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Elevate your cocktail game with a touch of smoky sophistication! Introducing the Smoked Old-Fashioned: A classic cocktail with a fun twist that’s sure to impress. Check out my recipe below for this aromatic delight. Have you ever tried Irish Coffee? If you haven’t, I think you should!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
Today, we’re going to take a step back in time and savor the elegance of a Smoked Old-Fashioned cocktail. This iconic drink, dating back to the early 19th century, is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in mixology. With the added allure of smokiness, this smoked cocktail becomes an experience like no other.
Whether you’re having a quiet date night at home or hosting a dinner party with friends, it’s time to grab your favorite bourbon, whip up some homemade simple syrup, and craft the perfect Smoked Old-Fashioned cocktail. Cheers to sipping in style!
What’s in an Old Fashioned Cocktail?
An Old Fashioned is a cocktail that is typically is made with bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, bitters, and garnished with an orange twist on the rim. What sets the Smoked Old Fashioned cocktail apart is the addition of a smoky element, achieved through the use of a smoking gun or smoked rocks glass.
Gather Your Tools
Before we begin, make sure you have the right tools at hand. I’ve linked to what I have or similar to what I like and use. You’ll need the following items:
- rocks glasses- like these Whiskey Glasses
- a jigger- Cocktail Jigger
- a cocktail shaker- Cocktail Shaker Set (this comes with the jigger and spoon)
- a bar spoon- or any long handled spoon will work!
- a vegetable peeler for the orange peel garnish
- a torch and a cocktail smoker- Torch & SmokeTop Cocktail Smoker Kit
- a large ice cube tray- Large Round Ice Cube Tray
How to Make a Smoked Old Fashioned
For full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements needed, see the printable recipe card down below. Here are some step by step directions for making this smoked old fashioned recipe:
Make Homemade Simple Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine equal parts granulated sugar and water. Place on medium heat, stirring occasionally for an about 5-7 minutes or until sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and cool. Set aside.
Pro Tip: I make this simple syrup in big batches to keep in the refrigerator but for this recipe you can do about 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water and you’ll have plenty. If you want more in depth detail about making a simple syrup, browse through my post here.
Add Ingredients to the Cocktail Shaker
Fill a cocktail shaker or mixing glass with ice cubes. Add bourbon, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters and gently stir the cocktail using a bar spoon. The goal here is to incorporate the ingredients while ensuring that the ice melts a bit to slightly dilute the drink.
Place a large ice cube in each drinking glass and pour the cocktail over top (leaving the ice in the shaker). Make sure your glass isn’t too full that the smoker touches the ice or liquid. You need a little space for the smoke.
Add Expressed Orange Peel Oils
Take a wide strip of orange peel, hold it over the glass, and express the oils by giving it a gentle twist. This will release a burst of citrus aroma that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the Old-Fashioned.
Pro Tip– For added flavor, run the peel around the rim of the glass to get that citrus flavor around every part of the rim or you can place the orange peel directly into the drink or garnish the rim with a fancy orange peel twist.
Time For Some Smoky Flavor!
Before you garnish though, it’s time to smoke! Follow the instructions on your cocktail smoker. If you have the SmokeTop: add just a few wood chips (cherry wood or oak flavored chips) into the top of the smoker. Place smoker directly on top of your glass. Direct the torch lighter straight down the chimney. Smoke for 2-3 seconds. Remove top. Oh I wish you could smell it in here right now!!
Pro Tip- If it is taking longer than 3 seconds to see smoke, you are using too many wood chips. Remove some and try again.
Garnish
If you’d like, drop a maraschino cherry or Luxardo Cherries (far superior to all the others) into your Smoked Old-Fashioned for a sweet, fruity touch (totally optional). Don’t forget your orange peel twist!
Time to Sip + Savor!
Your Smoked Old-Fashioned cocktail with homemade simple syrup and a hint of smoke is now ready to enjoy. Take a moment to appreciate the unique blend of flavors and the smoky aroma that raises this classic drink to the next level of sophistication. Cheers!
Smoked Old Fashioned Frequently Asked Questions
I would suggest choosing a bourbon with a strong, bold, and balanced flavor. You don’t have to splurge for a top shelf bottle if you don’t want to, but avoid using anything you wouldn’t want to sip by itself. You can also use rye whiskey instead of bourbon.
My guess is that you won’t need to store any of this smoked old fashioned, as this recipe only makes enough for 2 drinks. However if you do happen to have some leftover, you can store it in a glass with a lid in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
If you don’t have a smoker and you still want to smoke your old fashioned, you can try burning a small piece of oak, pecan, hickory, or fruit wood on a cutting board. Then take your glass and put it over the ember, causing the smoke to fill the glass. You would then fill your glass with the cocktail and ice. No special equipment needed!
You don’t need a sugar cube for an old fashioned, but you can certainly use them instead of making a simple syrup. Traditionally, granulated sugar or sugar cubes are used and put in the bottom of the glass first, followed by a litter water and bitters. You would then stir until completely dissolved. Using a simple syrup is usually the way to go for ease and convenience.
Yes, you can use brown sugar in your simple syrup! In fact, you could use real maple syrup, agave sweetener, or honey for a different depth of flavor. I would suggest using warm water to dissolve anything other than white or brown sugar.
Delicious Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Try!
- Non Alcoholic Pina Coladas (Virgin)
- Mojito Mocktails
- Non-Alcoholic Moscow Mule (Ginger Beer Mocktail)
- Classic Holiday Mocktail
- Christmas Mocktail
Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just getting started, mastering this drink is an essential skill. So, gather your ingredients, take your time, and relish the moment as you sip on a piece of cocktail history with a smoky edge. I hope you make these at your next party! The printable recipe card is below! Have a great day, friends!
If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
Smoked Old Fashioned Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey
- 1 oz simple syrup equal parts sugar and water
- 4-6 dashes Angostura bitters
- orange peel
- ice cubes
- 4 maraschino cherries
- wood chips for smoking cherry or oak
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker, Jigger & Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup by combining equal parts granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan. Place on medium heat, stirring occasionally for a about 5-7 minutes or until sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and cool. I make this in big batches to keep in the refrigerator but for this recipe you can do about 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water and you'll have plenty.
- Fill a cocktail shaker or mixing glass with ice cubes. Add bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters, and gently stir the cocktail using a bar spoon.
- Place a large ice cube in each drinking glass and pour the cocktail over top (leaving the ice in the shaker). Make sure your glass isn't too full that the smoker touches the ice or liquid. You need a little space for the smoke.
- Take a wide strip of orange peel and run the peel around the rim of each glass. You can place the orange peel directly into the drinks or garnish the rim with a fancy twist.
- Before you garnish though, it's time to smoke! Follow the instructions on your cocktail smoker. If you have the SmokeTop: Add just a few wood chips into the top of the smoker. Place smoker directly on top of glass. Direct the torch lighter straight down the chimney. Smoke for 2-3 seconds. Remove top.
- Garnish with a cherry or two and orange peel, and enjoy!
Man I love these smoked O.Fs Hard to drink them without the smoke after you’ve done it once. Highly recommend
Glad you loved them Bryan! Cheers!