In a mixing glass or directly in the serving glass (if preferred), add 0.5 oz demerara syrup and 3 dashes aromatic bitters. Add 2 oz Buffalo Trace bourbon. Stir gently with a bar spoon for about 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.

Strain

If you mixed in a separate mixing glass, strain the chilled cocktail over the prepared ice in the Old Fashioned glass. If you built in the serving glass, simply give one final gentle stir to integrate.

Garnish

Express the oils of an orange peel over the surface by holding the peel over the drink and pinching to release the oils, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the glass. Add one Luxardo or brandied cherry onto a pick or into the drink.

Smoke Finish

Prepare the smoking setup

Place the small metal smoking tray or foil pouch on a heatproof surface. Sprinkle about 1/2 tsp of the hickory and cherry wood chip blend into the tray. Position the serving glass (empty) or smoke cloche so you can invert it over the tray to capture smoke; if using a small smoke cloche, ensure it is ready to place over the finished cocktail.

Light the chips

Using a handheld culinary torch, ignite the wood chips until they begin to smolder and produce smoke. Work carefully and in a well-ventilated area. Once smoking, immediately invert the smoke cloche or serving glass over the smoldering chips to trap the smoke. Allow the cloche to fill for about 8–12 seconds to develop a noticeable hickory-cherry smoke character.

Finish the cocktail with smoke

Lift the cloche or remove the smoke capture, then quickly set it upside down over the cocktail (covering the glass) to infuse the drink with the smoke for 8–12 seconds. Lift the cloche and present the drink to the guest, allowing the smoke to pour out for a dramatic aromatic finish as the cocktail is served.

Safety and cleanup

After smoking, extinguish any smoldering chips by covering the tray with a non-flammable lid or dousing briefly with water (if safe) and dispose of ashes when cool. Ensure all torch use is handled with care and kept away from flammable materials.

Notes

If you don’t have demerara syrup prepared, make it by combining 2 parts demerara sugar to 1 part hot water, stirring until dissolved, then cooling. For a lighter sweetness use 1:1. Adjust bitters to taste. Smoke time can be reduced for a subtler finish; 4–6 seconds under the cloche will give a gentle hint.