Smoky Relay Old Fashioned

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A robust old fashioned cocktail with smoky notes and a hint of spice, symbolizing secure mail relay and authentication. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together Bourbon whiskey, Maple 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 200 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.

Prep: 6 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1/4 oz maple syrup, 3 dashes Angostura bitters, and a pinch of smoked sea salt.
  2. Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes to the brim and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
  3. Step 3: Place 1 large clear ice cube into a rocks glass.
  4. Step 4: Strain the stirred cocktail over the ice cube in the rocks glass.
  5. Step 5: Express the oils of 1 wide orange peel over the surface by holding it over the glass and twisting.
  6. Step 6: Rub the peel around the rim then rest it on the edge as garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Relay Old Fashioned take to make?

Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Smoky Relay Old Fashioned?

Refrigerate any leftover smoky relay 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 Smoky Relay 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 Smoky Relay 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 Smoky Relay 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.