Savor the rich complexity of this smoked old fashioned, a timeless blend of your favorite bourbon, Angostura bitters and the right touch of smokiness.
Who doesn't love a good cocktail - from pumpkin punch to peanut butter whiskey to a sour apple martini.
But one of the originals and most popular is an old fashioned. And that's what you get here but with the subtle smoke flavor added.
Why This Cocktail Works
- The smoked old fashioned steals the spotlight at any gathering, captivating with its visually stunning presentation.
- You can experiment with diverse bitters and mixers to create a variety of flavor variations.
- It is a great way to use your favorite bourbon. You could even try homemade peanut butter whiskey which works well with the smoky flavor.
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Ingredient Notes
- Sugar - Adds a slight sweetness to the drink to mellow it out.
- Angostura Bitters - A concentrated aromatic flavoring agent made from a secret blend of herbs and spices, renowned for its ability to add depth and complexity to cocktails.
- Whiskey - Opt for a high-quality bourbon or rye whiskey to enhance the overall flavor profile. My go-to is Eagle Rare but use your favorite.
- Orange peel - Choose fresh, high-quality oranges for the peel. The citrus aroma contributes significantly to the cocktail's fragrance.
- Ice cube - A large ice sphere or cube slows down dilution, maintaining the drink's balance as you savor it.
- Wood chips - Select wood chips carefully. Options like cherry, apple, or oak can impart distinct smoky notes.
- Cocktail smoker - Utilize an old-fashioned smoker top or a smoking gun for the smoking effect. Experiment with the duration of smoking for varying intensities.
Ingredient Swaps
While this cocktail is pretty perfect on its own, you can mix up the ingredients. Some variations include:
- Instead of sugar, you can try a sugar cube or maple syrup.
- While Angostura bitters are traditional, other bitters work too. Regans' Orange Bitters No. 6 adds complex orange flavor infused with spicy cinnamon and clove.
- Try a different type of whiskey such as Scotch, Irish whiskey or even a smoky mezcal for a unique flavor profile.
- Instead of an orange peel, experiment with lemon or grapefruit peels for a citrusy twist.
Step-by-Step Photos
Please note full ingredient list and instructions for this cocktail can be found in recipe card below.
Mix together the sugar, bitters and water and stir. Add the bourbon, ice and orange peel.
Finish with a cocktail smoker, letting the smoke linger for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
FAQs
The old fashioned is a cocktail made by muddling some sugar with bitters and water. You then add whiskey and garnish with an orange slice or cocktail cherry. It is usually served with ice in an old fashioned glass.
This cocktail uses the traditional ingredients but ups the flavor with the added smoke.
You want to stir this cocktail. If shaken, it will add additional liquid from the melting ice.
There are two types of smokers. A smoker with a lid which is what I use and is easiest to use as you don't have to hold the lid in place while using.
You can smoking gun which tend to be more expensive but either works.
Cherry, apple, oak or hickory chips can all impart distinct flavors. Choose based on your desired smokiness.
Allow the smoke to linger for 30 seconds to 1 minute, adjusting based on your preference for smokiness.
You usually serve in an old fashioned whiskey glass. It has old fashioned in the name for a reason.
PS if you are looking for a holiday-themed cocktail, this Christmas old fashioned is also a great option.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Use a bourbon you like as some of the flavor comes from it.
- If you want a sweeter drink, add another teaspoon of granulated sugar.
- Use large cubes of ice so it melts slower. Big cubes melt slowly and allow you to enjoy the taste of a spirit before it gets watered down.
- If you prefer cherries, garnish with it instead of an orange peel or in addition to.
- Adjust the smoking duration based on your preference.
Other Cocktails
If you’ve tried this smoked old fashioned or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! And if you want to try another flavored version, you can't go wrong with this chocolate old fashioned. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.
Smoked Old Fashioned
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add the sugar and bitters to a rocks glass. Add the water and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Fill the glass with large ice cubes, add the bourbon and gently stir to combine. Garnish with an orange peel.
- Use a cocktail smoker, a smoking gun or a smoking tube to fill and envelop the glass with smoke. Let the smoke linger in the covered glass for 30 seconds to 1 minute, adjusting the duration based on your preferred level of smokiness.
Notes
- Use a bourbon you like as some of the flavor comes from it.
- If you want a sweeter drink, add another teaspoon of granulated sugar.
- Use large cubes of ice so it melts slower. Big cubes melt slowly and allow you to enjoy the taste of a spirit before it gets watered down.
- If you prefer cherries, garnish with it instead of an orange peel or in addition to.
- Adjust the smoking duration based on your preference.
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