What a pain!
Sorry about your lot, guy! I haven't been in a competition but I do know a
few things about making a really good Old-Fashioned. (Did you know, BTW, that
an Old-Fashioned is thus named because it is an Old-Fashioned Manhattan?,
i.e., a manhattan prior to the invention of sweet vermouth? A bartender who
was about 90 years old told me this.) Many people have complimented me on my
Old Fashioneds. I worked in a fine dining restaurant for a while, so I had
lots of practise. I also have a non-alcoholic version for kids-- just add
gingerale instead of the whiskey.
Anywho-- Old Fashioneds are really easy once you know what you're doing (isn't
everything?!)
First of all, put a sugar cube, a dash or two of Angostura Bitters, a cherry
and a slice of orange in a 6-8 oz. rocks glass. Find your pestle and grind
that well. Do NOT make the mistake of adding the soda with this-- no, no.
That will ruin it. Once that's ground well, add ice, whiskey and top with
soda (Soda must be on top!)
As to how theatrical that can be? Hmmm. . . .you'll have to work on that.
Perhaps someone else has a suggestion. But I can tell you it will taste good.
Cheers!