Old Fashioned? Yes, very much.

When it comes right down to it, there is really nothing about the Deans of The Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits which could be called old-fashioned. Except of course, this drink and our silver -- the first of which we have perfected in a modern way with a nod to both history and Charleston, and the latter, which we couldn't help if we wanted to, frankly.

Now then.  Just as if you were standing next to the Deans at our standing room only cocktail demonstration at the Charleston Wine and Food Festival this past weekend, we share with you The Academy's Old Fashioned. The Deans bid you to enjoy it early and often.

The Charleston Academy’s Men Only Dinner guests enjoyed sitting on the porch of the Roper House sipping Old Fashioneds containing orange peels grown in the old historic district.

Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuit's

Old Fashioned Cocktail

Serves 1

1 large and uneven slice of lemon peel

1 brown sugar cube (or 1/4 oz simple syrup)

2 dashes Angostura bitters

1 dash Regan’s Orange Bitters No. 6

1 oz. bottled water

2 large ice cubes

2 oz.  good bourbon

Small triangle of orange slice for garnish, and perhaps a cherry

Add the lemon peel, sugar cube, and both bitters into the bottom of an Old Fashioned glass. The Deans insist on using an Old Fashion glass for this drink. Using a wooden muddler, begin to muddle the ingredients firmly in the bottom of the glass.

Add the water, add the ice and then the bourbon. Stir with a spoon. Float the orange slice on top of the drink and serve.