A rich, smooth Bourbon Old-Fashioned with hints of cinnamon, citrus, and a smoky finish, this refined cocktail is perfect for Father’s Day. This classic drink is elevated with a touch of warmth from brown sugar, the depth of Angostura bitters, and an optional smoky aroma from charred cinnamon or wood chips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, Smooth Flavor – The combination of bourbon, bitters, and brown sugar creates a well-balanced and sophisticated drink.
- Smoky, Aromatic Finish – Adding a smoked element enhances the cocktail’s complexity.
- Easy to Make – Requires minimal ingredients and effort, but delivers maximum impact.
- Perfect for Celebrations – A refined drink that’s ideal for Father’s Day or any special occasion.
- Customizable – Adjust the sweetness, smokiness, or garnish to your preference.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 oz bourbon (your favorite brand)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (or 1 sugar cube)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters (optional)
- 1 large ice cube or ice sphere
- 1 orange peel (for garnish)
- 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
- 1 Luxardo cherry (optional)
- Smoked cinnamon or wood chips (for smoky effect)
Directions
- Muddle the Sugar: In a rocks glass, muddle the brown sugar with bitters and a splash of water until dissolved.
- Add Bourbon: Pour in the bourbon and stir gently to combine.
- Add Ice: Place a large ice cube or ice sphere in the glass to chill the drink without excessive dilution.
- Smoke It (Optional): Light a small piece of cinnamon or wood chips and capture the smoke inside the glass by covering it briefly. This step infuses the cocktail with a smoky aroma.
- Garnish & Serve: Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink by twisting it, then drop it in. Add a cinnamon stick and a Luxardo cherry (if using). Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Variations
- Maple Old-Fashioned – Swap brown sugar for pure maple syrup for a richer sweetness.
- Spicier Version – Add a dash of cayenne pepper or use a spiced bourbon for extra warmth.
- Smokier Option – Use a smoked bourbon or increase the wood chip smoking time.
- Rye Old-Fashioned – Replace bourbon with rye whiskey for a spicier, drier profile.
- Chocolate Old-Fashioned – Add a few drops of chocolate bitters for a dessert-like touch.
Storage/Reheating
This cocktail is best served fresh and does not require storage or reheating. However, you can:
- Pre-mix a batch: Combine bourbon, bitters, and sugar in a sealed container and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add ice and garnish when ready to serve.
- Make Smoked Ice Cubes: Freeze water that has been infused with smoked cinnamon or wood chips for an enhanced smoky effect.
FAQs
What is the best bourbon for an Old-Fashioned?
Use a high-quality bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes, such as Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, or Maker’s Mark.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, but brown sugar adds a richer, more molasses-like sweetness.
How do I make this cocktail less strong?
Use a larger ice cube and let it dilute slightly, or reduce the bourbon to 1.5 oz and add a splash of club soda.
Do I need to smoke the cocktail?
No, the smoke is optional but adds a layer of depth and aroma.
What can I use instead of a Luxardo cherry?
Regular maraschino cherries work, but Luxardo cherries add a deep, rich sweetness.
Can I use another type of whiskey?
Yes! Rye whiskey will give the drink a spicier kick, while Scotch will add a smoky, peaty note.
How do I properly express an orange peel?
Hold the peel over the glass, twist it to release the oils, then rub the rim of the glass before dropping it in.
What type of bitters should I use?
Angostura bitters are classic, but you can experiment with orange, chocolate, or smoked bitters for a twist.
Is this drink good for beginners?
Yes! The simple method and classic ingredients make it a great introduction to whiskey cocktails.
Can I make this drink in advance?
Yes, but wait to add ice and garnishes until just before serving for the best taste.
Conclusion
The Smoky Bourbon Old-Fashioned is a timeless and sophisticated cocktail, perfect for celebrating Father’s Day. With its deep, smoky aroma, rich sweetness, and balanced bitterness, this drink is an effortless way to elevate any gathering. Whether enjoyed by the fire or paired with a hearty meal, it’s a must-try for bourbon lovers.
O
PrintSmoky Bourbon Old-Fashioned
A rich, smooth bourbon old-fashioned with hints of cinnamon, citrus, and a smoky finish—this refined cocktail is perfect for Father’s Day!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktail, Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: American, Classic Cocktail
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon (your favorite brand)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (or 1 sugar cube)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters (optional)
- 1 large ice cube or ice sphere
- 1 orange peel (for garnish)
- 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
- 1 Luxardo cherry (optional)
- Smoked cinnamon or wood chips (for smoky effect)
Instructions
- Muddle the Sugar: In a rocks glass, muddle brown sugar with bitters and a splash of water until dissolved.
- Add Bourbon: Pour in the bourbon and stir gently.
- Add Ice: Place a large ice cube in the glass.
- Smoke It: If desired, light a small piece of cinnamon or wood chips, capture the smoke in the glass, then quickly cover it to infuse the cocktail with a smoky aroma.
- Garnish & Serve: Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink and drop it in. Add a cinnamon stick and a Luxardo cherry if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a stronger citrus note, rub the orange peel around the rim of the glass before dropping it in.
- Try different bourbon varieties for unique flavor profiles.
- To enhance the smoky effect, use a smoking gun or smoked glass dome.