Smoked Old Fashioned Recipe

Smoke glass

Place a clean rocks glass (or short tumbler) upside down or open under the smoking cloche or place the glass upright and be ready to capture smoke. Add the wood chips to the smoking gun bowl (or prepare a small pile on a heatproof surface if using a torch technique). Ignite and draw smoke into the cloche or glass according to your smoking device instructions until the glass is visibly filled with smoke. If using a smoking gun, direct smoke into the glass for 10–20 seconds, then seal the glass with a coaster to trap the smoke while you prepare the cocktail.

Prepare ice

While the glass is trapping smoke, place a large clear ice cube into the glass or have it ready on a tray to drop in immediately after the cocktail is built.

Measure and combine spirits

In a mixing glass, add 1 oz Elijah Craig bourbon and 0.5 oz Elijah Craig Barrel Proof bourbon. The mixture balances flavor and adds the higher proof depth from the Barrel Proof expression.

Add sweetener and bitters

Add 0.25 tsp simple syrup, 3 dashes black walnut bitters, and 1 dash Angostura bitters (if using) to the mixing glass. The black walnut bitters provide a rich nutty backbone that complements the bourbons.

Stir

Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir gently for 20–30 seconds (about 20–30 revolutions) until the drink is well-chilled and slightly diluted, and the mixing glass is lightly frosted.

Transfer to smoked glass

Remove the seal from the smoked glass and immediately strain the stirred cocktail over the large ice cube in the smoked rocks glass to capture as much of the smoke aroma as possible.

Express and garnish

Hold the orange peel over the drink and give it a firm twist to express the oils across the surface, then rub the peel rim of the glass and drop the peel into the drink. Optionally add a Luxardo cherry on a pick. If you prefer more smoke, for a second-level effect, briefly direct one short puff of smoke into the glass after pouring (using the smoking gun) and reseal for 5–10 seconds, then present.

Serve

Serve immediately while the smoke aroma is pronounced. Sip and enjoy the combination of Elijah Craig's caramel/vanilla notes, the Barrel Proof's intensity, and the black walnut bitters' nutty depth.