Smoked Old Fashioned

There is just something about ordering a Smoked Old Fashioned at a bar or restaurant. Heads turn in your direction when they get the intoxicating whiff of smoke and suddenly everyone orders one of these smoky cocktails!

You can order a Smokey Old Fashioned at a restaurant or bar or you can make one at home as well. They sure do hit the spot! No smoker? No problem! The instructions below also make a perfect Old Fashioned without the smoke.

Is an Old Fashioned made with whiskey or bourbon?

• The Old Fashioned is one of America's very first cocktails, originating in the early 1800's, around 1806, however the name didn't stick until the mid 1800's. Back then a cocktail in general was called an old fashioned, later as more and more combinations began to appear. The name stuck.
• Whether you make it with whiskey, rye whiskey or bourbon, an old fashioned is a classic. It comes down to personal preference.

My oldest, just turned 23. I like to call him Mr. Fancypants! Haha! He likes good food (he cooks ladies!) and he makes some mean cocktails! He's been cooking with me since he could stand, so these things make me happy!

He really blossomed on his own at his apartment during college. Cooking a lot for the guys (and calling / texting his momma for tips and recipes).

He followed in his fathers footsteps and now really enjoys bourbon as well as a good Old Fashioned. I love when he makes them at home for my husband and his friends. I WISH I could get on the bourbon train. Maybe one day.

Making a Smoked Old Fashioned at home isn't difficult. And investing in a smoker for cocktails is a great idea. They don't cost much and you can use them for smoking cheese, olives, salts, deviled eggs and more!

This is a great beginner cocktail smoker from Amazon, it comes with all the extras as well for a great price! Having proper old fashioned glasses is great as well, however any short glass / rocks glass will work.

What is a Smoked Old Fashioned?

It's an Old Fashioned Drink with a twist. The twist? Adding a kiss of smoke to the drink which gives it complexity and depth of flavor and of course an air of sophistication. Whether you enjoy a Bourbon Old Fashioned or a Whiskey Old Fashioned, these instructions work for both.

Ingredients

• Ice
• Bourbon
• Sugar cubes or simple syrup
• Orange peel or dried orange slices
• Bitters
• Bourbon cherries or cherries (like Luxardo or Tillen Farms Bada Bing)
• Smoke

To make a great Smoked Old Fashioned, gather your ingredients, glasses and equiptment and have everything at the ready before you begin. And of course, the better the bourbon, the better the cocktail.

How to make a Smoked Old Fashioned

• First, you muddle: Muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of Angostura bitters and a splash of water (if using simple syrup instead of a sugar cube, just add that).
• Add the ice. A big cube or ball are great since they melt slower and dilute the old fashioned less. If you don't have those, any ice will do.
• Add bourbon: Pour your chosen bourbon or even a good rye, depending on your taste, over the ice.
• Garnish: Express the oil from an orange peel by twisting it twist over your drink. Rub the peel overtop and around the rim of your glass then drop it in. You can drop in a dried orange slice or two and add a cherry or two for a tasty bourbon infused snack (yum!).
• Stir: Give it a good quick stir.
• Add smoke: Infuse the cocktail with smoke. A dome smoker, one like I recommended above or a more complex smoker all work. Allow the smoke to infuse the drink for 2 minutes or so.
• Sip away: Cheers!

Best Bourbon for Old Fashioned

• Honestly that is up to you. The bourbon you choose can take your old fashioned drink recipe from good to great. It comes down to your personal preference.
• My husband, son, father, brothers, etc. favorites include: Horse Soldier, Angels Envy, Buffalo Trace, Woodford, Elijah Craig, Stranahan's, basil Hayden and Penelope. However, the house bourbon at a few places we frequent is Evan William's (which has notes of caramel, vanilla and oak and is very smooth) which is a great price and makes a tasty Old Fashioned.
• Depending on your taste, some like to use a 100% proof bourbon for their old fashioned drinks saying that the bourbon is less dilutes. YOU make the call for which proof you want to use. Rule of thumb is just go with one of your favorites.

Variations

• Change up the bourbon used, every bourbon has its own personality.
• Use Rye whiskey as they did back in the 19th century instead of bourbon for a more robust and spiced drinking experience.
• If you enjoy the flavor of good jarred cherries like Luxardo, Tillen Farms Bada Bing, or your favorite bourbon cherries, muddle one or two with the sugar cube for more cherry flavor.
• If you really enjoy the orange flavor, add a full orange slice or two as is or muddle slightly.
• You can even get creative and add subtle flavors to your Old Fashioned by using flavored simple syrups instead of sugar cubes. I've made a blueberry Old Fashioned and a spiced version using maple syrup with nutmeg and cinnamon flavors. Once at a bourbon event, they served us amazing Smoked Old Fashioned with candied bacon tucked in, amazing!!

Sugar cubes really do help make a delicious Smoked Old Fashioned. A small box will last you for years. Sugar, when stored properly, never goes bad. I keep ours in a mason jar right by the bourbon in the booze closet.

Tips

• Higher-proof bourbons can provide a bolder flavor, while lower-proof options may offer a smoother experience.
• No smoker but want a fancy presentation at home? Stick a fresh sprig of Rosemary in each glass and light the end on fire, it'll burn out but smoke for a trendy look.
• For the best drinking experience, a large cube of ice like a sphere or square is best as it melts slowly and doesn't dilute the drink as much. My husband has Star Wars Death Star ice molds, haha! He loves them!
• Make these cocktails individually for best results.

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Cheers! And as always, drink responsibly. XO Colleen

Colleen Kennedy is the author of 3 cookbooks and has appeared on QVC and other shows inspiring home cooks of all levels. She has a popular TikTok channel (@Colleen'sCooking) with numerous short recipe videos. Colleen lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and kids, she started this food blog in 2009.