Smoked Peach Old Fashioned Recipe

Grill the peach

Heat a grill, grill pan, or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly sprinkle the halved peach flesh with 1/2 tsp demerara sugar. Place cut side down and grill 2–3 minutes until caramelized marks appear and the sugars start to melt. Remove and let cool 2–3 minutes.

Make the purée

Scoop the grilled peach flesh from the half (you only need about 1/2 a peach worth). Place in a small blender or bowl and mash with a fork until smooth. Add 1/4 tsp fresh lemon juice to stabilize and brighten. If using a blender, pulse once or twice — you want a slightly textured purée, about 1/2 oz (roughly 1 tablespoon) by volume.

Combine ingredients

In a mixing glass add the grilled peach purée, 1/2 oz demerara syrup, 2 oz bourbon, 3 dashes black walnut bitters, and optional 1 dash Angostura bitters. Fill the mixing glass with ice.

Stir and chill

Stir with a bar spoon for 30–45 seconds until well chilled and properly diluted (about 20–25 full turns). This integrates the purée and syrup with the spirit.

Prepare serving glass

Place a single large ice cube or sphere into an Old Fashioned / rocks glass.

Strain & finish

Double-strain the cocktail over the large ice cube to remove any peach solids for a smooth sip. Give the drink a gentle swirl to settle.

Prepare garnish

Thread or rest the grilled peach slice on the rim or float it on the drink. Express the orange peel over the surface by holding it skin-side down and giving a sharp twist to release oils, then rub the rim and drop it in.

Smoke the cocktail

Set up your smoking method: if using a smoking gun, place the glass (or place a cloche over the glass) and fill with smoke until lightly colored, then trap the smoke under the dome for 20–30 seconds before releasing and serving. If you don't have a smoking gun, heat a small pinch of wood chips in a metal spoon until smoldering, then carefully capture the smoke under a small inverted metal bowl or cloche placed over the glass for 20–30 seconds. Aim for a delicate smoky aroma that complements the peach and black walnut notes without overpowering them.

Serve

Serve immediately while the smoke aroma is present. Sip slowly to enjoy the layered flavors: sweet caramelized peach, warm bourbon, nutty black-walnut bitters, and a thin veil of smoke.