Smoked Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 5 minutes

Prepare to elevate your sipping experience with a libation that's as rich as it is timeless: the Smoked Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned.

Imagine the smooth embrace of bourbon, infused with the warmth of smoked maple and balanced by the classic touch of bitters. This cocktail is a nod to tradition with a modern twist that'll delight your palate. Whether you're unwinding after a long day or celebrating with friends, this drink promises to be the star of the show. So, let's gather our ingredients and embark on a mixology journey that'll leave you with a glass full of sophistication and satisfaction!

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Ingredients

🍽️ Servings: 1 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 200

For the Cocktail

• 2 oz high-quality bourbon

• 1/2 oz smoked maple syrup

• 2 dashes aromatic bitters

• Orange twist, for garnish

• Luxardo cherry, for garnish

• Ice cubes

• Smoking wood chips (optional)

Smoked Maple Syrup

• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 star anise

• 1 whole clove

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of smoked sea salt

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Instructions

Prepare the Smoked Maple Syrup:

Step 1

In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, cinnamon stick, star anise, and whole clove.

Step 2

Place the saucepan over low heat and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the syrup.

Step 3

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and smoked sea salt.

Step 4

Let the syrup cool completely, then strain out the spices. The smoked maple syrup is now ready to use.

Prepare the Cocktail:

Step 5

If you want to add a smoky element to your cocktail, you can use a smoking gun or a smoking cloche with wood chips to infuse the glass with smoke. Place the glass under the cloche or cover it with a lid to trap the smoke.

Step 6

In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, smoked maple syrup, and aromatic bitters. Add ice cubes and stir gently until well chilled and properly diluted.

Step 7

If you're using the smoked glass, remove the cloche or lid to release the smoke just before serving.

Step 8

Strain the cocktail into a chilled old fashioned glass over a large ice cube.

Step 9

Express the oils from an orange twist over the cocktail by holding it over the glass and giving it a gentle twist. Discard the twist or drop it into the glass.

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Make it your own!

• 🔥 Try different wood chips – Experiment with applewood, hickory, or cherry wood to achieve unique smoky nuances.

• 🍁 Adjust the sweetness – Add more or less smoked maple syrup to suit your taste.

• 🍊 Switch up the bitters – Use chocolate, orange, or aromatic bitters to create exciting flavor variations.

• 🥃 Rim the glass – Coat the rim with a blend of smoked sea salt and sugar for an extra layer of smokiness and sweetness.

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Try it with…

Did you make this recipe?

Did you add a unique twist? Did your family enjoy it? Share your thoughts and any customizations you made in the comments below.

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