Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail (with Video)

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As the air turns crisp, the nights grow shorter, and leaves paint the landscape in hues of amber and gold, it's time to welcome the season of cozy gatherings and captivating flavors. Step into a world where timeless elegance meets the rustic charm of a campfire with my latest creation: The Smoked Old Fashioned. 🥃✨

Smoked old fashioned with whisps of smoke.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Smoked Old Fashioned Recipe
🍴Ingredients
⏲️ Substitutions & Variations
Can you smoke an Old Fashioned without a smoker?
Choosing the wood
📖 How To Make A Smoked Old Fashioned: Step-by-Step Instructions
👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips
💭 Recipe FAQs
More Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love
Smoked Old Fashioned
💬 Comments

With autumn fast approaching, I’m getting very excited for all the heavily spiced, appley, pumpkin-y goodness that awaits. Fall is such a fun time — it’s bread baking season! Harvest season! Hot coffee season! Cozy sweater season! It’s also my favorite time of year for al fresco hangs.

If you're looking for an autumnal cocktail reminiscent of crackling bonfires and chilly starlit nights, this Smoky Old Fashioned is the way to go. In just a matter of minutes using only a handful of ingredients, you can craft an elegant libation that marries the classic appeal of bourbon with the mesmerizing aroma of campfire smells — even if the closest thing you have to a fire pit is an indoor s’mores machine.

So, grab your friends, plenty of layers, and a well-appointed snack tray. We’ve got some drinking to do!

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Smoked Old Fashioned Recipe

Aside from tasting like the literal distillation of the smell of burning leaves and tongue-tingling warmth of whiskey, this delightful smoked Old Fashioned drink is also:

Quick & Easy - You only need about 5 minutes to whip one up.
Effortlessly Elegant - If you want to impress your guests, the twirling, billowy clouds of smoke trapped under glass is a great place to start. Making these smoked old fashioned’s is sure to earn you the title of Master Mixologist!
Budget-Friendly - As I’ve grown a bit older and wiser, I’ve discovered Happy Hour is best celebrated at home. Not only do you get full control over the company, music, and vittles, but you also save a boatload of $$$$ over drinking out. 😉

🍴Ingredients

Bourbon/Whiskey - Traditionally, bourbon is the go-to for crafting an Old Fashioned, and for a darn good reason! Its sweet and slightly spicy profile works like a charm with the bitters and sugar. If you're feeling a bit adventurous and want to mix things up, rye whiskey is another terrific option. Rye brings a spicier, peppery kick to the party, which can give your Old Fashioned a different personality. That said, any American whiskey (with an "e") will work beautifully here.
Simple Syrup - Crafted with equal parts sugar and water, this is the easiest way to add sweetness to your cocktails without any granules of sugar disrupting the texture.
Angostura Bitters - These classic bitters are a must on any bar cart, right alongside Peychaud’s and Fee Brothers.
Orange Twist & Maraschino Cherry - For adding a bright and beautiful garnish to your tasty homemade cocktail.
Cherry Wood - This is my preferred wood to add to the smoking gun, but feel free to experiment with others like maple wood or apple wood instead.
Ice - If possible, opt for ice made with filtered water for the best possible flavor.

⏲️ Substitutions & Variations

Different Wood - Simply switching up what variety of wood you use to smoke the Old Fashioned can totally change the flavor profile. Have fun experimenting!
Non-Alcoholic - Want all the smoky goodness without the buzz? Swap in your favorite non-alcoholic whiskey alternative like Spiritless Kentucky 74.
Different Flavored Syrups - Rather than using plain simple syrup, add something with a little extra pizzazz. Orange simple syrup adds a lovely bit of citrusy brightness, or maple simple syrup doubles down on the fall vibes. Plus, doesn’t a smoked maple Old Fashioned sound delightful?!?

Can you smoke an Old Fashioned without a smoker?

Absolutely, you can still achieve a smoky twist for your Old Fashioned even if you don't have a dedicated smoker. While using a smoker might offer a more controlled and concentrated smoky flavor, there are alternative methods you can try at home:

Cedar Plank Method: This method involves using a cedar plank commonly used for grilling fish. Lightly toast the cedar plank over an open flame or stovetop burner until it starts to release a smoky aroma. Once it's smoldering, hold the glass of the Old Fashioned over the plank, allowing the smoke to waft into the glass. Quickly cover the glass with a coaster or another glass to trap the smoke inside. Swirl the smoke around before removing the cover and enjoying your smoky Old Fashioned.

Cloche Method: If you have a glass cloche or a similar domed cover, you can use it to trap the smoke and infuse your drink. Prepare your Old Fashioned in a glass and place it on a fireproof tray. Light a small piece of smoking wood on fire and place it on the tray beside the glass. Quickly position the cloche over the glass to capture the smoke. Let it infuse for a short while before removing the cloche and enjoying your smoky cocktail.

