The Smoked Old Fashioned is a popular cocktail that has been a staple on bar and restaurant menus for years. This cocktail offers a modern, seasonal twist to the classic Old Fashioned, with its smoky and woodsy notes that are particularly desirable during the fall and winter months. While traditionally served with bourbon, the Smoked Old Fashioned can also be made with rye whiskey or Irish whiskey.
What is an Old Fashioned?
The Old Fashioned is a spirit-forward cocktail that dates back to the 1880s. It typically consists of whiskey, a sugar cube or simple syrup, bitters, and water. The drink is often garnished with an orange or lemon peel. The Smoked Old Fashioned maintains the basic elements of the original recipe, but adds a unique flavor profile through the process of smoking the drink.
Why Smoke an Old Fashioned?
Smoking an Old Fashioned enhances the flavors already found in the drink. The process infuses the cocktail with a subtle smokiness, adding depth and complexity to the whiskey-forward flavors. Smoking also enhances the presentation of the drink, making it a visually impressive choice for entertaining guests.
Smoked Old Fashioned Ingredients:
To make a Smoked Old Fashioned, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey
- ½ ounce of simple syrup
- 2-3 dashes of orange bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
- Ice cube
Best Bourbon for a Smoked Old Fashioned:
When choosing a bourbon for your Smoked Old Fashioned, opt for one with oaky, spicy, and subtly sweet flavors. Some popular choices include Woodford Reserve, Four Roses Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and Old Forester 1920. If you prefer rye whiskey, try Knob Creek Rye, Basil Hayden, or Redemption Rye.
Smoking the Old Fashioned:
To smoke the Old Fashioned, you will need a cocktail smoker or smoking gun. One popular option is the Crafthouse Smoking Cloche, which provides an even and well-distributed flavor throughout the drink. Another option is the Breville smoking gun, which is more affordable and easier to store. If you don't have a smoker, you can carefully burn a small piece of smoking wood over a wood cutting board and place the glass upside down over the wood to capture the smoke.
Instructions:
To make a Smoked Old Fashioned, follow these steps:
- Add 2 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey, ½ ounce of simple syrup, 2-3 dashes of orange bitters, and a tiny squeeze of orange juice to a rocks glass.
- Add an ice cube and stir well.
- Rub an orange peel around the rim of the glass and drop it in.
- Smoke the cocktail using a cocktail smoker or smoking gun, following the instructions provided with the equipment.
- Taste test the cocktail and add more smoke if desired.
The Smoked Old Fashioned can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various dishes. It is a versatile cocktail that is sure to impress your guests and elevate your at-home cocktail experience.
What kind of wood is used for a smoked Old Fashioned?
Common types of wood used for smoking an Old Fashioned include applewood and hickory. These woods impart a subtle smokiness that enhances the flavors of the cocktail.
What's the difference between a smoked Manhattan and a smoked Old Fashioned?
The Manhattan and the Old Fashioned are both classic whiskey cocktails, but they have distinct differences. The main difference lies in the sweetener used in each cocktail. The Old Fashioned uses sugar or simple syrup, while the Manhattan uses sweet vermouth. Additionally, the garnishes and glassware used for each cocktail differ. An Old Fashioned is typically served in a rocks glass with an orange twist, while a Manhattan is served in a stemmed glass, such as a coupe, and is garnished with a brandied cherry.
In conclusion, the Smoked Old Fashioned is a delicious and visually impressive cocktail that adds a modern twist to the classic Old Fashioned. With its smoky and woodsy flavors, it is a perfect choice for fall and winter months. Whether you're entertaining guests or simply want to elevate your at-home cocktail experience, the Smoked Old Fashioned is sure to impress.
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