The Perfect Smoked Old Fashioned Recipe (With 3 Different Smoking Methods)

This smoked Old Fashioned recipe turns a classic cocktail into an experience worth savoring.

I remember the first time I had a smoked Old Fashioned like it was yesterday. My husband and I were in Nashville for a long weekend, poking around vintage shops and stopping into little bars along the way. One evening, we ducked into a cozy speakeasy tucked behind a bookcase wall inside a record store.

I ordered my usual, but the bartender talked me into trying a smoked Old Fashioned. He wheeled out a little cart, lit a pile of cherrywood chips, trapped the smoke under a glass dome, and made the whole drink ceremony feel like a Southern magic trick.

It tasted just as good as it looked. That smoky depth mingled with the sweet bourbon and orange peel in a way I couldn’t stop thinking about.

When we got back home, I knew I had to try making it myself. After a little trial and error, I found an easy method using a simple smoking gun that doesn’t require fancy bar equipment or a mixology degree. The trick is picking the right wood chip and letting the smoke infuse the drink without overpowering it. I even started experimenting with smoked orange peel and it quickly became my favorite way to serve it.

If you’re looking for a smoked Old Fashioned recipe that’s rich, moody, and perfect for sipping on the porch or impressing company, this one’s for you.

Why This Recipe Works

The Old Fashioned is already a tried-and-true favorite, known for its simplicity and balance of flavors. Add a little smoke, and it becomes something else entirely. The smoke doesn’t just add drama, it adds complexity. It deepens the bourbon’s warmth, highlights the citrus, and brings a subtle woodsy note that lingers on the finish.

Smoked cocktails have become more popular in recent years, thanks to the rise of craft bars and whiskey lounges. But you don’t need to head downtown or drop $20 to get that same experience at home. With the right tools and a little prep, you can turn your kitchen into your own private speakeasy. The aroma alone will make guests lean in, and once they taste it, they’ll be asking how you pulled it off.

This recipe also leaves room for creativity. You can choose different types of wood chips to match your mood, or even flame your garnish for an extra burst of smoky citrus oil. Whether you’re using a basic smoking gun or a simple torch and dome, the results are beautiful and flavorful.

Ingredients For Smoked Old Fashioned

To make this smoked Old Fashioned, you’ll need a handful of quality ingredients and a few tools to bring out that signature smoke.

• 2 oz bourbon – Go with a bold, high-proof bourbon to stand up to the smoke. Something with caramel or vanilla notes works beautifully.
• 1 demerara or brown sugar cube – Adds richness and complexity. You can substitute with 1/2 tsp of simple syrup if you prefer.
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters – Classic, reliable, and essential for that balanced spice.
• 1 orange peel – Use a fresh peel and express the oils over the drink for added aroma.
• 1 maraschino cherry (optional) – A nice touch for garnish, especially if you like a hint of cherry.
• Ice cube – A single large cube keeps the drink cold without watering it down.
• Cherrywood chips or oak chips – This is where the magic happens. Cherrywood brings a slightly sweet smoke that plays beautifully with bourbon.
• Smoking gun or smoke dome – Either one works. If you don’t have either, I’ll walk you through a DIY method using a kitchen torch.

Good quality ingredients make a difference here. Look for a bourbon with a little age on it, and make sure your wood chips are food-grade. Avoid using wood from backyard trimmings or store-bought firewood, which can contain resins or chemicals you don’t want anywhere near your drink.

You’ll need one of the following pieces of equipment to make a Smoked Old Fashioned. If you have a party coming up, and you need to purchase one, or you’re just ready to add some additional equipment to your kitchen, here are the items I recommend: 

1. ~ $150: Here’s the smoking gun I use at home.
2. ~ $50: Here’s a great smoke dome a close friend of mine uses.
3. ~ $25: Here’s the kitchen torch I’d buy if I didn’t already have one.

If you don’t already have a kitchen torch, I’d highly recommend grabbing one. It’s a versatile piece of equipment with uses far beyond this recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Smoked Old Fashioned

Follow these simple steps to build your drink and get that smoky finish just right.

1. Start with the sugar and bitters. Place the sugar cube in a rocks glass and add the bitters. Add a splash of warm water and muddle until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
2. Add the bourbon. Pour in the bourbon and stir gently to mix everything together.
3. Add the ice. Drop in a large ice cube or sphere. Stir again to chill the drink evenly.
4. Smoke the glass. This part depends on your setup:
   • With a smoking gun: Place the glass in a dome or cover it loosely with plastic wrap. Fill the smoking gun with wood chips, light it, and let the smoke fill the glass. Let it sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
   • Without a smoking gun: Use a kitchen torch to light a small pile of wood chips on a fireproof plate. Once smoking, quickly invert your glass over the chips to trap the smoke. Let it sit for 30 seconds, then flip the glass upright.
5. Garnish and serve. Express an orange peel over the drink, rub it along the rim, and drop it in. Add a cherry if desired. Serve immediately while the smoky aroma is still fresh.

The key is not to overdo the smoke. A little goes a long way, and you want the flavors to complement, not dominate, the bourbon.

The Perfect Smoked Old Fashioned Recipe

Yield: 1 cocktail

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

A rich and moody take on the classic bourbon cocktail, this Smoked Old Fashioned layers citrus, bitters, and a kiss of wood smoke for a sippable showstopper.

