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    You are here: Home » Food and Drink

    Smoky Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

    December 3, 2015 By Mary 40 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe

    Take this classic Old Fashioned cocktail recipe to the next level with smoked ice. This classic cocktail will impress any whiskey lover.

    The Smoky Old Man. A cocktail to honor my husbands 40th Birthday. Our take on the classic Old Fashioned.

    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:
    • Recipe Highlights
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make an Old Fashioned
    • Ice Cubes
    • Other Variations of a Classic
    • Tools
    • Other Cocktail Recipes
    • Smoked Bourbon Old Fashioned Recipe

    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

    1. 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.
    2. 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.

    How to make smoked ice on the smoker or grill.

    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

    Tried this recipe? Give us a star rating and we would love to see! Mention @vindulge or use the hashtag #vindulge on all the social media handles. And consider subscribing to our newsletter where we drop all our favorite ideas and inspirations every week.

    This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on the link, we may receive a small commission if you purchase through the link. We partner with brands we know and love and use and it helps keep the blog going!

    Smoked Bourbon Old Fashioned Recipe

    Inspired by a classic old fashioned cocktail with one of our modern twists of smoked ice and a twist of orange.
    4.50 from 6 votes
    Print Rate Save Saved!
    Prep Time: 2 hours
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 1 cocktail
    Calories: 182kcal
    Author: Mary Cressler | Vindulge
    Cost: $8.00

    Equipment

    • Cocktail Shaker
    • Ice Cube Mold

    Ingredients

    • ½ teaspoon sugar You can substitute with simple syrup as well.
    • 3 dashes of bitters Angostura bitters works best and a small amount goes a long way.
    • 2 ounces whisky We use Belleit for an every day cocktail.
    • 1 large smoked ice cube
    • 2 Maraschino cherries
    • 1 orange peel twist Garnish
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • 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 cherries to the top of the drink (or 1 Maraschino cherry) and the orange peel to the top of the glass.

    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.
    Find the perfect wine pairing at the Vindulge Wine Shop

    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
    Tried this recipe? We would love to see!Mention @vindulge or use the hashtag #vindulge

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Brian says

      July 13, 2018 at 12:48 pm

      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 –

      Reply
      • Mary says

        July 14, 2018 at 12:12 pm

        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!!

        Reply
    2. Aarika says

      May 19, 2016 at 8:48 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        May 25, 2016 at 7:12 pm

        You are awesome! Thanks so much for brightening up my day with this comment 🙂

        Reply
    3. Willow says

      December 11, 2015 at 6:26 pm

      Smoked ice, now this is something I want to try! I pinned this for later. I am really intrigued!

      Reply
    4. Amber | Quite Good Food says

      December 11, 2015 at 3:46 am

      Smoked ice! Wow! My husband would love this too, and he is turning 40 soon…!

      Reply
    5. Brian Jones says

      December 11, 2015 at 3:02 am

      What a great sounding drink, smokey peaty whisky is my weakness but this sound unbelievably good!

      Reply
    6. Kathy Hester says

      December 09, 2015 at 2:11 pm

      Happy birthday Sean! I need some smoked ice in my life and this recipe makes me want to make some right now!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        December 09, 2015 at 2:20 pm

        Hi Kathy!!! Come visit us in Portland and we will happily make this for you 🙂

        Reply
    7. grace says

      December 07, 2015 at 9:30 am

      what an exciting occasion, and what an appropriate drink. 🙂

      Reply
      • Mary says

        December 07, 2015 at 11:02 am

        Thank you 🙂

        Reply
    8. Susie @ Hey Grill, Hey says

      December 06, 2015 at 10:39 pm

      I love that you made Sean a smoky cocktail. So fitting! Happy birthday to Sean and to your cute boys! Celebrate like crazy.

      Reply
      • Mary says

        December 06, 2015 at 11:22 pm

        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 🙂

        Reply
    9. Dawne says

      December 06, 2015 at 2:45 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Mary says

        December 06, 2015 at 11:19 pm

        Ha!! So glad you like it. It’s definitely a great mix of Old Fashioned meets smoked food lovers 🙂

        Reply
    10. MyCookingSecrets.com | Krystallia Giamouridou says

      December 06, 2015 at 12:02 pm

      My husband loves dinking whisky in special occasions and your recipe looks ideal to make for Christmas. I ‘ll definitely try it….

      Reply
      • Mary says

        December 06, 2015 at 11:18 pm

        Thanks!!! I hope you do get to try it! It’s a great whisky cocktail.

        Reply
    11. Denise Wright says

      December 05, 2015 at 11:59 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Mary says

        December 06, 2015 at 11:16 pm

        Yum! So glad to meet more smoked food lovers 🙂

        Reply
    12. Summer @ Coffee With Summer says

      December 05, 2015 at 7:45 am

      This is so cool! My husband would love this.

      Reply
      • Mary says

        December 06, 2015 at 11:16 pm

        Awesome! I hope you get to try it someday!

        Reply
    13. Tracy says

      December 05, 2015 at 12:02 am

      Happy birthday to your husband. Love that your are looking forward to the next 40 with him! The twins will keep you young right? 🙂

      Reply
      • Mary says

        December 06, 2015 at 11:15 pm

        Oh geez, I feel like those twins age me everyday 😉 But I guess I do have to stay young to keep up with them!!!

        Reply
    14. Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife says

      December 04, 2015 at 8:40 pm

      I love Pendleton Whiskey and this looks tasty! Happy birthday to Sean! 🙂

      Reply
      • Mary says

        December 06, 2015 at 11:14 pm

        Thanks 🙂 And yes, that Pendleton is pretty impressive!

        Reply
    15. Erin @ Platings and Pairings says

      December 04, 2015 at 5:42 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        December 06, 2015 at 11:13 pm

        Thanks so much! Yes, we’ve been together since we were practically kids! I know the guy pretty well 😉
        Cheers!!

        Reply
    16. Kelley says

      December 04, 2015 at 4:15 pm

      Happy birthday Sean! Sounds like a tasty way to celebrate.

      Reply
      • Mary says

        December 04, 2015 at 4:48 pm

        Cheers 🙂

        Reply
    17. Rachel Lloyd says

      December 04, 2015 at 3:54 pm

      Happy Birthday! This is a wonderful birthday cocktail if Ive ever seen one!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        December 04, 2015 at 4:48 pm

        Thank you!!

        Reply
    18. Tara says

      December 04, 2015 at 3:02 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Mary says

        December 04, 2015 at 4:48 pm

        It’s definitely one to impress a crowd 😉

        Reply
    19. Marianne | Basil and Bubbly says

      December 04, 2015 at 1:58 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        December 04, 2015 at 2:33 pm

        Oh I’d love to know how you make your maraschino cherries! The store bought ones are too sticky and sweet for me!!

        Reply
    20. KOKOA says

      December 04, 2015 at 12:42 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Mary says

        December 04, 2015 at 12:47 pm

        Hooray!!! If you ever want to try that Bourbon mentioned, it’s awesome. It’s our current favorite. Basil Hayden. Yum. Cheers 🙂

        Reply
    21. Sean says

      December 03, 2015 at 8:28 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Mary says

        December 04, 2015 at 12:47 pm

        🙂

        Reply

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    Mary-Cressler-Sept-2015-smI'm Mary, a wine/food/travel writer, Certified Sommelier, mom of twins, former vegetarian turned BBQ fanatic, runner, and founder of Vindulge and author of Fire + Wine cookbook.  Thanks for stopping by!

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