The Swing State Cocktail

Ingredients

• 4 ounces overproof bourbon, such as Old Grand-Dad 114 Proof Bourbon, divided
• 2 ounces sweet vermouth, such as Atsby Armadillo Cake, divided
• 1 ounce fresh orange juice, divided
• ½ ounce fresh lemon juice, divided
• ½ ounce simple syrup, divided
• 6 dashes Peychaud’s bitters, divided
• 8 ounces lager, such as Yuengling
• Small orange wedges (for garnish)
• American flags and patriotic straws (for serving; optional)

Steps

1. Fill a gallon-sized, resealable plastic bag with about 4 cups ice cubes. Using a rolling pin, crack (don’t crush) ice. You can also do this by wrapping a clean kitchen towel around the cubes and smacking them, but be prepared for ice shards to escape out the sides.
2. Fill 2 pint glasses with cracked ice. Combine 2 oz. bourbon, 1 oz. vermouth, ½ oz. orange juice, ¼ oz. lemon juice, ¼ oz. simple syrup, and 3 dashes bitters in a cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with cracked ice, cover, and shake vigorously until outside of shaker is very cold, about 20 seconds. Pour into prepared glass. Repeat with remaining 2 oz. bourbon, 1 oz. vermouth, ½ oz. orange juice, ¼ oz. lemon juice, ¼ oz. simple syrup, and 3 dashes bitters. Top with lager and more ice. Garnish with orange wedges; serve with American flags and patriotic straws, if desired.