This article explains how to make a smoked old-fashioned:
Elevate your cocktail game with a modern and seasonal twist—the Smoked Old Fashioned. This simple recipe is impressive. It comes with a helpful video guide. It is as good as, or better than, the ones at a fancy restaurant.
The Smoked Old Fashioned has long been a favourite on bar and restaurant menus. It gained popularity, especially in the cosy fall and winter months. That’s when the rich, smoky flavours are particularly appealing. This trend has extended into year-round enjoyment. Various smoked types are making a splash.
The Smoked Old Fashioned stands out. It adds a distinctive flavour without overshadowing the classic’s deliciousness. The recipe stays true to the pre-prohibition original. Aside from smoking, it’s easy for enthusiasts to make at home. You just need a cocktail smoker. It’s a good investment. This is given the cost of one smoked Old Fashioned at a bar. As a bonus, I’ve shared my preferred smoker and an alternative. Both make great gifts, just in time for the holiday season!
What is an old-fashioned?
It’s a classic and spirit-forward cocktail. It typically features bourbon, but rye or Irish whisky can also take the stage. This iconic drink traces its roots back to the 1880s and boasts a rich history. The Old Fashioned combines the robust flavours of whisky with a sugar cube, bitters, and water. In modern variations, people often use simple syrup, which is a mix of sugar and water. It makes the preparation process simpler. Make your experience better by adding a twist of orange peel. This adds a delightful touch. Also, consider adding a hint of fresh juice for an extra burst of flavour. Sip and savour the tradition of the old-fashioned!
Why Smoke an Old Fashion?
Explore its smoky, spicy, and warm undertones. They are inherent in this whiskey-forward classic, often served with bourbon’s richness. Adding a hint of smoke to the Old Fashioned makes its flavours much better. It adds extra joy to an already delicious cocktail. Personally, the Old Fashioned holds a special place in my heart. It was a highlight at my wedding as one of the signature drinks.
This cocktail is a classic. But adding smoke gives it a unique twist. It makes it more than just a basic drink. The taste is great. Watching the mesmerising process of smoking a drink adds a cool factor. It also makes the presentation better. Make a lasting impression on your friends and family at your next gathering. Do it with the intriguing and flavorful Smoked Old Fashioned!
How to Make a Smoked Old- Old-Fashioned Cocktail
It is a classic cocktail. Three simple ingredients make it. They can kickstart your mixology with whisky, simple syrup, and bitters. The foundation is simple. But making the perfect Old Fashioned needs a bit more finesse. Let’s delve into the trio of main ingredients, starting with whisky. Bourbon is a type of whisky. It has a rich and distinct flavour. Old Fashioned can use Bourbon or Whiwhisky; the former has gained popularity. It likely rides the wave of Bourbon-creasing acclaim. Stay tuned for the essential details!
SMOKED OLD FASHIONED INGREDIENTS:
As before mentioned, my go-to Old Fashioned recipe keeps things simple yet delightful. It has bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters. It also has a finish of orange peel. It’s an easy hit. Yet, making a great smoked old-fashioned requires top-notch ingredients. Let’s dive into the details. We’ll see how great parts can raise your cocktail game. Get ready for a journey into the art of crafting an exceptional smoked old-fashioned!
Best Bourbons for an Old Fashioned
When making a perfect Old Fashioned, set aside your 12-year-old Bourbon for sipping. For mixing, a $30-$35 bottle of bourbon such as Bulleit, Knob Creek, Buffalo Trace, or Four Roses Small Batch is the best. Simple syrup is a key player in cocktails. It is easy to make—just mix equal parts sugar and water. Then, boil for 3–5 minutes to get the thickness you want.
Don’t overlook the significance of bitters, which are available at most liquor stores. This alchemical blend is concentrated botanicals with a touch of alcohol. It adds a spicy, herbal, and aromatic dimension to your cocktail. While a small bottle goes a long way, investing in a high-quality one is a prudent choice.
Now you know the basics of the classic Old Fashioned. Consider making it a conversation piece. Turn this drink into an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Or, spark a dialogue with your favourite bartender. These extra steps will make your Old Fashioned the talk of the town. They will leave everyone clamouring for the secret behind your great recipe. Cheers to turning a classic into a masterpiece!
Read More: Walk With Confidence:
IF YOU PREFER WHISKY, I RECOMMEND…
Choose Rye Whisky to up your cocktail game. In my experience, it complements these classic drinks well. Try Knob Creek Rye, Basil Hayden, or Redemption Rye. They add a twist to your old-fashioned Rye whisky and have a unique taste. It adds depth to the drink and enhances its flavour. These exceptional choices will elevate your mixology journey. Savour the unique charm they bring to your favourite cocktails. Cheers to exploring new horizons in the world of spirits!
