09/11/2026
Try George's Cocktail of the week at home!
(But always remember to drink responsibly)
SMOKED OLD FASHIONED
"It just tastes like fall" - says George's son David! The Old Fashioned never really gets old, but it does get better with a smokey flavor! A "Smoked Old Fashioned" is a classic cocktail with an added layer of complexity and smoke filled aroma. The process involves infusing the drink or the serving glass with smoke, which elevates the traditional whiskey, sugar, and bitters combination.
Equipment Needed
To make a smoked Old Fashioned, you'll need a way to generate and capture smoke. The most common methods are:
Cocktail Smoking Kit: This is the easiest and most popular option. These kits typically include a small smoking device (often called a "smoke top" or "smoker lid") that fits on top of your glass, a culinary torch, and wood chips.
Smoking Gun: A handheld device with a hose that directs smoke into a glass or a dome placed over the glass.
DIY Method (Torch and Wood Plank/Plate): For a simple, at-home approach without a kit, you can use a kitchen torch to burn a small pile of wood chips on a fireproof plate or a small wooden plank. You then quickly invert the glass over the smoldering chips to trap the smoke.
Ingredients
2 oz. Bourbon or Rye Whiskey: A high-proof, bold whiskey works well as it can stand up to the smoky flavor. Rye offers a spicier profile, while bourbon is generally sweeter.
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup: You can use a sugar cube and a splash of water, but simple syrup makes it easier. To make your own, combine equal parts hot water and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters: The classic choice for an Old Fashioned. Orange bitters are also a popular variation.
Orange Peel: For garnish and to express the citrus oils.
Ice: A large ice cube or sphere is ideal as it melts slowly, chilling the drink without diluting it too quickly.
Wood Chips: Choose food-safe wood chips like cherry, apple, hickory, or oak. Cherry and apple woods are often recommended for their mild, fruity smoke, while oak and hickory provide a richer, more robust flavor.
Simple Smoked Old Fashioned Recipe
Prepare the Glass and Smoke: Place your rocks glass on a stable, fire-safe surface. If you have a smoking kit, follow the instructions to place the smoker on top of the glass and add the wood chips. If using the DIY method, place a small pile of wood chips on a fireproof plate. Use the torch to light the chips until they begin to smolder and smoke.
Trap the Smoke: Immediately place your empty rocks glass upside down over the smoking chips. Let it sit for 30-60 seconds to allow the smoke to fill the glass and infuse the interior.
Prepare the Cocktail: In a separate mixing glass, combine the whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters. Add ice and stir with a bar spoon until the mixture is well-chilled. This is important to properly dilute and combine the ingredients.
Assemble and Garnish: Lift the smoke-filled glass, quickly turn it right side up, and add your large ice cube. Strain the chilled cocktail from the mixing glass into the smoked glass.
Finish with the Garnish: Take a fresh orange peel and express the oils over the drink by twisting it between your fingers. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass and drop it in.
Serve immediately while the smoky aroma is still fresh. It's a sip of autumn in a glass! Enjoy!
