Sweet Neon Doom

Chill a rocks glass by filling it with ice water and setting it aside while you prepare the cocktail.

In a mixing glass, combine the base spirit with sweetener and bitters, measuring each ingredient carefully for balance.

Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with large, clear ice cubes to ensure proper dilution without excessive watering down.

Stir the mixture steadily with a bar spoon for approximately 30 seconds, using smooth circular motions to chill and dilute the cocktail.

Discard the ice water from the rocks glass and place one large ice cube or a few fresh ice cubes into the chilled glass.

Strain the stirred cocktail through a julep strainer into the prepared rocks glass over the fresh ice.

Express any citrus peel garnish over the surface of the drink to release its oils, then rim the glass and place it on top or discard.

Serve immediately and enjoy the spirit-forward balance of sweetness and bitterness that defines this Old Fashioned-style cocktail.