Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe – Bourbon, Bitters & Aromatic Smoke

The Smoked Old Fashioned takes one of the world’s most iconic cocktails and elevates it with a bold, aromatic twist. Combining bourbon or rye whiskey, bitters, and simple syrup, this drink follows the timeless Old Fashioned formula but adds a layer of drama by infusing the glass with wood smoke. The result is a cocktail that’s smooth, warming, and rich, with a lingering smoky aroma that enhances its depth. In this post, we’ll guide you through the recipe step by step, explore the best woods to use for smoking, and share tips to perfect both flavor and presentation.

10/4/20251 min read

📖 Ingredients (1 serving):

2 oz (60 ml) bourbon (or rye whiskey, depending on preference)
¼ oz (7 ml) simple syrup (or 1 sugar cube + splash of water)
2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
Ice cube (large cube preferred)
Wood chips for smoking (oak, cherry, or hickory are popular)

🍒 Garnish:

Orange peel (expressed)
Luxardo cherry (optional)

🛠️ Equipment Needed:

Mixing glass
Bar spoon
Jigger or measuring tool
Rocks glass
Smoking gun (or wood plank and torch)
Cloche or dome cover (optional, for trapping smoke)

🍹 Instructions:

Prepare the cocktail:
- In a mixing glass, add 2 oz bourbon (or rye), ¼ oz simple syrup, and 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters.
- Fill with ice and stir for 20–30 seconds until chilled and diluted.
Prepare the smoke:
- Using a smoking gun: ignite wood chips and funnel the smoke into your empty rocks glass.
- Alternative method: lightly torch a wood plank, then cover your empty glass upside down on it to trap the smoke.
Assemble the drink:
- Place a large ice cube in the smoked glass.
- Strain the cocktail mixture over the ice.
Add final smoke effect (optional):
- Cover the finished cocktail with a cloche or dome filled with smoke. Let it sit for 20–30 seconds, then remove for a dramatic reveal.
Garnish:
- Express an orange peel over the drink, run it around the rim, and drop it in. Add a Luxardo cherry if desired.

✨ Tips for the Perfect Smoked Old Fashioned:

Wood choice matters: cherry wood adds a subtle sweetness, hickory brings intensity, oak offers balance.
Don’t over-smoke: a light infusion enhances flavor, but too much can overpower the drink.
Big ice cube: slows dilution and makes for better presentation.
For a spiced twist, add a dash of orange or chocolate bitters alongside Angostura.