottle Nota Bene wines one beautiful morning in Seattle. John was one of many friendly volunteers helping out with bottling 800 cases of excellent Nota Bene wines. At one point, John mentioned that he made the world’s best Old Fashioned. Quite a claim. I was intrigued. Better yet, he was willing to share his recipe which has evolved to perfection over the years. His father gave him a head start years ago as his parents enjoyed having a Happy Hour Old Fashioned before dinner but John continued to tweak and improve his signature cocktail until it was the “world’s best”. His “Call Me Old Fashioned” button is evidence of his achievement.
I wanted to try his recipe as soon as I got home but I had to substitute the cherries and syrup so I still have not tried the world’s best. John assured me that the proper Luxardo cherry was essential. My attempt was delicious and it’s just going to get better when I get my Luxardo’s. Here is his recipe for which I am grateful:
One teaspoon of Luxardo syrup with two Marishino cherries
One half jigger of simple syrup
One jigger of Maker’s Mark whisky
One jigger of cold water
One two-inch long slice of orange peel
Two ice cubes
Five drops of Angostura bitters (more or less to taste)
Enjoy the best Old Fashioned in the world. Thank you John! Cheers!
– Jet Cannon
