Smoked Old Fashioned: A Recipe for Sophisticated Sipping

The Old Fashioned, a classic cocktail, gets a smoky upgrade with this refined recipe. This isn't your grandpa's Old Fashioned; it's a sophisticated twist that adds depth and complexity to this timeless drink. Prepare to impress your guests with this smoky masterpiece.

Ingredients for the Smoked Old Fashioned

This recipe focuses on quality ingredients to enhance the smoky notes. Don't skimp on the good stuff!

• 2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey: The base spirit. Choose a high-quality bourbon or rye for the best results. Consider a high-rye bourbon for a spicier profile.
• 1 Sugar Cube (or ½ tsp Demerara Sugar): Provides sweetness and balances the whiskey's strength. Demerara sugar adds a richer, more complex sweetness.
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters: Adds aromatic complexity and bitterness, crucial for a balanced Old Fashioned.
• Orange Peel: For expressing essential oils over the drink, adding a bright citrus note.
• Wood Chips (e.g., Applewood, Hickory, or Mesquite): The key ingredient for the smoky flavor. Choose a wood chip that complements your chosen whiskey. Experiment to find your favorite!

Equipment You'll Need

• Smoking Gun or Smoker Box: Essential for smoking the ingredients. A smoking gun is convenient for home use.
• Rocks Glass: A sturdy glass to hold the cocktail.
• Muddler: To gently crush the sugar cube.
• Jigger or Measuring Spoons: For precise measurements.

Step-by-Step Smoked Old Fashioned Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Smoking Chamber

Prepare your smoking device according to the manufacturer's instructions. Add your chosen wood chips and allow them to begin smoking. A light, gentle smoke is key – you don't want an overpowering charred flavor.

Step 2: Smoke the Sugar and Bitters

Place the sugar cube (or demerara sugar) and Angostura bitters in a small bowl or dish. Place this in the smoking chamber and smoke for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sugar and bitters to absorb the smoky aroma. This step adds a subtle smoky nuance to the sweetness and bitterness.

Step 3: Muddle and Combine

In your rocks glass, gently muddle the smoked sugar cube (or demerara sugar) with a few dashes of water to create a syrup. Add the smoked bitters to the glass.

Step 4: Add the Whiskey

Pour the bourbon or rye whiskey into the glass.

Step 5: Stir and Chill

Add a large ice cube (or several smaller ones) to the glass and gently stir for about 30 seconds to thoroughly chill and mix the ingredients.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink by gently rubbing it around the rim of the glass before dropping it in. Serve immediately and enjoy the sophisticated smoky flavor of your Smoked Old Fashioned.

Tips for the Perfect Smoked Old Fashioned

• Experiment with Wood Chips: Different wood chips will impart different smoky flavors. Applewood is generally a good all-around choice, but hickory adds a more robust smoke, and mesquite offers a strong, almost BBQ-like flavor.
• Control the Smoke: Avoid over-smoking, as this can result in a bitter or overpowering smoky flavor. A subtle smoke is ideal.
• Ice Quality Matters: Use large, high-quality ice cubes to prevent excessive dilution.
• Whiskey Choice: The type of whiskey significantly impacts the final flavor. Experiment to find your preferred whiskey for this cocktail.

This Smoked Old Fashioned recipe elevates the classic cocktail to new heights. With its sophisticated balance of smoky, sweet, and bitter notes, it's perfect for a special occasion or simply enjoying a refined drink at home. Enjoy responsibly!