How to Make a Smoked Old Fashioned: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

A smoked old fashioned is a classic whiskey cocktail that has been reinvented with the addition of smoky flavors. The traditional recipe includes whiskey, bitters, sugar, and orange zest, but modern versions often include other ingredients such as fruit, herbs, and spices. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to making a smoked old fashioned, plus tips and tricks for creating the perfect cocktail.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Smoked Old Fashioned

Making a smoked old fashioned is easy when you follow these steps.

Gather Ingredients

The first step is to gather the necessary ingredients. You’ll need whiskey, bitters, simple syrup, orange zest, fresh fruit, wood chips or sawdust for smoking, and ice. You can also add other mixers such as vermouth or club soda if desired.

Prepare the Glass

Next, prepare the glass by rubbing the rim with an orange peel and then dipping it in sugar or salt. This will give the cocktail a nice flavor and texture.

Infuse the Liquid

Then, add the whiskey, bitters, simple syrup, and orange zest to the glass and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes so the flavors can infuse.

Add Ice and Mixers

Once the liquid has infused, add ice and any desired mixers. Stir to combine.

Garnish with Fruit and Smoke

Finally, garnish the cocktail with fresh fruit and smoke. To do this, place wood chips or sawdust in a smoker box or foil pouch, and light it. Place the glass over the smoke and allow it to fill with smoke. Then, garnish the cocktail with the fresh fruit before serving.

A Beginner’s Guide to Crafting the Perfect Smoked Old Fashioned

Creating the perfect smoked old fashioned takes practice, but here are some tips to get you started.

Choosing the Right Liquor

When choosing the right liquor for your smoked old fashioned, keep in mind that different types of whiskey will produce different flavors. For example, bourbon will give the drink a sweeter flavor while rye will give it a spicier flavor. Use high quality liquor for the best results.

Preparing the Glass

Preparing the glass properly is key to a great smoked old fashioned. Rubbing the rim with an orange peel and then dipping it in sugar or salt will give the cocktail an extra layer of flavor.

Adding the Right Amount of Smoke

Adding too much smoke can overpower the other flavors in the drink, so be sure to use just enough to give the cocktail a subtle smoky flavor.

Creating a Balanced Flavor

The goal of a smoked old fashioned is to create a balanced flavor between the sweetness of the whiskey, the bitterness of the bitters, and the smokiness of the smoke. Experiment with different ratios until you find the perfect blend of flavors.

Learn How to Make a Smoked Old Fashioned in Five Easy Steps

Follow these five easy steps to make the perfect smoked old fashioned.

Step 1: Gather all ingredients

Gather all of the necessary ingredients including whiskey, bitters, simple syrup, orange zest, fresh fruit, wood chips or sawdust, and ice.

Step 2: Prepare the glass

Prepare the glass by rubbing the rim with an orange peel and then dipping it in sugar or salt.

Step 3: Infuse the liquid

Add the whiskey, bitters, simple syrup, and orange zest to the glass and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes so the flavors can infuse.

Step 4: Add ice and mixers

Once the liquid has infused, add ice and any desired mixers. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Garnish with fruit and smoke

Garnish the cocktail with fresh fruit and smoke. To do this, place wood chips or sawdust in a smoker box or foil pouch, and light it. Place the glass over the smoke and allow it to fill with smoke. Then, garnish the cocktail with the fresh fruit before serving.

The Art of Making a Delicious Smoked Old Fashioned

Making a smoked old fashioned is an art form, and there are certain techniques you can use to craft the perfect cocktail. Here are some tips for creating a delicious smoked old fashioned.

Understanding the Complexity of Flavors

The complexity of flavors in a smoked old fashioned can be overwhelming, so it’s important to understand how each ingredient affects the taste of the drink. The sweetness of the whiskey, the bitterness of the bitters, and the smokiness of the smoke should all be balanced in order to create a well-rounded flavor.

Balance Between Sweet and Smoky

Finding the perfect balance between sweet and smoky flavors is key to crafting a delicious smoked old fashioned. Too much sweetness can make the drink cloying, while too much smoke can overpower the other flavors. Experiment with different ratios until you find the perfect blend.

Incorporating Fresh Ingredients

Fresh ingredients such as fruits and herbs can add a unique flavor to your smoked old fashioned. Try incorporating different fruits or herbs to create interesting flavor combinations.

Tips and Tricks for Creating the Perfect Smoked Old Fashioned

Here are some tips and tricks for creating the perfect smoked old fashioned.

Use High Quality Ingredients

Using high quality ingredients is key to making a delicious smoked old fashioned. Choose a good quality whiskey, bitters, and simple syrup for the best results.

Be Creative with Garnishes

Get creative with your garnishes! Try using different fruits or herbs to create interesting flavor combinations.

Experiment with Different Liquors

Experiment with different types of liquor to create unique flavor profiles. Each type of whiskey will bring out different flavors in the cocktail.

Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Techniques

Smoking cocktails is still a relatively new technique, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods. Try different types of wood chips or sawdust for different levels of smokiness.

Have Fun and Enjoy the Process!

Above all, have fun and enjoy the process of creating your own smoked old fashioned. There is no “right” way to make a cocktail, so have fun experimenting with different ingredients and techniques.

Conclusion

Making a smoked old fashioned is a fun and rewarding process. With the right ingredients, techniques, and a little bit of practice, you can create a delicious cocktail that is sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different liquors, mixers, and garnishes to create unique flavor combinations.