Garland Smoke Old Fashioned

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smoky twist on the classic Old Fashioned featuring smoked maple syrup and charred orange for depth and warmth. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together bourbon, smoked 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 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.

Prep: 7 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz bourbon, 0.25 oz smoked maple syrup, and 3 dashes Angostura bitters.
  2. Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
  3. Step 3: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over one large clear ice cube.
  4. Step 4: Using a lighter or kitchen torch, carefully char one side of a large orange peel until it releases aromatic oils.
  5. Step 5: Express the charred orange peel over the glass by holding it with the charred side facing down and twisting to release oils onto the surface, then rub the rim with the peel and place it inside as garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garland Smoke 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 Garland Smoke Old Fashioned?

Refrigerate any leftover garland smoke 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 Garland Smoke 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 Garland Smoke 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 Garland Smoke 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.