Creating a smoked Old Fashioned cocktail adds a unique twist to the traditional recipe, enhancing the drink with a smoky flavor that complements the inherent qualities of bourbon or rye whiskey. Here’s how to make one, followed by a discussion of different Old Fashioned recipes I can provide.
How to Make a Smoked Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 teaspoon loose sugar)
- Few dashes of Angostura bitters
- Orange twist and cocktail cherry for garnish
- Ice cubes
Tools:
- Rocks glass
- Muddler
- Mixing spoon
- Smoking gun with wood chips (such as hickory or applewood)
Method:
- Prepare the Glass:
- Place the sugar cube in the glass, saturate with a few dashes of Angostura bitters, and add a dash of plain water. Muddle the sugar until it’s dissolved.
- Add Whiskey:
- Pour the bourbon or rye over the muddled sugar mixture.
- Stir:
- Add a few large ice cubes to the glass and stir well to chill the drink.
- Smoke the Drink:
- Insert the hose of a smoking gun (or device of choice) filled with your choice of wood chips into the glass. Cover the glass with a coaster or similar to trap the smoke. Turn on the smoking gun and fill the glass with smoke. Let it sit for about a minute to infuse the smoke flavor.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the cover, stir the drink again gently, and garnish with an orange twist and a cocktail cherry.
This preparation offers a sensory experience that enhances the traditional Old Fashioned with a smoky flavor, making it a sophisticated choice for whiskey enthusiasts.
Variations on the Old Fashioned Recipe
There are numerous variations of the Old Fashioned recipe, each tweaking the classic formula to introduce new flavors and textures. Here are several examples:
- Classic Old Fashioned:
- The traditional recipe uses sugar, bitters, whiskey (commonly bourbon or rye), and garnishes with an orange slice and a cherry.
- Rum Old Fashioned:
- Substitute rum for whiskey and consider using a sugar cane syrup instead of plain sugar for a Caribbean twist.
- Oaxaca Old Fashioned:
- Mix tequila and a small amount of mezcal with agave syrup and Angostura bitters for a smoky Mexican version.
- Wisconsin Old Fashioned:
- Popular in the Midwest, this version uses brandy instead of whiskey and is often made sweet with soda, sour with citrus, or both.
- Apple Cider Old Fashioned:
- A fall variant that includes apple cider and maple syrup as sweeteners, spiced with cinnamon for a seasonal touch.
Each of these variations can cater to different palates and occasions, providing a rich field for exploration within the framework of a classic cocktail. If you’re looking to expand on these or explore other unique takes on the Old Fashioned, let me know, and I can provide more detailed recipes and variations!