How to Make the Perfect Smoked Old Fashioned at Home

If you’re a fan of cocktails, you’ve likely heard of the Old Fashioned. This classic drink has been around for over a century and is a staple in bars all over the world. However, have you ever heard of a smoked Old Fashioned? This twist on the traditional recipe adds a smoky flavor that takes this drink to the next level. In this article, we’ll show you how to make the perfect smoked Old Fashioned at home.

What You’ll Need

Before we get into the recipe, let’s go over what you’ll need to make a smoked Old Fashioned. You’ll need a few special tools and ingredients, including:

Smoking gun or wood chips
High-quality bourbon
Angostura bitters
Sugar cube or simple syrup
Orange peel
Ice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have everything you need, here’s how to make a smoked Old Fashioned:

Start by preparing your smoking gun or wood chips. If you’re using a smoking gun, load it with your preferred wood chips and turn it on. If you’re using wood chips, place them in a small metal or glass container and light them with a match. Let the chips burn for a few seconds, then blow out the flame.
Next, place your glass on top of the smoking gun or container of wood chips and let it fill with smoke. You’ll want to let the glass sit for about 10-15 seconds to infuse the smoke flavor.
Add a sugar cube or a small amount of simple syrup to the glass, followed by a few dashes of bitters. Muddle the sugar and bitters together until the sugar has dissolved.
Add a large ice cube to the glass, followed by two ounces of bourbon.
Stir the cocktail together until it’s well combined and chilled.
Garnish the cocktail with a twist of orange peel, and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Making a smoked Old Fashioned takes a bit of practice, but with these tips, you’ll be on your way to a perfect cocktail every time:

Use high-quality bourbon. This cocktail is all about the bourbon, so don’t skimp on the good stuff. Look for a bourbon that’s aged for at least four years and has a rich, complex flavor.
Don’t over-smoke your glass. If you leave the glass on the smoking gun or wood chips for too long, the smoke flavor can overpower the cocktail. Aim for about 10-15 seconds of smoke time.
Experiment with different wood chips. Different woods will add different flavors to your cocktail. Try applewood for a sweet, fruity flavor or hickory for a bold, smoky flavor.
Use a large ice cube. The larger the ice cube, the slower it will melt, which means your cocktail will stay cold without getting watered down.
Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Some people prefer a more sweet cocktail, while others like it a bit more bitter. Adjust the amount of sugar or bitters to your taste preferences.

Conclusion

Making the perfect smoked Old Fashioned at home takes a bit of practice, but once you’ve nailed it, you’ll never go back to the traditional recipe. Follow these tips and tricks for success, and you’ll have a delicious, smoky cocktail in no time. Cheers!