Smoked Vanilla Old Fashioned

in Old Fashioned Collection, Recipes
Smoked Vanilla Old Fashioned
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Smoked Vanilla Old Fashioned

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Course: Recipes, Signature Bourbon DrinksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Moderate

This cocktail elevates the classic profile with the addition of aromatic Madagascar vanilla, creating a bridge between the spicy bourbon and the campfire-like char. A lingering veil of hickory smoke enhances the spirit’s natural sweetness for a truly multi-sensory drinking experience.

Servings
+
–

1

servings
Prep time

8

minutes
Total time

12

minutes

Ingredients

  • 2.5 oz Kentucky Straight Bourbon

  • 1/2 oz Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup (homemade or premium store-bought)

  • 3 dashes Orange Bitters

  • 2 dashes Aromatic Bitters

  • Smoke element: Vanilla bean-infused wood chips or Oak chips

  • Garnish: One whole vanilla bean pod and a wide orange zest

  • Ice: One large clear ice cube

Directions

  • Smoke the Glass: Place your wood chips into the smoker atop an empty rocks glass. Ignite the chips and allow the glass to fill with thick smoke. Cover with a lid or coaster to trap the smoke and let the glass “season” for 2 minutes.
  • Mix the Base: While the glass is smoking, combine the bourbon, vanilla bean syrup, and all bitters in a separate mixing glass.
  • Stir and Chill: Fill the mixing glass with plenty of ice. Stir gently but consistently for 30 seconds. This chills the drink while adding just enough dilution to soften the bourbon’s “burn.”
  • Release and Pour: Remove the lid from your smoked glass, letting the excess smoke drift away. Immediately place your large ice cube into the glass.
  • Strain: Use the Hawthorne strainer to pour the chilled mixture over the ice cube.
  • The Garnish: Express the orange zest over the drink to release the citrus oils. Finish by tucking a vanilla bean pod alongside the ice cube for a continuous aromatic hit as you sip.

Notes

  • Homemade Vanilla Syrup: For the best flavor, simmer equal parts water and sugar with a split vanilla bean. Let it steep for 24 hours before using to capture the complex, floral notes.
  • The Smoke Timing: Don’t leave the smoke in the glass for more than 3 minutes, or it can become overly acrid and bitter, masking the delicate vanilla.
  • Temperature Matters: A warm glass will not hold smoke as well as a chilled one. If possible, chill your rocks glass before performing the smoking step.

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