The Forty-Three Fade

If you like your Old Fashioneds with a twist, this one’s got a little something extra. I’m calling it the Forty-Three Fade, and it’s built on bourbon, sweetened with a splash of Licor 43, and layered with orange and Angostura bitters. But here’s the move: a few drops of citrus bitters right on top. It’s warm, spiced, and just citrusy enough to keep you coming back. Think late summer sunsets in a glass.

Note that other than the citrus bitters, there is no garnish in this particular drink. You can add a garnish if you like, though. Some ideas include:

Orange Expressed Peel (No Twist in Glass)
– Express the oil over the drink and discard or rest lightly on the rim. Adds brightness without extra acidity and reinforces the orange bitters.

Dehydrated Citrus Wheel (Orange or Lemon)
– Visually striking, subtle on aroma, and won’t add moisture or acidity. A good choice for a modern presentation.

Clove-Studded Orange Coin
– Adds a whisper of spice that plays nicely with Licor 43 and Angostura. Just punch 3–5 cloves into a thin disc of orange peel and float or rest it on the rim.

Vanilla Bean Shard or Pod Sliver
– Slightly unconventional, but a sliver of vanilla pod resting on the rim or clipped to the glass with a mini clothespin could echo the vanilla in Licor 43 with a subtle aromatic nudge.

No Garnish (Let the Lemon Bitters Shine)
– If you really like the lemon bitters doing the final lift, leave the drink clean and let that fade-like aromatic effect stand on its own.

The Forty-Three Fade

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Difficulty: Easy

Servings

+

-

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Total time

5

minutes

Ingredients

US Metric

• 2 ounces 2 Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon

• .5 ounce .5 Licor 43

• 2 dashes 2 Regans Orange Bitters

• 1 dash 1 Angostura Bitters

• 5-6 drops 5-6 Bitter Ex Citrus Bitters floated on top

Directions

• In a mixing glass, add bourbon, Licor 43, orange bitters, and Angostura bitters
• Add ice and stir until glass gets frosty
• Pour into a rocks glass over large rock
• Once liquid settles, float several drops of citrus bitters on top

Equipment

• 
  Bell JiggerBuy From A Bar Above
• 
  Julep StrainerBuy From A Bar Above
• 
  Mixing GlassBuy From A Bar Above

Notes

• Recommended Garnishes for Forty-Three Fade
  Orange Expressed Peel (No Twist in Glass)
  – Express the oil over the drink and discard or rest lightly on the rim. Adds brightness without extra acidity and reinforces the orange bitters.
  Dehydrated Citrus Wheel (Orange or Lemon)
  – Visually striking, subtle on aroma, and won’t add moisture or acidity. A good choice for a modern presentation.
  Clove-Studded Orange Coin
  – Adds a whisper of spice that plays nicely with Licor 43 and Angostura. Just punch 3–5 cloves into a thin disc of orange peel and float or rest it on the rim.
  Vanilla Bean Shard or Pod Sliver
  – Slightly unconventional, but a sliver of vanilla pod resting on the rim or clipped to the glass with a mini clothespin could echo the vanilla in Licor 43 with a subtle aromatic nudge.
  No Garnish (Let the Lemon Bitters Shine)
  – If you really like the lemon bitters doing the final lift, leave the drink clean and let that fade-like aromatic effect stand on its own.