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.

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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!

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

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.

Make it your own!

Experiment with different types of wood chips for smoking, such as applewood, hickory, or cherry wood, to vary the smoky nuances.
Adjust the amount of smoked maple syrup to your preferred level of sweetness.
Play with the bitters by using different flavors like chocolate, orange, or aromatic bitters to create unique variations.
Consider rimming the glass with a blend of smoked sea salt and sugar for an extra layer of smokiness and sweetness.