Created in the 1800s, the Old Fashioned has been endlessly reimagined. One such variation is chef Giada De Laurentiis’, which swaps simple syrup for Amarena cherry syrup.

De Laurentiis shared this Italian version of an Old Fashioned in a recent TikTok video. It also uses bourbon and Angostura bitters in addition to the Amarena cherry syrup.

These Italian cherries add a complex richness to the cocktail, making the drink even easier to prepare since you don’t need to muddle the sugar cube or make simple syrup.

De Laurentiis adds one teaspoon of cherry syrup, a few dashes of Angostura bitters, and two ounces of bourbon, with an orange peel and two skewered Amarena cherries for garnish.

Amarena cherries are small, slightly sour candied cherries produced in Italy’s northern Emilia-Romagna region, but you can use any brand of candied cherries, like Luxardo.

Once you have your cherries, begin experimenting with the type of whiskey you use to slightly alter the cocktail’s profile from a more delicate flavor to smokier notes.