Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

4.50 from 6 votes
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This Smoked Old Fashioned recipe takes a classic Old Fashioned cocktail to the next level with smoked ice. This intriguing cocktail will impress any whiskey or bourbon lover. No fancy smoke machine is needed to make a great smoky cocktail.

A smoked old fashioned cocktail garnished with a cherry and orange slice, and with a smoked ice cube

The Old Fashioned cocktail has been around since the mid to late 1800s and originated in New York. As one of the oldest and most classic of cocktails, it’s tough to just add a new modern twist. We added our own take by smoking water and making smoked ice cubes using an ice cube mold. From there we follow the classic portions of this bourbon cocktail for a fantastic smoky old fashioned!

Unlike most other smoked cocktail recipes, this one needs no fancy tools such as an expensive smoke machine to get great smoky flavor into your cocktail. Just water, a smoker, and some ice cube molds.

Recipe Highlights

  • This popular choice at most bars, this cocktail is a simple mix of bourbon, bitters, and a cocktail cherry.
  • Add smoked ice cubes to enhance the flavor and a simple garnish of an orange twist.

Recipe Ingredients

The main ingredient is bourbon so the flavor of the Smoked Old Fashioned cocktail is going to vary depending on the brand of bourbon you use.

  • Good Quality Bourbon – For the best bourbon that is also affordable use Bulleit or Buffalo Trace. For something a little more elevated try Basil Hayden or Blanton’s. Or you can use Rye Whiskey as well.
  • Smoked Ice Cube – The smoked ice cube slowly melts to add a smoky twist on the drink.
  • Cane Sugar
  • Aromatic Bitters – like Angostura bitters
  • Cocktail Cherry – Alternatively you can use smoked cherries if you can find them.
  • Optional – splash of water
  • Garnish – Orange Peel Twist

Preparation – Make Smoked Ice Cubes

Adding a fun ice cube to the glass helps with the presentation. And using ice from smoked water allows the flavor to steep into the glass as the ice melts.

  • Smoked Water: Simply place water into a glass baking dish, then place the dish into your smoker and smoke for 2 hours. Filter the water through a cheesecloth to remove any ash.
  • Freeze into Ice Cubes: Place the smoked water into your favorite ice cube molds and place into the freezer until solid.
Smoked ice cubes in a bowl

Smoked water will naturally be cloudy versus clear. You can read more details in our article on how to smoke ice.

How to Make a Smoked Old Fashioned

  1. In a cocktail shaker, add the sugar, 3 dashes of Angostura bitters, and water (if using). Stir to dissolve. Then add the ice cubes (NOT the smoked ice cube) and bourbon (or whiskey), and stir to combine. Alternatively, you shake to combine.
  2. Place your smoked ice cube in an old-fashioned glass and strain the drink into your glass. Garnish with a cherry and the orange peel.
A smoky old fashioned in a rocks glass

Other Variations of a Classic

  • You can use simple syrup versus sugar or even maple syrup.
  • The best way to alter the flavor besides the bourbon is to play around with the bitters and the garnish. You can try various orange bitters or even something a little more savory.
  • Another great option is to use a lemon peel versus orange.

Tools Used

  • It’s best to use a cocktail shaker.
  • Good molds for making ice cubes. Alternatively, you can just use any ice cube from larger ice cube trays.
  • Rocks glass or old fashioned glass.
A smoked old fashioned cocktail garnished with a cocktail cherry and slice of orange in a rocks glass

Other Cocktail Recipes

Explore all of our cocktail recipes or select from some of our favorites. Spice any of our cocktails with grilled lemon for an interesting flavor profile.


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A smoked old fashioned cocktail with bourbon, smoked ice, and garnished with a cherry and orange peel in a rocks glass
4.50 from 6 votes

Smoked Old Fashioned Recipe

Inspired by a classic Old Fashioned cocktail with a modern twist, this Smoked Old Fashioned recipe is flavored with smoked ice and a twist of orange.
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Ice Cube Mold

Ingredients 

  • ½ teaspoon sugar, (You can substitute with simple syrup as well)
  • 3 dashes bitters, (Angostura bitters works best)
  • 1 teaspoon water (optional)
  • 2 ounces bourbon or whiskey
  • 1 large smoked ice cube
  • 1 Maraschino cherry
  • 1 orange peel twist, for garnish

Instructions 

  • In a cocktail shaker, add the sugar, 3 dashes of Angostura bitters, and water (if using). Stir to dissolve. Then add the ice cubes (NOT the smoked ice cube) and bourbon (or whiskey), and stir to combine. Alternatively, you shake to combine.
  • Place your smoked ice cube in an old-fashioned glass and strain the drink into your glass. Garnish with a cherry and the orange peel.

Notes

Sometimes I like to add some club soda, just a dash, to very slightly dilute the intensity of the whisky. It’s totally optional. Also, note that the smoky flavor will get stronger the more the ice slowly melts. It’s fascinating to taste the evolution of the drink as this happens.

Nutrition

Calories: 182kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 0.03mg | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 22mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: Cocktail, Drinks
Servings: 1 cocktail
Calories: 182
Keyword: bourbon old fashioned, old fashioned, old fashioned cocktail
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About Mary


I'm Mary, a wine/food/travel writer, Certified Sommelier, mom of twins, former vegetarian turned BBQ fanatic, runner, founder of Vindulge, and author of Fire + Wine cookbook. Thanks for stopping by!

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40 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    So – I searched smoked cherries infused with red wine because I just bought a new pellet gill and was feeling adventurous. Gtrabbed some cherries and let them smoke while my salted caramel almonds roasted. Once the cherries came off I added them to a cup of red wine on the stove. BAM!! I have something fun to work with…
    I loved the cocktail recipe and see something happening tonight. Then again I might just scoop out some ice cream and top with smoked cherries and crushed saled caramel almonds – call it an adult sundae! 😉 Thanks for this post –

    1. I LOVE this! What a great idea. I may have to try that with some ice cream this weekend. It sounds way too good to pass up 🙂 Cheers!!