Smoked Date Old Fashioned
A rich, smoky twist on the classic Old Fashioned, with the sweetness of date syrup and a hint of warm spices for depth. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 7 minutes pairs Bourbon, Date syrup, dashes Angostura bitters for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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
- 0.5 oz Date syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 strip Orange peel
- 1 Large clear ice cube
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz bourbon, 0.5 oz date syrup, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 3: Place one large clear ice cube into a rocks glass.
- Step 4: Strain the cocktail over the ice cube in the glass.
- Step 5: Express the oils of one wide strip of orange peel over the surface of the drink by twisting it, then rub the peel around the rim and rest it on the glass edge.
- Step 6: Using a small smoking gun or wood chip smoke, lightly infuse the drink for 10 seconds under a glass dome for a smoky aroma before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Date 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 Smoked Date 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 Smoked Date 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 Date 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 Date 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.
