In a cocktail mixing glass, combine the brown sugar, pecan bitters, water and bourbon and stir until the sugar melts.
Once the sugar has melted, stir in the pecan liqueur.
Place a large ice cube in a double rocks glass with the orange peel.
Pour the old fashioned over the ice and top with a candied pecan.
Notes
We tried this recipe with Evangeline's Praline Liqueur and Rivulet Pecan Liqueur. While both were good, the Rivulet was less sugary and produced a more authentic old fashioned with deeper pecan flavor.
We really loved this drink with both Four Roses Small Batch and Basil Hayden's. Both produced a smooth cocktail that let the pecan flavors shine. For a less pricey bottle, Four Roses' yellow label bourbon is good too.
If you like more orange flavor in your old fashioned, muddle a strip of orange zest with the brown sugar and bitters then add the liquors. Strain over ice and serve.