Want to make your party different, and have a pleasant, excellent cocktail experience like no other?
There are some secret cocktail recipes, but nothing will beat the one that can set your night on fire, figuratively, and one that genuinely blazes, literally.
Yes, we are talking about the Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail: the drink that can bring life even to the dullest of nights and the one that serves to be the proverbial icing on the cake that is your party night.
There is a reason why most partygoers and drinkers love Smoke Old Fashioned, but it is not just the flame; an aura of mysticism surrounds this quintessential cocktail drink.
Why Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail?
There are a few reasons why Smoke Old Fashioned Cocktail is the “weapon of choice” by the party celebrant.
It Is Simple Yet Elegant
Just look at the ingredients; there is nothing fancy about it, except maybe the bourbon, which is already a class by itself.
However, the simplicity belies its richness and masks the elegance of the drink, at least at first glance.
Once prepared, this drink can start to take over the party.
It would be the perfect smoked cocktail at dinner parties, boy’s night outs, informal gatherings, cocktail parties, or any drinking party.
This drink can give you the class without sacrificing the taste.
It would be the perfect complement to a night of lively discussions, friendly banter, meetings, and chatter.
This drink will be the perfect, elegant party spice from start to finish.
It is Effortless to Prepare
The ingredients are familiar and easy to mix and prepare. You can have the Smoked Old Fashioned cocktail in no time at all.
It Has A Rich History
Old Fashioned has a long history, going back more than a century ago, and since then has become a popular beverage in America.
But in 2007, a bar in New York City made the first smoke cocktail, mixing up a smoked soda with bourbon, and since then, it has become a common feature of many bar scenes and private cocktail parties.
It Is Internationally Recognized
The International Bartenders Association recognized the classic Old Fashioned as one of the official cocktails, meaning there is a standard mixture and rules concerning this cocktail drink.
The smoke is a modern spin on an otherwise historical, legendary drink, but one that has quickly gained many adherents among bartenders, cocktail enthusiasts, and even simple partygoers.
It has quickly gained popularity, but the best thing about it is that you can mix anywhere; the recipes are simple, and the instructions are easy to follow.
Whether a formal cocktail gathering or a simple house party, this drink is worth all the trouble.
See More: Want to know about the official IBA recognized cocktails?
How To Make The Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail?
Preparing the Following
Here are what you will need to make a Smoked Old Fashioned:
A Bourbon or Rye
Bourbon and rye are both types of American whiskey, and they are preferred due to their deep roots in American culture and history.
But aside from tradition, both whiskeys are famous for the strong but silky smooth taste and texture that caresses one’s tongue to the throat.
Bitters
Orange bitters are concentrated mixtures commonly mixed or included in an alcoholic beverage to produce a cocktail.
Many prefer Angostura Bitters, one of the best in the market today.
You can also use orange peel or grind some citrus, but whatever the case, the idea is to give the cocktail some bitter but savory taste.
Sugar
Here, several options are available; you can have a sugary syrup or a sugar cube.
Whatever sugar type you choose, it is best that you mix it with some herbs or spices, fruits, or even other syrup.
It could be orange peel, cinnamon, ginger, or honey. If you want, you can also try maple syrup and even chocolate syrup.
This ingredient, the “sweet component,” is what makes it different from the standard Old Fashioned. And with bitters and whiskey, the sweetness would add another dimension to the cocktail.
Cherries
This one is an essential ingredient that gives the drink the red complexion, probably one of the defining hallmarks of Old-Fashioned.
If no cherry is available, you can try those in the bottle and have it mixed with syrup.
Smoking Kit
It is what makes the drink smoke literally and will add entertainment to an already delectable, elegant drink.
A plastic wrap is also handy if you do not have a smoke top to trap the smoke and help it further infuse into the glass.
Garnish
The orange peel, again, might be necessary, but you can try other herbs and spices or small fruits available, ground and in small amounts.
Instructions For Making The Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail
For a simple glass of this cocktail, prepare the following:
- A few ounces of bourbon, two ounces, is ideal for a glass.
- Have a half ounce of sugar, simple syrup, or its equivalent in sugar cubes.
- A few dashes of bitters; two or three dashes are the standard, but you can do it based on your preference, but it should not be that many.
- For the garnish, you have the cherry or the orange peel.
Have some ice in the cocktail shaker, then put the bourbon or rye, syrup, and bitters, and shake them until you are sure the drink is already chilled.
After which, you strain the cocktail into the glass and do not include the ice.
Then you add the smoke.
You prepare the “smoking gun.”
Put the Smoke Top (the device you use for smoking a drink, usually made of maple wood) on top of your glass, then put some wood chips on the Smoke Top, after which you can light it up using a torch.
Once you have infused smoke onto the drink, remove the Smoke Top, then add the garnishes you have. The elegant cocktail is ready.
Are there other ways to smoke this cocktail?
Smoke Top is a specific device for smoking cocktails; if you do not have it, you can use a wood plank and a torch to burn some tea or herbs.
Another method is to trap the smoke by chilling the glass, called “smoke rinsing.”
After cooling the glass, create a cloud of smoke by lighting something, then put the glass upside down. Once you have a smoked glass, pour in the cocktail.
Final Thoughts
An elegant, classy drink for your friends and intimates is easy, as the instructions on making Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail demonstrates.
No need to deny elegance to the party every weekend and enjoy chatter and friendly banter while having this cocktail.
