How To Make A Smoked Old Fashioned

Ever wonder how to elevate a classic cocktail to something truly unforgettable? The Old Fashioned, a timeless staple of bars worldwide, offers the perfect canvas for experimentation. By adding a touch of smoke, you can transform its familiar flavors into a rich, complex experience that engages all your senses. This isn't just about adding a gimmick; it's about understanding how smoke interacts with the whiskey, sugar, and bitters to create a symphony of taste that will impress even the most discerning palate.

Mastering the smoked Old Fashioned is more than just learning a cool party trick. It's about understanding the fundamental principles of cocktail construction and flavor pairing. By learning this technique, you'll unlock a new level of appreciation for the Old Fashioned and gain the confidence to experiment with other smoked cocktails. It opens the door to creating unique and memorable drinks that will leave a lasting impression.

What whiskey is best? And what type of wood should I use?

What type of wood chips work best for smoking an Old Fashioned?

Fruit woods like apple, cherry, or pecan are generally considered the best choices for smoking an Old Fashioned. They impart a subtle sweetness and fruity aroma that complements the bourbon and other ingredients of the cocktail without overpowering it.

These lighter, sweeter woods enhance the Old Fashioned experience by adding a layer of complexity that harmonizes with the drink's inherent flavors. Stronger woods like hickory or mesquite, commonly used for smoking meats, can be too intense and smoky, potentially masking the delicate balance of flavors in the cocktail. The goal is to add a whisper of smoke, not to overwhelm the palate. When selecting wood chips, ensure they are specifically designed for smoking food or drinks. Avoid using treated or chemically altered wood, as these can release harmful substances. Also, consider the size of the chips; smaller chips tend to burn faster and produce more smoke quickly, while larger chunks may take longer to ignite and smolder. Experimentation is key, but starting with a fruit wood is a safe bet for a balanced and enjoyable smoked Old Fashioned.

How long should I smoke the glass or cocktail for optimal flavor?

The optimal smoking time for a glass or cocktail in an Old Fashioned is typically 30 seconds to 1 minute. This duration allows the smoke to impart a noticeable, but not overpowering, smoky flavor and aroma without making the drink taste burnt or acrid.

Smoking duration is a delicate balance. Under-smoking won't impart enough of the desired smoky character, leaving the effort feeling wasted. Over-smoking, on the other hand, can saturate the drink with too much smoke, creating an unpleasant, harsh flavor profile that masks the other ingredients. Consider the type of wood you're using for smoking. Hardwoods like oak or hickory can impart a stronger flavor more quickly, so you may want to err on the shorter side (closer to 30 seconds). Softer woods or blends might require the full minute.

Ultimately, the best smoking time comes down to personal preference. It's wise to start with a shorter duration and experiment to find what you enjoy most. Consider these factors:

Start conservatively, taste, and adjust your smoking time accordingly until you achieve the perfect smoky Old Fashioned for your palate.

Can I use a regular torch instead of a smoking gun?

While you technically *can* use a regular torch in an attempt to smoke an Old Fashioned, it's strongly discouraged. A torch designed for culinary uses like crème brûlée is intended for direct, intense heat, which isn't what you want for adding smoke flavor. Using it will likely result in scorching the wood chips, imparting a burnt, acrid taste rather than a delicate smokiness. Plus, it's much harder to control and can be dangerous near flammable liquids.

A smoking gun is specifically designed to gently ignite wood chips and direct the smoke into a contained environment, allowing the smoke flavor to infuse into the cocktail without the intense heat. The controlled combustion is the key to achieving the desired smoky flavor profile. A torch, on the other hand, lacks this control. You'll struggle to ignite the chips evenly, and the uncontrolled flame can easily overheat the glass or even ignite the alcohol vapors, creating a dangerous situation. Think of it like trying to paint a portrait with a fire hose. While technically possible, the results will be messy and far from desirable. A smoking gun offers precision and control, leading to a better tasting and safer cocktail. If you're serious about making smoked cocktails, investing in a proper smoking gun is definitely worth it. You'll get a much more consistent and enjoyable result.

What's the best whiskey to use in a smoked Old Fashioned?

The best whiskey for a smoked Old Fashioned is a bourbon with a high-rye mash bill. The spice notes from the rye complement the smoky flavor profile, adding complexity and depth to the cocktail, while the bourbon's inherent sweetness balances the smoke. Whiskeys around 90-100 proof hold up well to dilution and stand out against the other flavors.

