Smoked Vanilla Maple Old Fashioned
A smoky twist on the classic Old Fashioned, combining rich bourbon with sweet maple and aromatic vanilla, finished with a delicate wood smoke aroma. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together bourbon, maple syrup, drops vanilla extract 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
- 0.25 oz maple syrup
- 2 drops vanilla extract
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large clear ice cube
- 1 wide strip orange peel
- for smoke wood smoking chip
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.
- Step 2: In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine 2 oz bourbon, 0.25 oz maple syrup, 2 drops vanilla extract, and 3 dashes Angostura bitters.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 4: Using a smoking gun or wood chip smoke, capture smoke inside the rocks glass and then quickly cover it with a coaster to trap the smoke.
- Step 5: Strain the cocktail into the smoked glass over the ice cube.
- Step 6: Express a wide strip of orange peel over the surface to release oils, then rub it around the rim and rest it on the ice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Vanilla Maple 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 Smoked Vanilla Maple Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover smoked vanilla maple 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 Vanilla Maple 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 Vanilla Maple 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 Vanilla Maple 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.
