Mastering the Craft: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail

Introduction

Are you a cocktail enthusiast looking to elevate your mixology skills? Look no further than the Smoked Old Fashioned cocktail. This classic drink has been given a modern twist with the addition of smoke, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of making a Smoked Old Fashioned cocktail that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:

• 2 ounces of bourbon
• 1 sugar cube
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 orange peel
• 1 cherry
• Wood chips for smoking
• Ice cubes

Equipment

To make a Smoked Old Fashioned cocktail, you will need the following equipment:

• Whiskey glass
• Muddler
• Cocktail strainer
• Smoking gun
• Wood chip container
• Lighter or matches

Step 1: Prepare the Glass

Start by taking your whiskey glass and placing a sugar cube at the bottom. Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters onto the sugar cube. Using a muddler, gently muddle the sugar cube and bitters together until they form a paste-like consistency.

Step 2: Add the Bourbon

Once the sugar cube and bitters are well combined, pour 2 ounces of bourbon into the glass. Use a cocktail strainer to ensure no ice or pulp gets into the glass.

Step 3: Add Ice

Next, add a few ice cubes to the glass. The ice will help chill the cocktail and dilute it slightly, balancing out the flavors.

Step 4: Smoke the Glass

This is where the magic happens. Take your smoking gun and load it with wood chips. Place the wood chip container inside the glass, ensuring it is securely positioned. Ignite the wood chips using a lighter or matches, and let the smoke fill the glass. Leave the smoke inside the glass for a few seconds to infuse the flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the glass is sufficiently smoked, remove the wood chip container and discard the wood chips. Take an orange peel and twist it over the glass to release the oils. Rub the orange peel around the rim of the glass for added aroma. Finally, garnish the cocktail with a cherry.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Your Smoked Old Fashioned cocktail is now ready to be enjoyed. Sip slowly and savor the complex flavors and smoky undertones. Cheers!

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to consider when making a Smoked Old Fashioned cocktail:

• Experiment with different types of wood chips to achieve different flavors. Hickory and applewood are popular choices.
• If you don’t have a smoking gun, you can try using a handheld food smoker or even a covered container with a smoldering wood chip.
• For a sweeter twist, you can use maple syrup instead of a sugar cube.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of bourbon and bitters to suit your taste preferences.

Conclusion

With this step-by-step guide, you are well on your way to mastering the art of making a Smoked Old Fashioned cocktail. Impress your friends and family with this unique and flavorful drink that combines tradition with innovation. Cheers to your mixology skills!

References

1. “How to Make a Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail” by Mixology Magazine

2. “The Art of Mixology” by James Smith

About the Author

John Doe is a passionate mixologist with years of experience in crafting unique and delicious cocktails. He enjoys experimenting with flavors and techniques to create memorable drinking experiences. When he’s not behind the bar, John loves sharing his knowledge through writing and teaching others the art of mixology.