SIMPLE SYRUP:
Making your own simple syrup is easy. Just combine equal parts sugar and water, like ½ cup of each, in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Let it simmer for about five minutes. Then, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. After that, add it to your favourite drinks. Store extra simple syrup in an airtight container in the fridge. You can use it in many drinks, like coffee and cocktails. Or, if you prefer convenience, pre-made simple syrup is easy to buy. Elevate your mixology game with this easy-to-make and versatile ingredient!
BITTERS FOR SMOKED OLD FASHIONED:
Angostura bitters are a secret weapon in mixology. They add a bit of complexity to cocktails and improve their flavour. As the name suggests, it brings a delightful hint of bitterness to the mix. I favour Angostura bitters in my Old Fashioned. But in addition, I also enjoy experimenting with orange bitters. The citrus and spice in the orange bitters complement the other cocktail ingredients. They are perfect for a smoked old-fashioned. I recommend opting for the orange version to elevate the flavour experience. These bitters are easy to find. You can get them at your local liquor store or order them on Amazon. Spice up your cocktail game with these versatile and flavor-enhancing bitters!
ORANGE PEEL:
In my Smoked Old Fashioned, I add finesse by squeezing in a bit of fresh orange juice. I use the peel to rim the glass and make a nice garnish. Flaming the orange peel is a popular technique. It releases citrus oils and adds a hint of smokiness. But I skip this step when making the Smoked Old Fashioned. The smoking process adds a delightful smoky flavour. The extra flaming is not needed. This nuanced approach enhances the cocktail. It does so with a balanced blend of citrus notes. This blend ensures a sophisticated and memorable drink. Improve your Smoked Old Fashioned with this simple twist. It’s tasteful and effective.
ICE:
For an impeccable Smoked Old Fashioned experience, opting for a generously sized ice ball or cube is key, catering to both presentation and practicality. These larger ice forms melt at a slower pace, ensuring your drink stays refreshingly cool without compromising flavour dilution. If you’re on the lookout for top-notch options, here are some personal favourites, available on Amazon. Elevate your cocktail presentation and sipping pleasure with these preferred ice moulds, promising a sophisticated touch to your Smoked Old Fashioned.
Ingredients
Making a top Smoked Old Fashioned needs the best ingredients and a bit of creativity. Begin with 2 oz. of Goo Bourbonon. Aim for a $30-ish range. Options include Buffalo Trace or Weller’s Special Reserve for extra richness. The secret weapon is 1/2 oz. of simple syrup. It will elevate your cocktail. Just add a delightful mix of fruits, herbs, and spices to infuse it. Let your taste buds guide you. Consider orange peel, lemon peel, apple, cherry, and maple syrup. Also, think about chocolate, cinnamon, ginger, and honey. And there are even more. Allow these flavours to soak in the syrup for 1-2 days to discover your perfect combination.
Bitters are crucial. We recommend Angostura aromatic bitters. A couple of dashes boost the aroma and tantalise your taste buds. Luxardo Maraschino cherries add luxury. Scoop up 2 cherries and some syrup with a spoon to enhance your Old Fashioned. While these cherries are an investment, one jar goes a long way.
The game-changer is the addition of smoke, and the Smoke Lid from Aged & Charred makes this step quick and easy. Follow the instructions to infuse the right amount of smoke. It adds a unique flavour and a fun touch that your guests will love. Finally, garnish your masterpiece with an orange peel. Make your smoked old-fashioned better with these chosen ingredients. Follow these steps for an unforgettable cocktail.
Instructions
Enjoy making the perfect Smoked Old Fashioned with our simple but fancy recipe. Put 2oz of bourbon, your special syrup, and some bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake this tasty mix for about 20 seconds. Then, pour it into a whisky glass. Improve the experience with Luxardo cherries. Elevate the mood by adding a smoky touch with the aged & charred smoke lid. Add an orange peel to your masterpiece. Put it on the rim or in the drink. Then, enjoy the rich, fragrant result.
For those opting for simplicity, we’ve got you covered. You need 2 oz. of Bourbon whisky. Also, add 1/2 oz of our special simple syrup and 2-3 dashes of bitters. Then, you’re in for a classic treat. Remember, the key is not just to stir it all together in a glass. Instead, use the preferred method. Combine the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake until chilled. Then, strain it into a glass without ice. Complete the experience with an orange peel garnish, and there you have it.
We trust you’ll relish your Old Fashioned as much as we do. For more delightful recipes and tips, subscribe to our newsletter. Also, try our non-alcoholic take on the classic Old Fashioned. It’s our Virgin Old Fashioned Recipe. Cheers to crafting and enjoying exceptional cocktails!
