Brown Sugar Smoked Old Fashioned
A smoky twist on the classic bourbon Old Fashioned, featuring rich brown sugar and a hint of orange to complement the deep woodsy bourbon notes. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, dashes Angostura bitters, large strip orange peel 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 180 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 bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 oz brown sugar syrup (1:1 brown sugar to water)
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large strip orange peel
- a small pinch for smoke smoked wood chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with large ice cubes to chill.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1/2 oz brown sugar syrup, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixing glass.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 4: Prepare a rocks glass by filling it with one large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Strain the stirred mixture into the prepared rocks glass over the ice cube.
- Step 6: Lightly smoke the glass with wood chips by covering it with a smoke dome or inverted bowl for 15 seconds, then remove.
- Step 7: Express the oils of 1 large strip of orange peel over the drink by holding it with the peel side down and twisting firmly, then rub the peel around the glass rim and place it inside as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Brown Sugar Smoked Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Brown Sugar Smoked Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover brown sugar smoked 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 Brown Sugar Smoked 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 Brown Sugar Smoked 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 Brown Sugar Smoked 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.
