The Ultimate Smoked Old Fashioned: Simple Recipe for Beginners

Discover the ultimate smoked Old Fashioned recipe that brings bold, smoky flavors to this timeless cocktail. Perfect for impressing guests or elevating your home bartending skills, this easy-to-follow guide covers everything from the best ingredients to the tools needed for that signature smoky twist. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a beginner, learn how to craft a smoked Old Fashioned that’s rich, flavorful, and unforgettable

1. Classic Smoked Old Fashioned

To make a Classic Smoked Old Fashioned, follow this detailed recipe that combines traditional elements with a smoky twist:

Ingredients

• 4 oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey
• 1 oz Simple syrup (made from equal parts sugar and water)
• 4-6 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel (for garnish)
• Ice cubes
• Wood chips (preferably cherry or oak) for smoking

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Bar spoon
• Cocktail smoking kit or smoking gun

Instructions

1. Prepare the Simple Syrup:
   • In a small saucepan, combine equal parts granulated sugar and water (e.g., 1/4 cup each).
   • Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Mix the Cocktail:
   • In a lowball glass, add the bourbon, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
   • Stir well to combine.
3. Add Ice:
   • Fill the glass with ice cubes. Large ice cubes or an ice ball are recommended to minimize dilution.
4. Smoke the Cocktail:
   • Using a cocktail smoking kit, cover the glass with the lid provided.
   • Add wood chips to the top grate of the smoker, light them, and let the smoke infuse into the cocktail for about 30-45 seconds.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Carefully remove the lid from the glass.
   • Express an orange peel over the drink by holding it over the glass and giving it a twist to release its oils. Drop it into the drink as a garnish.
   • Optionally, add a maraschino cherry for additional garnish.
6. Enjoy:
   • Sip your Classic Smoked Old Fashioned and enjoy the rich flavors enhanced by the smokiness.

This recipe offers a delightful blend of sweetness from the simple syrup, bitterness from the Angostura bitters, and aromatic complexity from the smoke, making it a sophisticated choice for any cocktail enthusiast.

2. Smoked Maple Old Fashioned

Here’s a detailed recipe for a Smoked Maple Old Fashioned, incorporating various techniques and ingredients to create a rich, flavorful cocktail.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Smoked Maple Bourbon (or regular bourbon with added maple syrup)
• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters (or orange bitters)
• 1 lemon or orange rind spiral (for garnish)
• Ice cube (preferably large)
• Wood chips (such as cherry or oak) for smoking
• Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass:
   • If using a smoking kit, ignite the wood chips and capture the smoke in the glass. Cover the glass with a lid or another glass to let the smoke infuse for about 1-2 minutes. This adds a smoky aroma to your cocktail.
2. Mix the Cocktail:
   • In a mixing glass, combine the smoked maple bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters.
   • Add ice to the mixing glass and stir gently for about 30 seconds until well chilled.
3. Assemble the Drink:
   • Remove the cover from your smoked glass and add a large ice cube.
   • Strain the chilled cocktail mixture into the prepared glass over the ice.
4. Garnish:
   • Express the oils from a lemon or orange peel over the drink by twisting it above the glass, then drop it in as garnish.
   • Optionally, you can add a cinnamon stick for additional flavor and aroma.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Sip your Smoked Maple Old Fashioned and enjoy the blend of sweet maple, rich bourbon, and smoky notes.

This cocktail is perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions, combining classic Old Fashioned elements with the warmth of maple and smoke.

3. Smoked Old Fashioned with Black Walnut Bitters

Here’s a detailed recipe for a Smoked Old Fashioned with Black Walnut Bitters, which combines the classic elements of an Old Fashioned with the unique flavor profile of black walnut bitters and a smoky infusion.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Good quality bourbon (or rye whiskey)
• 1 oz Demerara syrup (or simple syrup)
• 2-3 dashes Black walnut bitters
• 2-inch piece of orange peel (for garnish)
• Ice cubes
• Wood chips (such as cherry or oak) for smoking

