I’m the most useless person when it comes to New Year’s resolutions.

New year, new me simply isn’t for me. The thing is, I don’t want things to change completely.

So what I’m wishing you & myself for 2017 is some more balance. Just as many cakes, cocktails, burgers and general naughtiness, but also some extra greens, vitamins and general healthy things.

Starting things as I mean to go on (and introducing the new ‘Cocktail of the month’ feature on Cake + Whisky!) with an Old Fashioned.

Simple, strong & smooth, it’s a true Mad Men-worthy cocktail and the perfect introduction to the world of drink mixing.

First of, peel a wide slice of orange peel and place it in a tumbler glass.

Top with 10ml simple sugar syrup (2 bar spoons) and muddle lightly using a bar spoon.

Add a double mesure (50ml) of your fave cocktail whisky (I used Woodford Reserve Bourbon).

Add 3 ice cubes and a few dashes of Angostura bitters.

Stir with a bar spoon.

Pel another slice of orange peel and twist over the drink to release citrus oil, then rub the inside of the peel on the rim of the glass before adding the peel to the drink.

Repeat as many times as you have guests and serve immediately.

Oh, and if you’re going away some time soon (lucky you!), make sure you pick up one of Tipplesworth’s genius cocktail kits* to get everything you need to make the sassiest drinks on the go (or without having to leave your couch)!

What’s your favourite classic cocktail? Also, what sort of drinks would you like to see featured in this new ‘Cocktail of the month’ feature? 

*The old fashioned cocktail kit I used to mix this drink was sent to me by Tipplesworth but all pictures, opinions and inability to take new year’s resolutions my own.