Smoked Old Fashioned

A Smoked Old Fashioned is a must-try for whiskey lovers! The classic cocktail remains the same, but smoky flavor is added with help from a smoking cloche and smoked ice cubes. 

What Is an Old Fashioned? 

An Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that’s made with rye or bourbon whiskey, a sugar cube, angostura bitters, and a splash of water. Most Old Fashioneds are garnished with an orange slice or twist and a cocktail cherry. 

An Old Fashioned is believed to be the “original” cocktail. When cocktails were first created, the base was always: spirit + sugar + water + bitters. 

In the 1870s, bartenders started creating more complex whiskey cocktails using additional liquors and flavoring agents. Anyone who wanted to enjoy their whiskey without the extra ingredients began asking for “old fashioned” whiskey cocktails — hence the name. 

Love the classic Old Fashioned cocktail? Be sure to try this Tequila Old Fashioned next! 

How Does This Version Differ From the Classic Cocktail? 

This smoked cocktail is almost identical to the original cocktail — with the addition of a rich, smoky flavor. 

To create smoke for an Old Fashioned, this recipe relies on a smoking gun and cloche. For added flavor, I also recommend using smoked ice, which you can make at home. 

Otherwise this smoked bourbon cocktail sticks to the classic Old Fashioned ingredients and ratios. 

What Does a Smoked Old Fashioned Taste Like? 

A smoked Old Fashioned is distinctly boozy, with undertones of caramel, oak, and spice from the whiskey. 

Smoking the cocktail doesn’t make it taste solely of smoke — or even strongly so! It’s a subtle smoky flavor that serves to enhance the existing flavor of the whiskey.  

Any whiskey cocktail worth its salt should never overpower the flavor of the whiskey. The combination of the whiskey and the smokiness from the ice and the smoking gun go hand in hand to create a totally unique cocktail flavor. 

Tools You’ll Need

You’re going to need a few special kitchen tools for smoking an Old Fashioned.  

• Cocktail Smoker — We use this one from Breville and highly recommend it. 
• Smoking Cloche — This is the one we use at home and love. However, you may also smoke an Old Fashioned using a Smoking Gun Cocktail Glass Cover.  
• Cocktail mixing glass — If you don’t have a mixing glass, use a liquid measuring cup or an old jar. 
• Cocktail spoon — For stirring the ingredients. 
• Cocktail strainer — For straining the cocktail mixture into the prepared glass. 
• Vegetable peeler — For removing a large swatch of orange zest. 
• Glass of choice— A lowball or rocks glass is the traditional choice.

Cocktail Ingredients

A smoked Old Fashioned cocktail uses the same ingredients as the classic drink, but the special kitchen tools listed above help to add the smoky flavor. 

• Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
• Sugar Cube or Simple Syrup
• Angostura Aromatic Bitters
• Luxardo Cherries 
• Orange Twist (see full tutorial here)
• Smoked Ice (optional but recommended) 

What’s the Best Whiskey to Use in an Old Fashioned? 

You may use either bourbon or rye whiskey to make this smoky Old Fashioned. 

Bourbon is sweeter than rye and has undertones of vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice. Rye has a drier, spicier flavor and is less sweet. 

The whiskey brands we love and use often in our household are: 

• Basil Hayden 
• Breckenridge Bourbon
• Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon
• Laws Whiskey House 
• Woodford Reserve

What Are Luxardo Cherries? 

Luxardo cherries are a type of cocktail cherry. They have a complex, fruity flavor and are dark red in color. They’re preserved in a flavorful cherry syrup, which can also be used in various cocktails. 

Note that Luxardo cherries are NOT the same as maraschino cherries, and the two cannot be used interchangeably in this recipe. 

What Are Angostura Aromatic Bitters? 

“Bitters” refers to spirits that have been infused with botanicals. Bitters are often very potent (cocktails typically need just one or two dashes of bitters!), and they’re bitter or bittersweet in flavor. Go figure! 

Angostura aromatic bitters make the Old Fashioned cocktail taste more complex. The bitters also help intensify the smoke flavor and also decrease the sharpness of the whiskey.   

How to Make a Smoked Old Fashioned 

Smoking a cocktail sounds like a complex process, but if you have the right tools on hand the whole thing takes less than five minutes. 

Exact instructions can be found in the recipe card below, but here’s an overview of how to smoke an Old Fashioned: 

1. To a cocktail mixing glass, add bourbon, simple syrup, and angostura bitters. Stir very well. 
2. Place the cocktail mixing glass on the base of a smoking cloche. Add the glass dome over top.
3. Add wood chips to the burn chamber of the Breville Smoking Gun. Attach the hose to the opening in the smoking cloche. Turn the smoking gun on to high speed, then ignite the wood chips with a match or lighter. 
4. Reduce the smoking gun to low speed and smoke for 20 – 30 seconds until the cloche fills with a dense smoke. Turn off the smoking gun, let sit for 30 – 45 seconds.
5. Meanwhile, place one large smoked ice cube into a low ball or rocks glass. Pour the cocktail mixture into the prepared glass. 