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass:
   • If using a smoking kit, ignite the wood chips and capture the smoke in your serving glass. Cover the glass with a lid or another glass to let the smoke infuse for about 1-2 minutes.
2. Mix the Cocktail:
   • In a separate mixing glass, combine the bourbon, Demerara syrup, and black walnut bitters.
   • Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir gently for about 20-30 seconds until well chilled.
3. Assemble the Drink:
   • Remove the cover from your smoked glass and add fresh ice cubes.
   • Strain the chilled cocktail mixture into the prepared glass over the ice.
4. Garnish:
   • Hold the orange peel over the drink and twist it to release its oils, then rub the peel around the rim of the glass before dropping it into the drink.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Sip your Smoked Old Fashioned with Black Walnut Bitters and enjoy the rich, smoky flavors combined with the nutty notes from the bitters.

This cocktail offers a delightful twist on the classic Old Fashioned, enhancing it with aromatic smoke and complex flavors from black walnut bitters, making it perfect for special occasions or cozy evenings.

4. Citrus-Infused Smoked Old Fashioned

Here’s a detailed recipe for a Citrus-Infused Smoked Old Fashioned, which combines the classic elements of an Old Fashioned with fresh citrus flavors and a smoky infusion.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey
• 1/2 oz Simple syrup (or Demerara syrup)
• 3 dashes of Orange bitters
• Squeeze fresh orange juice (optional, for added citrus flavor)
• Orange peel (for garnish)
• Ice cubes
• Wood chips (such as cherry or oak) for smoking

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass:
   • If using a smoking kit, ignite the wood chips and capture the smoke in your serving glass. Cover the glass with a lid or another glass to let the smoke infuse for about 1-2 minutes.
2. Mix the Cocktail:
   • In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, simple syrup, orange bitters, and a small squeeze of fresh orange juice if desired.
   • Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir gently for about 20-30 seconds until well chilled.
3. Assemble the Drink:
   • Remove the cover from your smoked glass and add fresh ice cubes.
   • Strain the chilled cocktail mixture into the prepared glass over the ice.
4. Garnish:
   • Hold the orange peel over the drink and twist it to release its oils, then rub it around the rim of the glass before dropping it into the drink.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Sip your Citrus-Infused Smoked Old Fashioned and enjoy the delightful combination of smoky flavors with bright citrus notes.

This cocktail offers a refreshing twist on the traditional Old Fashioned, enhancing it with aromatic smoke and vibrant citrus, making it perfect for any occasion.

5. Smoked Old Fashioned without a Smoker

Here’s how to make a Smoked Old Fashioned without a Smoker, utilizing simple techniques to infuse your cocktail with smoky flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey
• 1 oz Simple syrup (made from equal parts sugar and water)
• 4-6 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel (for garnish)
• Ice cubes
• Wood chips (such as oak, hickory, or fruit wood) for smoking

Instructions

1. Prepare the Simple Syrup:
   • In a small saucepan, combine equal parts granulated sugar and water (e.g., 1/4 cup each). Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Create Smoke Without a Smoker:
   • Cedar Plank Method: Lightly toast a cedar plank over an open flame or stovetop burner until it starts to release smoke. Hold your glass over the plank to capture the smoke, then cover it with a coaster or another glass to trap the smoke inside.
   • Wood Chip Method: Light a small piece of wood chip on a heat-proof surface (like a skillet). Once it starts smoking, turn your glass upside down over the ember to fill it with smoke. Let it sit for about 30 seconds to infuse.
3. Mix the Cocktail:
   • In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters. Add ice and stir gently for about 20-30 seconds until well chilled.
4. Assemble the Drink:
   • Remove the cover from your smoked glass and add fresh ice cubes.
   • Strain the chilled cocktail mixture into the prepared glass over the ice.
5. Garnish:
   • Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by twisting it above the glass, then drop it in as a garnish.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Sip your Smoked Old Fashioned and enjoy the rich flavors enhanced by the smokiness.

This method allows you to achieve that delightful smoky flavor without needing specialized equipment, making it perfect for home bartenders looking to elevate their cocktail game.

