Charcoal-Grilled Yuzu Old Fashioned
A smoky twist on the Old Fashioned featuring charcoal-smoked yuzu peel and rich Japanese whisky, balanced with a hint of maple and bitters. This cocktails-inspired grilling ready in about 8 minutes pairs Japanese whisky, maple syrup, dashes Angostura bitters for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 170 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 Japanese whisky
- 1/4 oz maple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large ice cube
- 1 wide strip yuzu peel
- small pinch for smoking charcoal chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a small pinch of charcoal chips in a metal smoking cloche or heatproof container.
- Step 2: Light the charcoal and once it produces smoke, hold a wide strip of yuzu peel above the smoke to infuse it for about 15 seconds.
- Step 3: Fill a rocks glass with one large clear ice cube.
- Step 4: Pour 2 oz Japanese whisky, 1/4 oz maple syrup, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters into the glass.
- Step 5: Stir gently for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 6: Express the smoked yuzu peel over the surface by twisting it to release fragrant oils, then rim the glass with the peel and place it inside as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Yuzu Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Yuzu Old Fashioned?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep japanese whisky from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Yuzu 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 Charcoal-Grilled Yuzu 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 Charcoal-Grilled Yuzu Old Fashioned?
Cocktails grilling 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.