Garnish Ideas

The traditional garnishes for any Old Fashioned cocktail are a Luxardo cherry and an orange twist. However, you’re welcome to garnish your drink however you like! These dried orange slices would also be a great garnish!

Tips for Making Smoked Cocktails  

• Don’t have a cocktail smoking gun? You can achieve some of the smoky flavor by just using a smoked ice cube. Otherwise, this is one cocktail where you need the special tools like the smoking gun and smoking cloche.  
• Don’t use bottom shelf rye or bourbon! The whiskey really shines in this cocktail so you want to choose one you can happily sip. 
• Take time to properly stir the cocktail. The simple syrup needs time to dissolve into the cocktail mixture.  
• Want a stronger smoke flavor? Let the cocktail sit in the smoking cloche for more than 30 seconds for a stronger smoke flavor. 
• Use a large cocktail ice cube. The large ice cube will melt slower than regular ice cubes and will prevent the drink from being watered down. 

Recipe FAQs 

Got questions about how to make this recipe? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

Is an Old Fashioned cocktail shaken or stirred? 

Always stirred! You want to stir it for about 30 seconds to ensure the simple syrup, bitters, and whiskey are fully combined. 

Is an Old Fashioned served over ice? 

Yes. I recommend using a single, large smoked ice cube. The larger size means the ice will melt slower and your drink won’t be watered down. 

What type of glass is an Old Fashioned served in? 

Typically a lowball or rocks glass, but I’ve used glass jars in the past. So, use whatever you have on hand! 

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you’re welcome to replace the sugar cube or simple syrup with your choice of sweetener. Some ideas include: 

• Pure maple syrup
• Luxardo cherry syrup from the jar 
• Flavored simple syrup (like cranberry simple syrup)
• Agave

Can I use a different type of bitters?

Sure! Instead of using angostura aromatic bitters, you could try using orange bitters or cherry bitters. Another option is to use a combination of orange and aromatic bitters. 

Can I make an alcohol-free version of this cocktail?

Of course! For a smoked Old Fashioned mocktail, you’ll want to use a non-alcoholic rye or bourbon. Some non-alcoholic alternatives include: 

• Spiritless
• Ritual Zero Proof
• Free Spirits
• Monday

Safety tip: Depending on the brand you use, some alcohol-removed spirits may still contain trace amounts of alcohol. Check before using if you’re pregnant, serving the mocktails to kids, etc.

Can I make smoked cocktails without a cocktail smoker? 

Yes, but it won’t be as smoky if you only use smoked ice. 

And if you have neither smoked ice nor a cocktail smoker, follow this recipe to make a traditional Old Fashioned. 

When is the best time to serve an Old Fashioned? 

This classic cocktail is most commonly served as a digestif to aid in digestion after dinner. 

What to Serve with a Smoked Old Fashioned

Enjoy your smoked whiskey cocktail with your favorite bar snacks, sweet treats, and nibbles.  

Nuts

• Sweet and Spicy Bar Nuts
• Salted Maple Nut and Seed Clusters
• Glazed Walnuts
• Chocolate-Covered Almonds
• Mocha Roasted Almonds

Cheeses

• DIY Cheese Tasting Party
• Blue Cheese Ball
• Rosemary Cheese Bites

Sweets

• Dark chocolate 
• Dried fruits 
• Pear Crostini 
• Peach Crostini 

Savories

• Browned Butter Rosemary Popcorn
• Parmesan Cheese Straws 
• Marinated Olives
• Puff Pastry Olive Bites

Try Smoking an Old Fashioned at Home! 

Next time you’re looking for a unique whiskey cocktail, give this smoked Old Fashioned a try!

Did you think it was the perfect cocktail? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this smoked bourbon cocktail.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of your smoked Old Fashioned!

More Easy Whiskey Cocktails: 

This Blood Orange Whiskey Sour is a fun twist on a classic cocktail. This drink starts with whiskey – feel free to use your favorite – and then we add freshly squeezed blood orange and lemon juice with a hint of simple syrup. 

Learn how to make a Black Manhattan cocktail with this straightforward tutorial! The classic rye whiskey cocktail becomes even more sophisticated with the addition of black walnut bitters and Italian amaro. 

This Cranberry Rosemary Shrub Cocktail is the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail! A homemade cranberry shrub with hints of black pepper, rosemary, and cinnamon is combined with bourbon and seltzer for a festive and colorful drink.

This Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour is tart and boozy with a hint of sweetness and a flavor profile that is perfect for the winter holidays. You’ll love this holiday spin on the classic whiskey sour!

Slightly sweet, fruity, and smooth, a Blackberry Mint Julep is a refreshing spin on the classic cocktail. Sip this drink while watching the Kentucky Derby, or serve at your next bbq or happy hour! 

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