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Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon (high-proof recommended)
• 1 demerara or brown sugar cube (or ½ tsp simple syrup)
• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 orange peel
• 1 maraschino cherry (optional)
• 1 large ice cube
• Cherrywood chips (or other food-safe wood chips)
• Smoking gun or dome (or kitchen torch with DIY method)

Instructions

1. Add sugar cube and bitters to a rocks glass. Add a splash of warm water and muddle until sugar dissolves.
2. Pour in bourbon and stir gently.
3. Add a large ice cube and stir again to chill.
4. Smoke the drink:
5. Garnish with orange peel and cherry. Serve immediately.

Notes

With a smoking gun: Cover the glass with a dome or plastic wrap. Fill the dome with smoke and let sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Without a gun: Light a small pile of wood chips on a fireproof dish using a torch. Invert the glass over the smoke and trap it for 30–60 seconds.

How To Serve Smoked Old Fashioned

A smoked Old Fashioned is meant to be savored, not slammed. Presentation and ambiance go a long way here. Use a heavy-bottomed rocks glass, preferably something with a little flair or cut glass detailing. The smoke looks beautiful curling around the sides.

This drink pairs especially well with rich, savory foods and salty snacks. If you’re hosting, think of it as a showstopper for the evening cocktail hour.

Some pairing ideas:

• A charcuterie board with aged cheddar, prosciutto, and smoked almonds
• Grilled steak or lamb chops
• Dark chocolate with sea salt

Set the tone with soft lighting and maybe a little old-school jazz playing in the background. This isn’t a fast-paced happy hour drink. It’s more of a sit-down-and-stay-awhile kind of sip.

How To Store & Re-Use Smoked Old Fashioned Leftovers

A smoked Old Fashioned is best made fresh, since the aroma fades quickly. But if you’re planning ahead or want to batch the base for a gathering, here’s how to make it work.

You can pre-mix the bourbon, sugar, and bitters in a sealed glass bottle or jar. Store it in the fridge and give it a quick shake before serving. This mix will keep for several days.

To serve:

• Pour a portion into a glass over ice
• Smoke the individual glass right before serving for that dramatic touch

You can also infuse the entire batch with smoke if you’re serving a crowd, though you’ll lose some of the visual effect. Use a large pitcher covered with plastic wrap, smoke it with a gun or chips, then seal and chill.

Don’t try to refrigerate a fully built smoked Old Fashioned. The smoke dissipates, the citrus oils fade, and the ice dilutes everything.

Substitutions & Variations For Smoked Old Fashioned

There’s plenty of room to make this recipe your own. Once you’ve nailed the base version, try mixing things up based on what you like or what you have on hand.

If you want to change the flavor profile:

• Swap bourbon for rye if you prefer something spicier and drier
• Try smoked maple syrup instead of sugar for a sweeter, darker twist
• Use chocolate or black walnut bitters for more complexity

For the smoke:

• Use applewood chips for a lighter, fruitier smoke
• Use hickory if you want something bold and campfire-like

For garnish:

• Flame the orange peel over the drink for extra smoky citrus oil
• Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme and lightly torch it before serving

You can also try a zero-proof version using non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives and smoked black tea as a base.

FAQs About Smoked Old Fashioned Recipe

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this smoked old fashioned recipe.

What’s the best bourbon for a smoked Old Fashioned?
Look for a high-proof bourbon with a rich, full-bodied profile. Bottles like Old Forester 100, Elijah Craig Small Batch, or Four Roses Single Barrel all hold up well to the smoke and still let the bitters and sugar shine through. Avoid anything too delicate or low-proof, which can get lost in the smokiness.

How do I smoke a cocktail without a smoking gun?
If you don’t have a smoking gun, you can still get the effect using a kitchen torch and wood chips. Light the chips on a fireproof dish, then quickly invert your glass over the smoke to trap it. Let it sit for 30–60 seconds, then pour in your drink. It’s simple and doesn’t require any specialty equipment.

Can I batch smoked Old Fashioneds for a party?
Yes, but with a little planning. Mix the bourbon, sugar, and bitters ahead of time and store in a sealed bottle. Smoke individual glasses when serving, or smoke the full batch in a pitcher for a large group. Just remember, the smoke aroma fades quickly, so do it right before guests arrive.

What’s the difference between a smoked Old Fashioned and a regular one?
A regular Old Fashioned is smooth and balanced, built around bourbon, sugar, and bitters. A smoked version adds a layer of depth, drama, and aroma that elevates the entire drink. It smells like a campfire, tastes rich and woodsy, and makes the whole drinking experience more memorable.

Is it safe to inhale the smoke from a smoked cocktail?
Yes, as long as you’re using food-safe wood chips and not breathing in the smoke directly. The amount of smoke used in cocktails is small and mainly for aroma. Always use wood chips intended for culinary use, and avoid artificial flavorings or treated woods.

Try These Recipes Next

If you loved this smoked Old Fashioned recipe, here are a few other drinks to try next:

• Best Old Fashioned Recipes – A roundup of all my favorite Old Fashioned twists in one place.
• Maple Old Fashioned Recipe – A sweet twist with cozy autumn vibes.
• Tequila Old Fashioned Recipe – A bold, unexpected take with earthy agave and citrus warmth.

Each one brings its own charm to the table, and once you’ve got the smoked version down, they’re all easy to master.