As promised, here is the second part of our vodka mixology lesson with Jeremy James Thompson at NYC's Raines Law Room. Today, he demonstrates the proper way to make a Staraya Modnaya, the Russian version of an Old Fashioned. And for those of you looking to play along at home, here's the full recipe:
Staraya Modnaya (Old Fashioned) (Jeremy James Thompson, 2009)
In a mixing glass:
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
1 small sprig of fresh dill
1 sugar cube
1 dash seltzer
Muddle the above ingredients into a paste
Add:
2 1/2 oz. Russian Standard Platinum Vodka
Fill with cracked ice
Stir until "Siberian chill" is reached (20 seconds should do)
Strain into a chilled Kummel-rinsed rocks glass
Add 1 large block of ice
Garnish with a spray of oil from the zest of a lemon and a small sprig of fresh dill on top