Better Call Saul (smoked Old Fashioned) Recipe

Set up

Place a clean rocks glass upside down (or an open mixing glass) where you will assemble the cocktail. Have your cloche or metal bowl ready to invert over the glass so smoke can be trapped. If using a smoking gun, load wood chips into the gun and have the hose positioned into the glass opening. If using torch + wood shaving method, hold the wood shavings in a heatproof spoon or tin.

Generate smoke

Ignite the wood chips and direct smoke into the glass using the smoking gun for about 8–12 seconds, or until the glass fills with smoke. If using torch method, briefly char wood shavings until they smolder and funnel the smoke into the glass. Quickly invert the cloche or bowl over the glass to trap the smoke and set aside.

In a mixing glass or small decanter, add 0.25 oz simple syrup, 3 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters.

Add 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey to the mixing glass with the syrup and bitters.

Add one large ice cube to the mixing glass (or a few large cubes) and stir gently for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted. If you prefer a colder, less-diluted drink, stir for 15–20 seconds.

Remove the cloche or bowl trapping the smoke from the prepared rocks glass and quickly flip the glass right-side-up so the smoke is captured inside the glass.

Strain the stirred cocktail over the large ice cube into the smoked rocks glass, pouring slowly so some smoke remains trapped and aromatics are preserved.

Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink by holding the peel over the glass, skin-side down, and giving it a firm squeeze to release the oils. Run the peel around the rim and drop it into the drink as garnish.

Optionally, drop a Luxardo cherry into the glass for added aroma and a touch of sweetness.

Serve immediately, encouraging the drinker to inhale the smoky aroma before sipping.

For extra effect, after pouring the cocktail into the glass, briefly introduce another small puff of smoke into the glass using the smoking gun and reseal with the cloche for 5–10 seconds before serving. Lift the cloche at the table for dramatic presentation.