Introduction
The classic Old Fashioned already stands as one of the most iconic whiskey cocktails—but adding smoke elevates it to a bold, aromatic experience. A smoked Old Fashioned, often seen in craft bars and luxury lounges, blends traditional ingredients with modern smoke infusion techniques. This guide explains everything you need to master this smoky bourbon cocktail at home or in a professional setting.
What Is a Smoked Old Fashioned?
A smoked Old Fashioned is a flavorful variation of the original Old Fashioned that incorporates aromatic smoke from wood chips, smoked glass, or a cocktail smoker. The smoke enhances the whiskey’s natural caramel, oak, and vanilla notes.
Why Smoked Cocktails Are So Popular
Smoked cocktails—especially smoked Old Fashioneds—have become social-media favorites. According to beverage trend reports, smoke-infused drinks increased by over 40% in popularity from 2022–2024.
Reasons for the trend:
- Growing interest in craft cocktails
- Rise of experiential drinking
- Popularity of bourbon and whiskey cocktails
- Dramatic presentation effect
- Smoked cocktails trending on TikTok, Instagram & YouTube
Ingredients Needed for a Smoked Old Fashioned
Core Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 sugar cube or ½ oz simple syrup
- Ice sphere or large ice cube
- Orange peel
Best Wood Chips for Smoking
Choose woods that complement the whiskey.
| Wood Type | LSI-Enhanced Flavor Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry | sweet smoke, fruity aroma | balanced bourbon |
| Hickory | strong smoke flavor, BBQ-style | rye cocktails |
| Oak | classic whiskey barrel smoke | traditional recipes |
| Applewood | mild sweetness, smooth smoke | flavored cocktails |
| Mesquite | intense smoke profile | advanced smokers |
How to Make a Smoked Old Fashioned (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 — Prep the Glass
Use a rocks glass or whiskey tumbler.
Optional: smoke the glass before mixing to infuse deeper aroma.
Step 2 — Add Sugar and Bitters
Muddle a sugar cube with bitters or add simple syrup for smoother sweetness.
Step 3 — Add the Whiskey
Pour in bourbon for richness or rye for spice.
Step 4 — Add Ice
Use a large ice cube to avoid fast dilution.
Step 5 — Smoke the Cocktail
Choose from two main techniques:
Glass-Smoking Method
- Light wood chips on a smoke board.
- Capture smoke with the upside-down glass.
- Build the cocktail in the smoked glass.
Cloche-Smoking Method
- Build the drink in the glass.
- Place it inside a smoke dome.
- Pump in smoke for 5–10 seconds.
Garnish
Express orange peel oils over the drink. Add a cocktail cherry if desired.
Flavor Profile of a Smoked Old Fashioned
A smoked Old Fashioned delivers:
- Aromatic smoke infusion
- Rich caramel & oak notes from bourbon
- Balanced sweetness
- Subtle bitterness from bitters
- Complex aromatics
Best Whiskey for a Smoked Old Fashioned
Budget Choices
- Buffalo Trace
- Bulleit Bourbon
- Four Roses
- Old Forester
Mid-Range Choices
- Woodford Reserve
- Elijah Craig
- Maker’s Mark 46
Premium Choices
- Blanton’s
- Angel’s Envy
- WhistlePig Rye
Expert Tips for a Better Smoked Old Fashioned
1. Don’t Oversmoke
Too much smoke can overwhelm the drink.
2. Use Large Ice
Slows dilution and keeps flavors crisp.
3. Express Citrus Oils
Adds fresh aroma that balances the smoke.
4. Choose Your Wood Wisely
Fruit woods = sweet smoke
Hickory/mesquite = bold smoke
5. Stir—Don’t Shake
Preserves the whiskey-forward flavor.
Smoked Old Fashioned Variations
Maple Smoked Old Fashioned
Uses maple syrup for a richer, fall-inspired drink.
Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned
Burn a cinnamon stick for warm, spicy smoke.
Mezcal Old Fashioned
A smoky twist using mezcal instead of whiskey.
Chocolate Smoked Old Fashioned
Add chocolate bitters for dessert-like complexity.
Tools Needed for Making Smoked Cocktails
Essential Tools
- Cocktail smoker or smoke gun
- Wood chips
- Torch / butane lighter
- Rocks glass
- Bar spoon & jigger
- Citrus peeler
Optional Tools
- Smoking cloche
- Ice mold
- Smoke chamber
Is a Smoked Old Fashioned Strong?
Yes. It’s a spirit-forward cocktail with an average ABV of 25–30%, depending on ice dilution.
Food Pairings
Perfect pairings for a smoked Old Fashioned include:
- BBQ brisket
- Smoked nuts
- Dark chocolate
- Charcuterie
- Aged cheese
- Medium-bodied cigars
Conclusion
A smoked Old Fashioned combines the elegance of classic mixology with the boldness of smoke infusion. With the right tools, ingredients, and techniques, you can create a bar-quality smoky cocktail at home.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
1. What’s the best wood chip for a smoked Old Fashioned?
Cherry and oak are the most balanced wood chips for smoky cocktails.
2. Should I smoke the drink or the glass?
Both work, but smoking the glass gives a milder flavor.
3. How long does it take to smoke a cocktail?
10–20 seconds is ideal.
4. What’s the best bourbon for a smoked Old Fashioned?
Woodford Reserve, Elijah Craig, Buffalo Trace, or any high-quality small-batch bourbon.
5. Can I make a smoked Old Fashioned without a smoker?
Yes—use a burning wooden plank, cinnamon stick, or torch over herbs.
6. How many calories are in a smoked Old Fashioned?
Most versions contain 140–180 calories.