6. Bacon Smoked Old Fashioned

Here’s a detailed recipe for a Bacon Smoked Old Fashioned, which combines the classic elements of an Old Fashioned with the savory flavor of bacon.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey
• 1 tsp Brown sugar (or simple syrup)
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 slice of cooked bacon (for garnish)
• 1 slice of bacon (for infusion)
• 1/2 oz Liquid smoke (optional, for additional smokiness)
• Orange peel (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Infuse the Bourbon:
   • Cook a slice of bacon until crispy. Reserve the rendered bacon fat.
   • In a small bowl, combine the warm bacon fat with 2 oz of bourbon. Stir to mix and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours to infuse the flavors. Afterward, refrigerate until the fat solidifies. Strain out the fat before using.
2. Prepare the Glass:
   • If you want extra smokiness, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to your glass or use a smoking method with wood chips to infuse smoke into the glass.
3. Mix the Cocktail:
   • In a lowball glass, add brown sugar and bitters. Muddle them together until the sugar dissolves.
   • Add ice cubes to the glass.
   • Pour in the infused bourbon and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish:
   • Garnish with a slice of crispy bacon and an orange peel. Optionally, express the oils from the orange peel over the drink before dropping it in.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Sip your Bacon Smoked Old Fashioned and enjoy the unique combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.

This cocktail offers a delightful twist on the traditional Old Fashioned, enhancing it with rich bacon flavors that complement the whiskey beautifully. Enjoy it as a special treat or during gatherings for an impressive presentation!

7. Rye Whiskey Smoked Old Fashioned

Here’s a detailed recipe for a Rye Whiskey Smoked Old Fashioned, incorporating the classic elements of the cocktail with a smoky twist.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 oz simple syrup)
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 0.5 tsp Water
• Orange peel (for garnish)
• Luxardo cherry (for garnish, optional)
• Ice cube (preferably large)
• Wood chips (such as cherry or oak) for smoking

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass for Smoking:
   • If you have a smoking kit, ignite wood chips and capture the smoke in your glass by covering it with a lid or another glass for about 1-2 minutes. If you don’t have a smoking kit, you can use the cedar plank method: light a small piece of cedar plank over an open flame and hold your glass over it to capture the smoke.
2. Mix the Cocktail:
   • In a lowball glass, place the sugar cube and add the bitters and water. Muddle until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
   • Add the rye whiskey to the glass and stir gently to combine.
3. Infuse Smoke into the Cocktail:
   • Fill the glass with smoke, keeping it covered for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add Ice:
   • After smoking, add a large ice cube to the glass.
5. Garnish:
   • Garnish with an orange peel by expressing its oils over the drink and dropping it in. Optionally, add a Luxardo cherry for extra flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Sip your Rye Whiskey Smoked Old Fashioned and enjoy the complex flavors enhanced by smokiness.

This cocktail showcases the spicy notes of rye whiskey complemented by sweet and smoky undertones, making it an excellent choice for any cocktail enthusiast looking to elevate their drink experience.

8. Smoked Old Fashioned with Maple Syrup

Here’s a detailed recipe for a Smoked Maple Old Fashioned, combining the rich flavors of maple syrup with the classic elements of an Old Fashioned, enhanced by a smoky infusion.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey (preferably smoked maple bourbon)
• 1/2 oz Pure maple syrup
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters (or orange bitters)
• Ice cube (preferably large)
• Orange peel (for garnish)
• Wood chips (such as cherry or oak) for smoking
• Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass for Smoking:
   • If using a smoking kit, ignite wood chips and capture the smoke in your glass by covering it with a lid or another glass for about 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a small piece of cedar plank: light it and hold your glass over it to capture the smoke.
2. Mix the Cocktail:
   • In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters.
   • Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir gently for about 20-30 seconds until well chilled.
3. Assemble the Drink:
   • Remove the cover from your smoked glass and add fresh ice cubes.
   • Strain the chilled cocktail mixture into the prepared glass over the ice.
4. Garnish:
   • Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by twisting it above the glass, then drop it in as a garnish. Optionally, you can add a cinnamon stick for additional flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Sip your Smoked Maple Old Fashioned and enjoy the delightful blend of smoky sweetness and rich bourbon flavors.

This cocktail offers a unique twist on the traditional Old Fashioned, making it perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions where you want to impress your guests with something a little different.

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