Chill your glass
Begin by placing an Old Fashioned glass in the freezer or filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink. A cold glass enhances the sipping experience and keeps the cocktail from diluting too fast.

Build in the glass
Discard any ice or water in the glass if chilled. Add the 2 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey directly into the glass.

Add cherry liqueur or syrup
Pour in 1/2 oz of cherry liqueur (like Heering or Luxardo) or, for a non-alcoholic twist, cherry syrup. This adds sweetness and depth, echoing the cherry flavor found in Dr. Pepper.

Add bitters
Dash in 2 drops of Angostura bitters. These aromatic bitters add complexity and contrast to the sweetness.

Add ice
Drop in a large ice cube or a few smaller ones. Larger cubes melt slower and prevent dilution.

Top with Dr. Pepper
Add just a small splash of Dr. Pepper—about 1–2 oz. You want the soda to enhance, not overpower, the drink.

Stir gently
Use a bar spoon to give it a few gentle stirs to combine all the ingredients without losing the fizz.

Garnish
Twist an orange peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in. Add a maraschino cherry for sweetness and color.