The Angel’s Envy Henderson Old Fashioned swaps the usual sugar for a homemade ruby port syrup scented with cloves, orange and vanilla, and it is the loveliest cold-weather sipper around. Port-finished bourbon and port syrup pair up beautifully, so every sip feels like a little celebration.
What Is a Henderson Old Fashioned?
The Henderson keeps everything we adore about the classic Old Fashioned, then gives it a gorgeous upgrade. Instead of a plain sugar syrup, it uses a ruby port syrup, which adds fruity warmth and a touch of holiday spice.
Two dashes of Angostura bitters and one dash of orange bitters keep it grounded, and an orange twist finishes it with a bright citrus aroma. It even shares a name with the family behind Angel’s Envy, which makes it a very fitting way to show off their bourbon.
Why Angel’s Envy Bourbon Works So Well Here
Angel’s Envy is a Kentucky straight bourbon created by Lincoln Henderson and his son Wes. After its initial aging, it spends an extra 3 to 6 months in ruby port barrels from Portugal, and that port finish brings notes of vanilla, ripe fruit, maple syrup, toast and bitter chocolate. It is bottled at 43.3% ABV, so it is wonderfully approachable. Because the bourbon already carries a little port, the ruby port syrup feels like a natural partner, simply turning up flavors the bourbon already has.
Angel’s Envy calls Louisville home, the same city where the Old Fashioned’s most famous origin story begins at the Pendennis Club. If you would love to taste how the classic compares, my Pendennis Club Old Fashioned is a perfect companion. And if you are in the mood for more bourbon ideas, my easy bourbon cocktails are a sweet place to keep exploring.
Making the Ruby Port Syrup Ahead
The syrup is the star, and it is lovely to prepare in advance. Cloves, a split vanilla bean, orange peel and ruby port simmer together, then the mixture is strained, sweetened with demerara sugar and cooled. Once it has cooled, store it in an airtight container so it is ready whenever you want a Henderson.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Angel’s Envy good for an Old Fashioned? Yes! Its port finish brings vanilla, ripe fruit, maple syrup, toast and bitter chocolate, which makes a wonderful base for an Old Fashioned, especially one sweetened with ruby port syrup.
How do I make an Old Fashioned with Angel’s Envy? Follow the Henderson recipe above: stir the bourbon, ruby port syrup and bitters with ice, strain into a rocks glass and garnish with an orange twist. Curious about another style? My orange peel Old Fashioned is a delicious next stop.
Which bitters go with Angel’s Envy? This recipe uses two dashes of Angostura and one dash of orange bitters. The Angostura adds warm baking spice, and the orange bitters echo the orange in the syrup.
Why Lush Life Loves It
Lush Life loves the Henderson because it feels so thoughtful. A touch of homemade ruby port syrup turns a classic into something warmly spiced and a little bit glamorous, and the port-finished bourbon meets it halfway. It is just four ingredients in the glass and a few minutes with a mixing glass, yet it tastes like the best kind of holiday party.
Here is the recipe
Henderson Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 50 ml ANGEL’S ENVY Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels
- 5 ml ruby port syrup*
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a mixing glass
- Add ice
- Stir, stir, stir
- Strain into rocks glass
- Garnish with an orange twist
Notes
50ml bottle of good quality ruby port wine
1⁄2 Madagascar vanilla bean
3 oranges (with bumpy, oily skin)
10 whole cloves
130g demerara sugar 1. In a saucepan combine the cloves, the vanilla bean (cut lengthwise, retain the seeds), and the port 2. Peel the orange and express the oil from the peel onto the surface of the port Cut the peeled oranges into 8 pieces and add to the pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer, uncovered, until reduced by 25% 3. Remove from heat and strain 4. Measure the strained port so it is approximately 25ml and add it back to the pot along with 130g sugar 5. At low-medium heat, stir port and sugar until sugar is completely dissolved 6. Remove from heat, allow to cool, and store in an airtight vessel