The Old Fashioned cocktail is one of the oldest and most revered drinks in cocktail history. Originating in the early 19th century, it remains a staple in bars and home mixology due to its simplicity, elegance, and rich flavor. Traditionally made with whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water, the Old Fashioned is a versatile drink that can be adapted in numerous ways.
A Smoked Old Fashioned elevates the classic version by infusing a layer of aromatic smoke, adding complexity to both its flavor and presentation. The smoky infusion enhances the drink’s sensory appeal, making it a standout choice for cocktail enthusiasts. The interplay of rich whiskey notes with the deep, earthy character of smoke creates an immersive drinking experience that is as delightful to smell as it is to taste.
What Is a Smoked Old Fashioned?
A Smoked Old Fashioned retains the core elements of the classic cocktail but introduces a smoky aroma that enriches its depth. While the traditional Old Fashioned is known for its balance of sweetness, bitterness, and whiskey warmth, the smoked version adds an extra dimension by incorporating smokiness through various methods.
Smoke infusion affects taste by imparting woody, earthy, or even slightly charred flavors, depending on the type of wood used. It also engages the senses beyond taste—sight and smell play a significant role in elevating the drinking experience. This method has gained immense popularity in modern cocktail culture, with high-end bars and mixologists utilizing smoking techniques to craft unique variations of classic drinks.
Essential Ingredients & Tools
1. Key Ingredients
- Whiskey: The foundation of an Old Fashioned is whiskey. Choosing between bourbon and rye significantly impacts the drink’s profile.
- Bourbon offers a sweeter, smoother flavor with vanilla and caramel notes.
- Rye whiskey provides a spicier, drier taste with a bolder character.
- Sweetener: A sugar cube or simple syrup can be used.
- Sugar cubes require muddling but offer a more traditional approach.
- Simple syrup ensures consistency and quicker mixing.
- Bitters: Angostura bitters are the classic choice, but alternatives like orange or chocolate bitters can add unique twists.
- Ice: A large ice cube or sphere is preferred to minimize dilution.
- Optional Enhancers:
- Orange peel (expressed for aromatic oils)
- Luxardo cherry for garnish
- Maple syrup or smoked honey for depth
- Chocolate or cinnamon bitters for variation
2. Essential Bar Tools
- Mixing glass & bar spoon: For proper stirring and dilution.
- Smoking devices:
- Smoking gun (precise and quick)
- Smoking box (bar-quality deep infusion)
- Butane torch & wood chips (traditional and dramatic effect)
- Glassware: A rocks glass or double Old Fashioned glass is ideal.
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make a Smoked Old Fashioned
1. Preparing the Base Cocktail
- Place a sugar cube in a mixing glass and soak it with 2-3 dashes of bitters.
- Muddle the sugar and bitters together until dissolved.
- Add 2 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey.
- Stir with a bar spoon while gradually adding ice until well-chilled.
2. Smoking Techniques
- Using a Smoking Gun:
- Place the prepared Old Fashioned in a glass.
- Use a smoking gun loaded with wood chips (e.g., cherry, oak) and direct smoke into the glass.
- Cover the glass with a cloche and let it infuse for 30-60 seconds.
- Uncover and enjoy the aromatic enhancement.
- Torch & Wood Plank Method:
- Light a wooden plank with a torch until it smolders.
- Place an overturned glass over the smoldering area to capture the smoke.
- Pour the cocktail into the smoked glass and serve.
- Using a Smoking Box:
- Place the Old Fashioned inside a smoking box.
- Ignite wood chips with a torch and fill the box with smoke.
- Let it infuse for 1-2 minutes before serving.
3. Serving & Garnishing
- Express an orange zest over the drink for added aroma.
- Serve in a rocks glass or double Old Fashioned glass.
- Garnish with a cherry or an orange twist.
Advanced Tips & Variations
- Best Whiskey Brands: Woodford Reserve (bourbon), Rittenhouse Rye, Buffalo Trace.
- Unique Wood Chip Flavors: Cherry for sweetness, hickory for boldness, applewood for light fruitiness.
- Infused Syrups: Smoked honey, maple, or cinnamon syrup for deeper complexity.
- Smoked Ice Cubes: Freeze water infused with smoke for a gradual smoky effect.
- Mezcal Old Fashioned: Use mezcal instead of whiskey for a naturally smoky taste.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Over-smoking: Too much smoke can overpower the cocktail’s delicate balance.
- Wrong whiskey choice: Smoky flavors pair better with robust whiskey, not overly delicate ones.
- Improper balance: The drink should have a balance of sweetness and bitterness.
- Poor-quality ice: Use large, slow-melting ice to avoid dilution.
- Ineffective smoking: Ensure the smoke properly infuses and does not escape too quickly.
Pairing & Presentation Ideas
- Food Pairings: Smoked meats, steak, dark chocolate, nuts complement the cocktail’s profile.
- Luxurious Experience: Serve with a smoked cheese platter or artisan snacks.
- Cocktail Parties: Impress guests by demonstrating the smoking technique live.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make a Smoked Old Fashioned without special equipment? Yes, using a DIY method like burning wood chips on a plate and capturing smoke with a glass.
- Best whiskey for a Smoked Old Fashioned? Bourbon (Woodford Reserve) or Rye (Rittenhouse) work well.
- How long should I let the smoke infuse? 30-60 seconds is ideal.
- Can I use liquid smoke instead? Not recommended, as it lacks depth and can be artificial.
- Is it stronger than a regular Old Fashioned? No, but the smoky aroma may make it seem bolder.
Conclusion
A Smoked Old Fashioned is a sophisticated twist on a beloved classic. By mastering the balance of ingredients, proper smoking techniques, and thoughtful presentation, you can create a memorable cocktail experience. Whether experimenting with different wood chips or whiskey variations, there’s ample room for creativity. Try making your own version, and enjoy the depth of flavor that smoke brings to this iconic drink!