Smoked cocktails are all the rage right now, and if you want to add a smoky twist to your cocktail lineup, there’s none better than a Smoked Old Fashioned. A hint of smoke really elevates the flavor of this classic cocktail, and smoking drinks is easier than you might think!
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If you’re a cocktail fan, then you need to take your mixologist skills to new levels and start smoking your cocktails! Smoked cocktails are flashy, impressive, and even more delicious than the originals! And, the best part about smoking cocktails is just how easy it is.
WHAT YOU’LL LOVE ABOUT A Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail
- Part show, part cocktail magic – making smoked cocktails is fun and easy!
- A kiss of smoke adds flavor and drama to a classic Old Fashioned.
- These cocktails are so super impressive! Flex your inner mixologist today!
How To Smoke Cocktails
First, you need a smoked cocktail kit. These kits come with everything you need to make a smoked cocktail. A good kit will have the following in it:
- A small torch – Refillable torches are best.
- Wood shavings – Simple kits have 1 kind of wood shaving. More expensive kits can have quite a few different flavors of wood shavings.
- A wood tray with mesh insert – The tray will fit over the top of your glass.
Then, mix your cocktail and add some smoke! Here’s how:
- Put the wood plate over the top of the cocktail glass and add a pinch or 2 of shavings to the mesh insert.
- Torch the shavings, keeping the flame on the shavings until the top of the glass under the wooden plate fills with the desired amount of smoke.
- Stop the flame and cap the plate to prevent the smoke from escaping.
- Remove the wooden plate when ready to drink.
Ingredients to Make a Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail
- Whiskey – Use your favorite whiskey, but because this is a whiskey-forward cocktail, use the best you have!
- Simple syrup – See below how to make simple syrup.
- Angostura bitters – You can get these at any liquor store or buy them online.
- Orange peel – Optional garnish.
- Cherry – Optional garnish.
How To Make a Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail
- Ensure your work area is free from fire hazards. You’ll be working with a live flame, so remove anything that could catch on fire.
- Gather the materials from your smoked cocktail kit and have them nearby.
- Add the simple syrup and bitters to a rocks glass or old fashioned glass and stir gently to mix.
- Add the whiskey and an ice cube (optional).
- Put the wooden plate with mesh shavings basket over the top of the glass.
- Add shavings to the mesh basket and ignite it with the torch.
- Hold the flame on the shavings until the top of the glass fills with the desired amount of smoke.
- Turn off the torch, and when ready, remove the wooden plate.
- Garnish with a bit of orange peel and a cherry, and enjoy!
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Have everything ready to go so that your cocktail doesn’t get watered down by melting ice while you gather things.
- You are working with a live flame – be super careful. This Smoked Old Fashioned recipe isn’t hard to make, but you should use the torch with caution.
- Use good-quality whiskey for this whiskey cocktail recipe.
This full-color ebook cookbook features more than 50 of Chef Jenn’s tried, tested, and favorite smoker recipes! Enjoy:
- Smoked Beef Kabobs
- Smoked Chicken Thighs
- Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Pork Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
- Smoked Spaghetti Squash with Herbs
and so much more!
What To Serve With a Smoked Old Fashioned
A classic drink like this should be paired with classic appetizers or starters. I love a smoked cocktail along with other smoked dishes, like these smoked jalapeno poppers or smoked cream cheese. No smoker, no problem! Serve these cocktails with tasty bites like bacon and mushroom tartlets, beef wellington bites or even a serving of Jalapeno Coleslaw! Whisky and smoke can stand up to bigger flavors, so mix and match and try something new!
Step By Step Process
Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 smoked cocktail kit torch, wooden plate with mesh basket, and wood shavings.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup about 1/4 ounce
- 2-3 dashes angostura bitters
- 2 ounces whiskey
- 1 cherry optional garnish
- 1 strip orange peel optional garnish
- 1 ice cube optional
Instructions
- Ensure your work area is free from fire hazards. You'll be working with a live flame, so remove anything that could catch on fire.
- Gather the materials from your smoked cocktail kit and have them nearby.
- Add the simple syrup and bitters to a rocks glass or old fashioned glass and stir gently to mix.
- Add the whiskey and an ice cube (optional).
- Put the wooden plate with mesh shavings basket over the top of the glass.
- Add shavings to the mesh basket and ignite it with the torch.
- Hold the flame on the shavings until the top of the glass fills with the desired amount of smoke.
- Turn off the torch, and when ready, remove the wooden plate.
- Garnish with a bit of orange peel and a cherry, and enjoy!
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
-
- Have everything ready to go so that your cocktail isn’t watered down by melting ice while you gather things.
- You are working with a live flame – be super careful. This Smoked Old Fashioned recipe isn’t hard to make, but you should use the torch cautiously.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
I love a smoked cocktail but I’ve never tried making one at home. Your directions were perfect!
Smoked cocktails are so impressive. My guests loved this old-fashioned.
Smoked cocktails do taste fabulous. I did not know you could make them at home. I tried your instructions and my husband just loved it.
That sounds so exciting! Never tried a smoked cocktail and the whole process was so cool!
The added smoke was a really cool addition. It was a nice change to this classic drink.
Woah! I never thought this kind of drink was possible! So excited to give it a try. My father-in-law will be so impressed. Thanks for suggesting and linking to a smoked cocktail kit, that will be a big help!
I’m not a fan of old fashioned but this one changed it all!!
My family has long served old fashioneds as our holiday drink when friends and family visit at Christmastime. The smoke added in this recipe takes our classic to a whole new level!
My hubby got a cocktail smoking kit for Christmas so we finally dusted it off to make this recipe. You nailed it! This old-fashioned was definitely elevated by the smoked element. New weekend ritual is unlocked! Thanks.
Loved the hint of smoke in this cocktail. Never tried smoked cocktails before now. I must say I’m hooked.
I’m loving this smoky quality – this is my new favorite cocktail, thank you!
My husband is obsessed with whiskey right now, and I got him one of those cocktail smoker hats for Father’s Day…he’s used it every single day making these. You’ve made him an addict, girl! XD
I made this for my husband for Father’s Day and it was a huge hit. Fun to make and gave the cocktail a smoky undertone.
This finally got me to use my smoker!!! I’m a big Old-Fashioned lover so this was just perfect.