Date Old-Fashioned

Preparation

1. For the Date-infused Bourbon

   1. Step 1

      Infuse the bourbon: in a jar fitted with a lid, combine the dates and bourbon. Cover tightly and store in a dark place for 2 to 4 weeks. (The longer it sits, the sweeter it becomes.) Strain, then pour through a coffee filter for clarity. Store in a sealed bottle or jar until ready to use.

   2. Step 2

      Make the brandied cherries (optional): wash and pit the cherries. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, 2½ tablespoons water, lemon juice and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, add the cherries and simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat, discard the cinnamon stick and stir in the brandy. Cool. Store in a sealed jar and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. For the Brandied Cherries

   1. Step 3

      To make one cocktail: Leaving the peel on, cut the orange in half lengthwise, then cut a ¼-inch-thick slice. Cut the slice in half horizontally. Combine the orange slice half, one cherry and the bitters in a tumbler and crush with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon. Add a few cubes of ice and the bourbon and stir. Top with the remaining cherry.