Using a high-rye bourbon ensures the whiskey doesn't get completely lost under the smoky infusion. Bourbons with mash bills containing around 20-35% rye generally provide the optimal balance of sweetness and spice. This means you can get that beautiful caramel and vanilla from the corn while still having peppery notes of the rye cutting through. Lower proof whiskeys (below 80 proof) tend to get muted by the smoke, while higher proof (barrel-proof) options can become overwhelmingly intense, especially for those unfamiliar with the drink. Experimenting is, of course, encouraged! While high-rye bourbon is a popular and often preferred choice, don't hesitate to explore different types of whiskey to find your personal favorite. Some may prefer a rye whiskey for an even spicier and bolder cocktail, or a wheated bourbon for a sweeter, smoother experience. Consider the type of wood chips used for smoking, as different woods impart different flavors that may pair better with certain whiskeys. For instance, cherry wood smoke might complement a sweeter wheated bourbon beautifully.

How do I prevent the smoke from overpowering the drink?

The key to preventing an overly smoky Old Fashioned is to carefully control the duration and intensity of the smoke exposure. Use a brief smoking time, select a milder wood, and ensure good ventilation to avoid excessive smoke accumulation in the glass.

The type of wood you use plays a significant role. Hardwoods like hickory and mesquite are potent and can quickly overwhelm the delicate flavors of the whiskey and bitters. Opt for milder woods such as applewood or cherrywood, which impart a sweeter, more subtle smoke. Also, the quality of the wood matters. Avoid using wood that is damp or contains artificial additives. These can create unpleasant off-flavors in the smoke. Furthermore, consider the smoking method. If you're using a smoking gun, a short burst of smoke—just a few seconds—is typically sufficient. If you're using a cloche or inverted glass to trap the smoke, monitor it closely. Once the glass is filled with a light layer of smoke, remove the smoke source. Don't allow the drink to sit in the smoke for an extended period, as this will intensify the smoky flavor. Also, make sure the area is well-ventilated. If you are making several smoked cocktails in a row in a small space, the overall smoke level can build up and affect the flavor of subsequent drinks. Finally, remember that personal preference is key. Start with less smoke and adjust to your taste. You can always add more smoke, but it's difficult to remove it once it's there. It's best to err on the side of caution and gradually build up the smoky flavor until you achieve the perfect balance.

Is there a way to cold smoke an Old Fashioned without ice melt?

Yes, you can cold smoke an Old Fashioned without significant ice melt by chilling the individual components and the glass before smoking, and by limiting the smoking time to a brief period, just long enough to impart the desired smoky flavor.

To avoid ice melt, focus on temperature control. Before beginning, place your mixing glass, bar spoon, and any citrus peels you intend to express into the drink in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Consider chilling your whiskey and simple syrup as well. The goal is to start with all ingredients as cold as possible. When smoking, use a cold smoking gun with wood chips that generate minimal heat. A brief smoking time, usually 30-60 seconds, is sufficient to infuse the drink with smoky aroma and flavor without substantially raising the temperature. Another method is to smoke the glass itself. Before assembling the Old Fashioned, invert the chilled glass over the smoking gun's nozzle and fill it with smoke. Allow the smoke to settle and coat the inside of the glass before lifting it and quickly pouring in your pre-chilled Old Fashioned mixture. This method imparts the smoke flavor directly to the glass, minimizing contact time with the drink itself and further reducing any potential ice melt. Finally, use large, slow-melting ice cubes when serving to minimize dilution as the drink is enjoyed.

Can I smoke the sugar or bitters beforehand?

Yes, you can smoke the sugar or bitters before making your Old Fashioned. In fact, pre-smoking these ingredients can be an efficient way to infuse smoky flavor, especially if you're making multiple cocktails or want a more subtle, integrated smokiness.

Smoking the sugar beforehand allows the smoky flavor to evenly distribute throughout the sugar crystals. This creates a more consistent smoky element when the sugar is muddled. Consider smoking a larger batch of sugar and storing it for later use, creating a convenient way to add a measured and consistent smoke element to multiple Old Fashioneds or other cocktails. This is especially useful in a bar setting. For the bitters, smoking them beforehand can add depth to their existing flavors. This works particularly well with aromatic bitters, complementing their spice notes with a layer of smoke. However, keep in mind that pre-smoking these ingredients will generally yield a less intense smoky flavor compared to smoking the entire drink at the end or using a smoke gun directly into the glass. The surface area exposed to the smoke during the process is also a factor. For example, a larger, shallow container of sugar will absorb more smoke than a small, deep one. Experiment with different smoking times and methods to achieve your preferred level of smokiness.

And that's all there is to it! Hopefully, you're now enjoying a delicious, smoky Old Fashioned. Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try. We'd love to hear how it turned out, and we're always adding new concoctions, so come back and visit us again soon for more cocktail adventures!