Smoked Old Fashioned

There's nothing quite like the flavor of a Smoked Old Fashioned. It's the perfect slow sipper that offers unique flavor notes. Make this for a weekend drink or a fun and delicious way to put your feet up at the end of a long day.

It's safe to say that a Smoked Old Fashioned cocktail is really fun to make. Not only does it offer a great taste, but that smokiness brings a fun twist to it as well. You won't find this smokey drink recipe on many menus, which is why making it at home is a must.

The depth of flavor that comes from smoking the inside of the glass for 1-2 minutes gives this drink a premium flavor and quality taste.

Dare I say that this drink is the "smoking gun" of cocktails? Made with simple ingredients and a hint of smoke, it's just really, really good.

Be sure to check out my Bourbon Whiskey Margarita for another must-make drink recipe.

Ingredients

Sugar - Just a bit of sugar is needed to calm the smoke and bitters and add sweetness. You can alter the level of sweetness to fit your needs. 

Bitters - Add and stir with the sugar. 

Bourbon whiskey - Choose your favorite brand and type. 

Water - Just a splash of water to balance it all out. 

How to make a Smoked Old Fashioned

When it comes to whiskey cocktails, this is one of those cocktail recipes that prove you don't have to overcomplicate the process.

Step One: Muddle the sugar and bitters in a cocktail shaker.

Step Two: Add whiskey and shake well.

Add in some ice as well to the shaker at this point.

Step Three: Use a smoke top to light the cocktail.

Expert Tip: If you don't have a smoke top you can create smoke in a glass by lighting a wood chip on a heat-proof surface (a baking pan or skillet works well) and turning the glass upside down over it. You can use a small cooking torch or matches to light the wood chips.

Step Four: Quickly add ice to the glass. Pour the cocktail into the glass.

Variations

Add sweetness - You can add honey syrup around the rim of your rocks glass.

Add garnishes - Part of the fun in making your own drink is adding things to it. Garnishes like a pitted cherry or two (we love bourbon cherries), orange peels/orange peel, a slice of apple on the rim, a splash of grapefruit juice in the mix, or even a slice of lime can be nice to add to this old-fashioned drink.

Common Questions

How do you smoke an old fashioned without a smoker?

You don't need a smoker at all. Simply use the wood chips on a safe surface, and light them on fire. Put the glass over the top and let the smoky flavor start.

A lot of people think that they need a smoke infuser, but that's just overcomplicating things. For your next party, do this trick. It produces a great drink and is also a great conversation piece.

What foods pair well with this alcohol?

Appetizers or bite-sized foods work great. Cheese and crackers are always a good idea, or you can even have some sliced fruit or meats as an option. If you can make a charcuterie board, that's a great way to give options so that everyone can find something that they like.

Various types of nuts are also a good idea as they're salty and would pair well with the smoky flavoring of this drink.

Do I need any special equipment to make a smoked cocktail?

You really don't. You can easily make this drink with the helpful tips listed above. Just think of it as a modern twist and a faster way to make the cocktail without needing to have to invest in a bunch of extra stuff to make it.

Can I make this drink in advance?

Due to the smoke flavor really being the star of the show, it's best to be served fresh and asap. The smoky flavor that is added to the inside of the glass isn't going to last forever, so this is why you make this drink and then serve it right away.

The longer that the glass sits with the drink in it, the more that the ice is going to melt, causing it to be watered down, and the smoky flavor is going to go away as well.

Make it fresh, and sip it right away. Cheers!

 

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Love this recipe? Try making a Smoked Manhattan next!