Smoked Bourbon Citrus Old Fashioned
A smoky twist on the classic Old Fashioned, combining rich bourbon with bright citrus and a hint of smoke for depth. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, simple 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 wide strip orange peel
- for smoking smoked wood chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Light a small handful of smoked wood chips and capture the smoke in a mixing glass by covering it immediately.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1/4 oz simple syrup, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters to the smoked mixing glass.
- Step 3: Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill without diluting.
- Step 4: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Express the oils of 1 wide strip of orange peel over the surface by holding it with the peel side down and twisting to release oils, then rub the rim and rest it on the glass as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Bourbon Citrus 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 Smoked Bourbon Citrus Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover smoked bourbon citrus 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 Smoked Bourbon Citrus 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 Smoked Bourbon Citrus 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 Smoked Bourbon Citrus 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.
