Petrified Wood Smoked Old Fashioned
A smoky twist on the classic Old Fashioned, inspired by the ancient petrified wood of Arizona, with rich notes of char and caramel. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 7 minutes pairs bourbon, demerara syrup, dashes Angostura bitters for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 195 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 bourbon
- 0.25 oz demerara syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- 1 large clear ice cube
- 1 wide strip orange peel
- for smoking smoked wood chips
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a large clear ice cube into a rocks glass and set aside.
- Step 2: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz bourbon, 0.25 oz demerara syrup, 3 dashes Angostura bitters, and 1 dash orange bitters.
- Step 3: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes to the brim and stir gently for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Using a smoking gun or a small smoking setup, ignite a small handful of smoked wood chips and capture the smoke under the rocks glass, then cover to infuse for 30 seconds.
- Step 5: Strain the stirred cocktail over the smoked ice cube in the glass.
- Step 6: Express a wide strip of orange peel over the surface by twisting it to release oils, then rub the peel around the glass rim and place it on the edge as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Petrified Wood Smoked Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Petrified Wood Smoked 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 bourbon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Petrified Wood 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 Petrified Wood 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 Petrified Wood Smoked Old Fashioned?
Cocktails quick meals 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.
