This smoked old fashioned recipe adds a new twist to an old favorite. The classic flavors of the old fashioned are emboldened even further with the addition of smoked garnishes for an extra depth of flavor.
The old fashioned is one of my favorite cocktails of all time. It’s just so classic and delicious. I decided to infuse it with smoke thanks to my husband’s insistence, and I’m so glad I did!
Smoked Old Fashioned Recipe
This was inspired by my cranberry margarita recipe on this site. I figured if I could put a new spin on that one, I could definitely put a new twist on one of my old favorites.
Smoked Old Fashioned Ingredients
It only takes a few simple ingredients to make this delicious cocktail. They’re all incredibly simple and easy to find.
- bourbon
- orange bitters
- vanilla extract
- orange rind
- vanilla bean
- simple syrup
See the recipe card at the end of the post for quantities.
How to Make a Smoked Old Fashioned
Making this cocktail is just as easy as gathering up the ingredients. Even with the addition of smoking, the recipe is still very straightforward.
Step 1: Make the Smoked Simple Syrup
Power on your smoker and trap the smoke under a large glass jar. Add the simple syrup and vanilla extract to a small mason jar and place under the larger glass. Next, allow the glass to fill with smoke, then seal. Let the drink steep in the smoke for a couple of minutes, then remove and close the lid of the mason jar. Shake to infuse the smoke and let it steep while finishing up the drink.
Step 2: Make the Smoked Garnishes
Peel the rind off of an orange. Use a knife to cleanly cut a 1”x3” piece. Place the orange rind, 1 cherry, and vanilla bean onto a wooden cutting board. Then, place a cocktail glass over the top and use the smoker to fill the glass with smoke in the same way that you did with the simple syrup. Let it steep for at least 2 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Old Fashioned
Add an ice cube to a cocktail glass, then add 3 dashes of bitters and pour the bourbon inside. Next, add the smoked simple syrup. Twist the orange rind to express the oils and trace the rind along the rim. Garnish with the orange, cherry, and vanilla bean. Serve and enjoy
Hint: For a smokier flavor, place a large glass over the cocktail and use the smoker gun to fill the glass with smoke. Let steep until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Substitutions
Don’t have the correct ingredients on hand or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this smoked old fashioned recipe.
- Scotch – If you don’t have bourbon, try scotch.
- Imitation Vanilla – While not recommended, if you don’t have real vanilla extract, you can use imitation vanilla. Just be sure to add a bit more to get the right flavor.
Variations
Want to personalize this smoked old fashioned recipe? Here are some of my tried and true tips for changing up this recipe.
- Spicy – Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this orange gin and tonic.
Equipment
It only takes a few simple items to make this tasty old fashioned.
- Handheld smoke infuser or this, more expensive one
- Bourbon barrel chips
- Mason jar
- Cocktail glass or these work great too
Storage
It’s recommended that you make these drinks as they’re ready to be served, so there’s no storage required.
Tips
This recipe is incredibly easy, and there aren’t many things to remember. In fact, there are only a couple of tips for this one.
- Let the simple syrup and the bitters smoke for at least 2 minutes for a good smokiness. Let them infuse longer for more smokiness.
- You can smoke the entire cocktail after you prepare it for even more smokiness.
More Cocktail Recipes
Do you like cocktails? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
FAQ
Do you have questions about this smoked old fashioned recipe? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the smoked old fashioned.
You can use any wood you like. I recommend a fruity wood, however.
It has a quite strong smoky flavor.
You can control the smokiness of this cocktail by allowing it to infuse for longer or shorter times.
Smoked Old Fashioned
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Smoked Old Fashioned
Equipment
- Handheld smoker
- Bourbon barrel chips
- mason jar
- Cocktail glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3 dashes orange bitters
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 orange rinds 1 inch by 3 inch sized pieces
- 1 vanilla bean
- ½ oz simple syrup
Instructions
- Get out and measure your ingredients.
Prepare Smoked Simple Syrup
- Power on the smoker and trap smoke under a large glass jar.
- Add simple syrup to a mason jar.
- Add vanilla extract as well.
- Place under the larger glass.
- Allow the glass to fill with smoke, then seal.
- Let the drink steep in the smoke for 2 minutes, then remove and close the lid of the mason jar. Shake to infuse and let steep while finishing up the drink.
Prepare Smoked Garnishes
- Peel the rind off of an orange. Use a knife to cleanly cut a 1”x 3” sized piece.
- Place the orange rind, 1 cherry, and vanilla bean onto a wooden cutting board.
- Place a cocktail glass over the top and use the smoker to fill the glass with smoke.
- Let steep for at least 2 minutes.
- The longer you steep the stronger the smokey flavors.
- Prepare the old fashioned. Add an ice cube to a cocktail glass, then add 3 dashes of bitters.
- Pour the bourbon inside.
- Next, Add the smoked simple syrup.
- Stir until blended.
- Twist the orange rind to express the oils and trace the rind along the rim.
- Garnish with the orange, cherry, and vanilla bean.
For a More Smokey Flavor
- Place a large glass over the cocktail and use the smoker gun to fill the glass with smoke.
- Let steep until ready to serve.
- Enjoy every sip!
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