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Classic Smoked Old Fashioned

A sophisticated twist on the timeless classic, this Smoked Old Fashioned combines robust bourbon or rye with rich maple syrup, aromatic bitters, and a captivating layer of real wood or rosemary smoke. Perfect for recreating a high-end steakhouse experience at home.

Classic Smoked Old Fashioned
Prep 5 min Cook 2 min Total 7 min Level Intermediate
Serves 1

Ingredients

Cocktail Components

  • 2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey — Choose a high-quality, high-proof spirit
  • 0.25 oz Pure Maple Syrup — Grade A dark amber preferred
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
  • 1 dash Orange Bitters (optional)
  • 1 cube Large ice cube — Clear ice is best
  • 1 cup Standard ice cubes — For stirring

Smoke & Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon Wood chips or dried rosemary sprig — Oak, cherry, hickory, or applewood chips work well
  • 1 strip Orange peel — About 2 inches long, pith removed
  • 1 whole Luxardo cherry (optional) — For garnish

Instructions

  1. Place the wood chips or dried rosemary sprig on a smoking board or a heat-proof saucer. Using a kitchen torch, ignite the chips or rosemary until they start smoking heavily.

    ~1 min
    If using rosemary, ensure it is completely dried out; otherwise, it won't catch fire and smoke properly.

  2. Immediately invert your chilled rocks glass over the smoking materials to trap the smoke inside. Let it sit and absorb the smoke while you prepare the cocktail.

    ~3 min
    The longer you leave the glass inverted, the more pronounced the smoky flavor will be.

  3. In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon (or rye), maple syrup, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters.

    ~1 min

  4. Fill the mixing glass halfway with standard ice cubes. Stir steadily with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and properly diluted.

    ~1 min
    Stirring rather than shaking is crucial for an Old Fashioned to maintain a silky texture and avoid cloudiness.

  5. Turn the smoked rocks glass right side up. Place one large ice cube into the glass, then strain the cocktail from the mixing glass over the ice.

    ~1 min
    A large ice cube melts slower, preventing your drink from becoming watered down too quickly.

  6. Express the orange peel by holding it skin-side down over the glass and giving it a gentle pinch to release the essential oils onto the surface of the drink. Rub the rim of the glass with the peel, drop it in, and garnish with a Luxardo cherry.

    ~1 min
    Wiping the rim with the orange peel ensures the citrus aroma hits your nose with every sip.
Nutrition
175
Calories
0
Protein (g)
6
Carbs (g)
0
Fat (g)
0
Sat. Fat (g)
0
Fiber (g)
5
Sugar (g)
2
Sodium (mg)
0
Cholesterol (mg)
Equipment
  • Rocks glass
  • Mixing glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Jigger
  • Cocktail strainer
  • Kitchen torch or lighter
  • Smoking board or heat-proof saucer
Tips & Storage
  • For the best presentation and minimal dilution, use perfectly clear ice. You can make clear ice at home using a small cooler in your freezer (directional freezing).
  • Rye whiskey will give your cocktail a spicier, more robust profile, while bourbon will emphasize sweeter, vanilla notes.
  • If you don't have a smoking board, a clean ceramic saucer works perfectly for holding the smoking chips.
  • Storage: Cocktails are best enjoyed immediately. If you need to batch this for a party, combine the whiskey, maple syrup, and bitters in a bottle with 0.5 oz of water per cocktail for dilution, keep chilled, and smoke the individual glasses upon serving.
Tags
aromatic beverage bourbon classic cocktail dairy_free evening fall gluten_free happy hour low_sodium maple syrup mixed drink nut_free party rye smoky sophisticated steakhouse vegan vegetarian whiskey winter

🤖 This recipe was created with AI assistance. If you spot a mistake or something that doesn't look right, please report it.

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