Take this classic Old Fashioned cocktail recipe to the next level with smoked ice. This classic cocktail will impress any whiskey lover.
The old fashioned cocktail has been around since the mid to late 1800s and originated in New York. As one of the oldest cocktails it’s tough to just add a new modern twist. We added our own take by smoking water into smoked large ice cubes using an ice cube mold. From there we follow the classic portions of this bourbon cocktail.
Recipe Highlights
- This popular choice at most bars is a simple mix of bourbon, bitters, and a cherry.
- Add smoked ice cubes to enhance the flavor and a simple garnish of an orange twist.
Jump to:
Ingredients
The main ingredient is Bourbon and so the flavor of the Old Fashioned cocktail is going to vary depending on the brand of Bourbon you use. 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.
- Good Bourbon – Or you can use Rye Whiskey as well
- Cane Sugar
- Aromatic bitters like angostura bitters
- Cocktail cherry – Alternatively you can use Maraschino cherries or smoked cherries if you can find them.
- Optional – splash of water
- Garnish: Orange Peel Twist
How to Make an Old Fashioned
- In a cocktail shaker, add the sugar, 3 dashes of angostura bitters, whiskey, and some ice (not the smoked ice). Shake well for about 10 seconds to dissolve that sugar.
- Place your smoked ice cube in an old-fashioned glass and strain the drink into your glass. Add 2 smoked cherries to the top of the drink (or 1 Maraschino cherry) and the orange peel to the top of the glass.
Ice Cubes
Adding a fun ice cube to the glass helps with presentation. And using ice from smoked water allows the flavor to steep into the glass as the ice melts. Simply smoke water in your smoker for 2 hours. Filter it through a cheese cloth to remove any ash and then freeze in your favorite ice cube molds.
Smoked water will naturally be cloudy versus clear. If it’s important for you to have a crystal clear ice cube you can follow the steps in this article on clear ice cubes.
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
- 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. (See photo)
Other Cocktail Recipes
- Blueberry Gin and Lemonade Cocktail
- Bourbon Cocktail with Grilled Lemon Simple Syrup
- Spiked Hot Apple Cider Cocktail with Bourbon
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Brian says
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 –
Mary says
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!!
Aarika says
I am in love with this cocktail recipe! Where has smoked ice been all my life? Seriously, your blog is the best, Mary! I learn so much, and you introduce me to THE most delicious things. Lately, whiskey has been on my radar, so this perfect timing. =) I can’t wait to try this delicious smokey whiskey cocktail. Amazing!
Mary says
You are awesome! Thanks so much for brightening up my day with this comment 🙂
Willow says
Smoked ice, now this is something I want to try! I pinned this for later. I am really intrigued!
Amber | Quite Good Food says
Smoked ice! Wow! My husband would love this too, and he is turning 40 soon…!
Brian Jones says
What a great sounding drink, smokey peaty whisky is my weakness but this sound unbelievably good!
Kathy Hester says
Happy birthday Sean! I need some smoked ice in my life and this recipe makes me want to make some right now!
Mary says
Hi Kathy!!! Come visit us in Portland and we will happily make this for you 🙂
grace says
what an exciting occasion, and what an appropriate drink. 🙂
Mary says
Thank you 🙂
Susie @ Hey Grill, Hey says
I love that you made Sean a smoky cocktail. So fitting! Happy birthday to Sean and to your cute boys! Celebrate like crazy.
Mary says
Thanks so much, Susie! It’s been a fun year. And a big weekend for birthdays (all 3 of them)! We definitely celebrated big this weekend 🙂
Dawne says
I saw this headline a few days ago and could not wait to read. a SMOKEY Old Fashioned??? Oh man. I spent all year working to perfect my Old Fashioned cocktail and this might just be the ticket….
www.dawnehanks.com
Mary says
Ha!! So glad you like it. It’s definitely a great mix of Old Fashioned meets smoked food lovers 🙂
MyCookingSecrets.com | Krystallia Giamouridou says
My husband loves dinking whisky in special occasions and your recipe looks ideal to make for Christmas. I ‘ll definitely try it….
Mary says
Thanks!!! I hope you do get to try it! It’s a great whisky cocktail.
Denise Wright says
I have to make this for my husband. He has become become enamored with smoker recently and always loves a good smokey scotch and even tea.
Mary says
Yum! So glad to meet more smoked food lovers 🙂
Summer @ Coffee With Summer says
This is so cool! My husband would love this.
Mary says
Awesome! I hope you get to try it someday!
Tracy says
Happy birthday to your husband. Love that your are looking forward to the next 40 with him! The twins will keep you young right? 🙂
Mary says
Oh geez, I feel like those twins age me everyday 😉 But I guess I do have to stay young to keep up with them!!!
Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife says
I love Pendleton Whiskey and this looks tasty! Happy birthday to Sean! 🙂
Mary says
Thanks 🙂 And yes, that Pendleton is pretty impressive!
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
I love this post. It’s great that you have know each other for so long, that you’ve been able to see tastes evolve. Plus, the cocktail recipe looks absolutely amazing! I love the picture of the two of you and the end of the post – What a great shot!
Mary says
Thanks so much! Yes, we’ve been together since we were practically kids! I know the guy pretty well 😉
Cheers!!
Kelley says
Happy birthday Sean! Sounds like a tasty way to celebrate.
Mary says
Cheers 🙂
Rachel Lloyd says
Happy Birthday! This is a wonderful birthday cocktail if Ive ever seen one!
Mary says
Thank you!!
Tara says
I don’t know where I’ve been hiding, but I’ve never had (or heard of) smoked cherries. I do know a few people who would be pretty impressed if I whipped these up at a dinner party, though. Thanks for sharing.
Mary says
It’s definitely one to impress a crowd 😉
Marianne | Basil and Bubbly says
I love Old Fashioneds, and this is such a cool ( and romantic! ) twist you’ve created! I make my own homemade maraschino cherries, so I’m always excited to find a new drink to use those in. Plus, that smoked ice… Wow. I can’t wait to give that a try. Great recipe and post!
Mary says
Oh I’d love to know how you make your maraschino cherries! The store bought ones are too sticky and sweet for me!!
KOKOA says
I can’t wait to try this! I recently started drinking Whiskey and I love it! It’s so smooth going down when you find the right one. HAPPIEST OF HAPPY’S SEAN!! Cheers!
Mary says
Hooray!!! If you ever want to try that Bourbon mentioned, it’s awesome. It’s our current favorite. Basil Hayden. Yum. Cheers 🙂
Sean says
Well, this is a fun post, thank you!!
I suppose I did evolve over time…..and don’t regret all the crap I took from friends about drinking wine in college.
Mary says
🙂