Applewood-Smoked Maple Old Fashioned
A smoky twist on the classic Old Fashioned, featuring maple syrup and applewood smoke to deepen its autumnal character. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together rye whiskey, maple syrup, dashes Angostura bitters for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 195 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1/2 oz maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large clear ice cube
- 1 wide strip orange peel
- a small pinch applewood smoking chips
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a large clear ice cube in a rocks glass. In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz rye whiskey, 1/2 oz maple syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture over the ice cube in the rocks glass.
- Step 4: Ignite a small pinch of applewood smoking chips in a smoking gun or a small bowl, then carefully cover the glass to trap the smoke for 20 seconds. Remove the cover to release the smoke.
- Step 5: Express a wide strip of orange peel over the surface to release oils, then rub it around the rim and drop it into the glass as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Applewood-Smoked Maple Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Applewood-Smoked Maple Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover applewood-smoked maple old fashioned in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Applewood-Smoked Maple Old Fashioned?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Applewood-Smoked Maple Old Fashioned for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Applewood-Smoked Maple Old Fashioned?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
