Smoked Old Fashioned Basics

A smoked old fashioned is a classic Old Fashioned cocktail — bourbon, bitters, sugar, and an orange peel — where the glass or finished drink is briefly exposed to wood smoke for added aroma. For the full build, measurements, and timing, follow our smoked old fashioned recipe; this entry covers the technique, wood, and glassware basics.

Common woods include oak for a classic note, cherry for a gentler sweetness, or hickory for a bolder profile. Smoking is typically done just before serving for maximum aromatic effect.