Remember, these methods might require a bit of practice to get the smokiness just right, but they can definitely add that captivating campfire touch to your Old Fashioned without the need for a dedicated smoker.

Breville smoked with cloche and wood for smoking a cocktail on the counter.

Choosing the wood

What kind of wood is used to make a Smoked Old Fashioned?

When it comes to giving your Smoked Old Fashioned that delightful campfire twist, the choice of wood is like selecting the perfect spice for a recipe. Different types of wood bring different flavors to the party. Here are a few popular options to put in your smoking gun:

Cherrywood offers a delicate and mild smokiness with a hint of fruitiness, making it my favorite. It complements the flavors in your Old Fashioned nicely without taking over.
Applewood imparts a slightly sweet and fruity flavor, which can add a lovely dimension to your cocktail. It's not too overpowering, making it a great choice for a subtle smokiness.
Oak is a classic choice that brings a robust and well-rounded smokiness.
Hickory wood is known for its strong, bold smoky flavor. If you're looking for a more intense and hearty smokiness, hickory might be your go-to.
Maplewood provides a sweet and subtle smokiness, reminiscent of maple syrup.
Mesquite wood has a strong and distinctive smoky flavor with a slightly earthy undertone. It's a bold choice, perfect for bold folks!

Ultimately, the choice of wood depends on your personal preference and the kind of flavor profile you want to achieve. Cheers to your smoky mixology adventure! 🥃🔥

📖 How To Make A Smoked Old Fashioned: Step-by-Step Instructions

This campfire Old Fashioned comes together in just a few simple steps:

Step 1: Add Smoke in your serving glass using a smoking gun and cover with a dome or large glass to seal in the smoke. Alternatively, use a smoking top.

Step 2: Gently Stir bourbon, simple syrup & bitters in a mixing glass with ice.

Smoke in a cloche with an old fashioned cocktail.

Step 3: Strain the Old Fashioned into the smoked serving glass — without ice or garnish.

Step 4: Second Smoke Infusion. Add smoke into the glass again, then cover. Allow the smoke to infuse for 2-3 minutes and enjoy!

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

Below, find expert tips to transform simple ingredients into a magical cocktail experience, perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or when you're just in the mood for a great drink.

Choose the Right Wood. The type of wood you use for smoking can greatly influence the flavor of your cocktail. Fruitwoods like apple or cherry impart a delicate sweetness, while oak or hickory can bring in a more robust smokiness. Experiment with different wood types to find the one that complements your chosen whiskey.
Balancing Act. Remember, a Smoked Old Fashioned is all about balance. The smokiness should enhance, not overpower, the drink. So, go easy on the smoking process — a little smoke can go a long way!
Stir, Don’t Shake. Stirring is your best friend when it comes to mixing the ingredients. Aim for a smooth, seamless blend without agitating the ice too much. This will ensure a perfectly balanced drink without too much dilution. Then pour over a large ice cube as a tasty cocktail for your next date nights!
When preparing your smoked old fashioned, ditch artificial flavorings and opt for a sugar cube and orange bitters, enhancing the whiskey lover's experience with a balance of sweetness and zest. Muddle these in your cocktail glass before adding ice cubes; this method not only integrates flavors but also cools the spirit, ideal for those preferring sweeter cocktails without compromising the integrity of the best bourbon selections.

💭 Recipe FAQs

What is a Smoked Old Fashioned?

The Old Fashioned has been a cocktail favorite since way back in the 1800s. The Smoked Old Fashioned takes this classic and cranks up the awesome factor. Instead of just shaking things up, it adds a touch of smokiness that's like a cozy campfire in a glass. The cocktail hangs out in a special smoker setup, and some wood chips get the party started.

How do I infuse the smokey flavor into the Old Fashioned without special equipment?

While cocktail smokers and smoke guns, like the Breville smoking gun, are popular choices, you can achieve a similar effect by lighting a cinnamon stick and using a piece of saran wrap or a glass upside down to capture the smoke. Place your rocks glass over the smoke for 1-2 minutes before preparing your drink to infuse that signature smokey flavor.

What garnishes or additional flavors can I use to elevate the Smoked Old Fashioned?

While the classic cocktail often uses an orange peel garnish or an orange slice, modern spins can include Luxardo cherries, bourbon cherries, or even a twist of lemon peel. For a unique flavor profile, consider adding a drop or two of chili bitters or using raw sugar instead of white sugar for added depth of flavor.

Can the Smoked Old Fashioned be made in batches for parties?

Absolutely! Prepare the main ingredients in a mason jar or large pitcher, and when ready to serve, individually smoke each old fashioned glass for a fresh smokey flavor. Add ice, strain the cocktail into the glass, and garnish. It's a great way to elevate your next party and become a great conversation piece.

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