Angostura

An aromatic recipe

Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

I fill the bottom of the tin with simple syrup
add a dash of orange bitters, angostura
a double shot of bourbon and it’s usually Bulleit
I drop a couple rocks to chill the glass while I stir it

I take the lid up off the filthy black cherry jar
I don’t know where you’ve been but know that I’ve come very far
checking where we are, a spoonful to taste it
picking up the cup, it’s eye-level when I strain it

pour out the liquor, ricocheting off the rock sphere
filling up the glass, while the speaker plays John Mayer
I’m feeling ancient, you can call me old fashioned
I peel the orange rind and rub it on the glass rim

just an expression, a lesson, and a passion
a gentleman won’t ever tell you secrets when you ask him
I knew you back then, and now you’re on that lame stuff
and that’s the cherry on top — I never changed up