John McClane
- 2 oz Scotch whisky
- ¼ oz Simple syrup or 1 sugar cube (+ ¼ oz of seltzer)
- 8 Dashes Angostura bitters
- Prepare in an old-fashioned glass. Place sweetener in the glass and add Angostura. If using a sugar cube, add seltzer to crush and dissolve before adding Scotch, a large rock of ice, and stirring gently to combine.
- Spritz with orange peel and garnish.
Happy Boxing Day, friends!
You did it. You survived Christmas 2025.
The gifts were purchased, wrapped, and placed under the tree on time. Dinner managed to please both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. The kids had fun, stayed safe, and—miraculously—no one required urgent care. And you’re still on speaking terms with the other adults in the family… or at least confident that by Christmas 2026, the details of this one will have softened around the edges.
Now that you’ve landed on the back side of the holiday, here’s an Old Fashioned variation designed to soothe frayed nerves, bruised egos, and a slightly overextended bank account: the John McClane.
Interestingly, this cocktail predates Die Hard. It appears in The Jones Complete Barguide from 1977—a historic cocktail artifact cherished by bartenders cursed with enough knowledge to be dangerous. Whether the screenwriter named the protagonist–a New York City cop traveling to Los Angeles to see his kids and salvage his marriage–after this Old Fashioned variation is unknown. But the coincidence feels right, especially on Boxing Day.
The John McClane is built like a classic Old Fashioned and can be prepared directly in the glass—particularly if you opt for the sugar cube. My first exposure to that method came from watching Don Draper prepare a Wisconsin-style Old Fashioned in Mad Men, soaking the sugar cube in bitters before adding rye or bourbon. Some bartenders swear by it, arguing that the granularity delivers sweetness gradually–less on first sip, most on last–causing a final dopamine hit that encourages a second round.
From a customer experience standpoint, I prefer consistency. I opt for simple syrup to ensure the first sip is as satisfying as the last. I’ve had too many drinks where the opening sips taste like the sugar was forgotten entirely. I feel the same way about certain espresso beverages—balance matters all the way through.
Whichever sweetener you choose, this drink calls for a heavier hand with the bitters than a traditional Old Fashioned. From there, it’s finished with Scotch whisky. A blended Scotch offers a balanced, approachable experience—just enough peat without overwhelming the glass. But at home, there’s no reason not to use your go-to bottle, whatever that may be.
The citrus peel invites your nose first, followed closely by a gentle smokiness—like oranges roasting at a campfire. On the palate, Angostura announces itself with spicy authority before stepping aside for the whisky’s honeyed sweetness. As the sip expands, peat and smoke emerge, lingering like the echo of missed opportunity. It’s a drink that rewards attention.
So as you sit quietly, surveying the aftermath of Christmas 2025 and assembling the learnings you swear you’ll apply next year, the John McClane is a fitting companion—equal parts regret and resolve—as you prepare for whatever 2026 decides to throw your way.
’Twas the day after Christmas,
“Boxing Day” is its name in Canada and the UK,
A day of discount shopping,
Akin to the States’ Black Friday.
You’ve made it through another Christmas,
Wrapping paper shredded and strewn about,
Toy boxes opened, new games begun,
Too many missing pieces to count.
Dinner was a success—
Three families fed, no one got sick,
Food comas sent everyone to bed,
Plates abandoned when the dishwasher shit a brick.
But as you sip this John McClane,
You take stock of the year behind,
Leaving the States to protect your family,
To Canada, where relentless decency's still on the mind.
Here’s to resilience, reflection, and the quiet resolve to keep going.
See you in 2026.
Cheers. 🥃🎄
