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Perfect Smoky Old Fashioned Recipe with Zesty Orange Peel

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A classic old fashioned cocktail with a smoky twist and bright citrus notes from a flamed orange peel, perfect for cozy evenings and impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz (60 ml) Bourbon Whiskey (e.g., Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark)
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
  • 1 sugar cube or 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp water
  • 1 wide strip of fresh orange peel
  • Large ice cubes or one large ice sphere
  • Small pinch of wood chips or smoked tea leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Lightly toast a small pinch of wood chips or smoked tea leaves in a heatproof bowl until smoke appears. Immediately cover an old fashioned glass upside down over the smoke for 20-30 seconds to infuse it. Alternatively, use a smoking gun if available.
  2. Place the sugar cube in a mixing glass. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and 1 teaspoon of water. Muddle or crush the sugar until it dissolves into a syrupy paste, about 1 minute.
  3. Pour 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon into the mixing glass. Add a large ice cube or several smaller ones. Stir gently for 20-30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
  4. Cut a wide strip of orange peel, avoiding too much pith. Hold it over the glass and quickly flame it with a lighter or kitchen torch to release essential oils. Rub the peel around the rim of the smoked glass to coat it with citrus aroma.
  5. Turn the smoked glass right side up and strain the bourbon mixture into it over fresh ice.
  6. Drop the flamed orange peel into the glass as garnish.

Notes

Use large ice cubes or spheres to slow melting and avoid watering down the drink. Smoke the glass lightly to avoid overpowering the cocktail. Fresh orange peel is essential; avoid white pith. Flaming the peel releases aromatic oils but is optional. Adjust sugar and bitters to taste depending on bourbon brand. For a twist, try maple syrup instead of sugar or add spices like cinnamon or star anise.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoky old fashioned, old fashioned cocktail, bourbon cocktail, smoky cocktail, orange peel garnish, classic cocktail, easy cocktail recipe

Find it online: https://lemonydrinks.com/perfect-smoky-old-fashioned-recipe-with-zesty-orange-peel-easy-steps/