Smoked Old-Fashioned with Cherrywood Bitters
A smoky rendition of the classic Old-Fashioned enhanced with cherrywood bitters for a deep, warming flavor. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together bourbon, dashes cherrywood smoked bitters, demerara syrup 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 190 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
- 3 dashes cherrywood smoked bitters
- 1/2 oz demerara syrup
- 1 wide strip orange peel
- 1 large clear ice cube
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 large clear ice cube in a rocks glass and set aside.
- Step 2: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz demerara syrup, and 3 dashes cherrywood smoked bitters.
- Step 3: Fill the mixing glass halfway with ice cubes and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled and diluted.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture over the prepared ice cube in the rocks glass.
- Step 5: Express the oils of 1 wide strip of orange peel over the surface by holding it skin-side down and twisting firmly.
- Step 6: Rub the peel’s rim around the glass edge and rest it curled atop the drink as a garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Old-Fashioned with Cherrywood Bitters 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 Smoked Old-Fashioned with Cherrywood Bitters?
Refrigerate any leftover smoked old-fashioned with cherrywood bitters 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 Old-Fashioned with Cherrywood Bitters?
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 Old-Fashioned with Cherrywood Bitters 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 Old-Fashioned with Cherrywood Bitters?
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.
