Transform a timeless classic into an unforgettable festive experience with this remarkable Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned. The delicate kiss of cinnamon-scented smoke doesn’t just add a layer of flavor; it fundamentally elevates this iconic cocktail, making it exceptionally smooth, alluring, and sophisticated. It’s the perfect concoction to impress friends and family, turning any holiday gathering into an extraordinary celebration.
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There’s an undeniable allure to smoked cocktails, a theatrical element that adds both visual drama and incredible depth of flavor to your drink. Crafting these sophisticated beverages is surprisingly simple, especially once you have a reliable cocktail smoking kit. While most kits come with various wood shavings – oak, cherry, apple – for infusing your drinks, I discovered a truly magical alternative: cinnamon. Instead of traditional wood chips, I experimented with crushing a cinnamon stick and using its fragrant essence. The result was nothing short of spectacular.
Initially, I harbored some reservations, fearing the cinnamon smoke might be too sharp, acrid, or perhaps not robust enough to impart its characteristic warmth. However, my concerns were quickly dispelled. The smoke, subtly infused with notes of cinnamon, danced beautifully with the whiskey, creating a complex and inviting aroma and taste. This unique infusion transforms a standard Old Fashioned into something truly special, making it, without a doubt, my new go-to winter cocktail. It’s an experience that awakens the senses, delivering warmth, spice, and sophistication in every sip.
Why You’ll Adore This Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned
This Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience designed to captivate and delight. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love adding this to your cocktail repertoire:
- **Unforgettable Impression:** Smoked cocktails are inherently impressive, turning heads and sparking conversations. The unique cinnamon twist adds an extra layer of intrigue and sophistication that guests won’t soon forget.
- **A Transformed Classic:** The subtle, warm embrace of cinnamon smoke breathes new life into the traditional Old Fashioned, creating a flavor profile that is both familiar and excitingly new. It’s a masterful blend of timeless elegance and innovative flair.
- **Effortless Elegance:** Despite its sophisticated appearance and complex taste, this cocktail is surprisingly simple to prepare. Minimal prep time means you can spend less time behind the bar and more time enjoying the company of your guests.
- **Sensory Delight:** From the aromatic plume of smoke to the warm spice on your palate, every aspect of this drink is a feast for the senses, making it perfect for cozy evenings or festive celebrations.
Crafting the Perfect Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned: Essential Ingredients
The beauty of an Old Fashioned lies in its simplicity, using just a few high-quality ingredients to achieve profound flavor. The smoked element, especially with cinnamon, introduces another dimension without overcomplicating the base. Here’s what you’ll need to create this exceptional cocktail:
- Whiskey: The Soul of the Drink
For an Old Fashioned, the choice of whiskey is paramount. A good bourbon or rye whiskey is ideal, offering rich notes of caramel, vanilla, or spice that serve as a robust foundation for the cinnamon smoke. Opt for a brand you enjoy neat, as its character will shine through. - Simple Syrup: The Sweet Balance
This classic sweetener balances the robustness of the whiskey and the bitterness of the Angostura. You can easily make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar in hot water, then letting it cool. This allows you to control the sweetness perfectly. - Angostura Bitters: The Aromatic Enhancer
A few dashes of Angostura bitters are crucial for adding complex herbal and spice notes, tying all the flavors together and preventing the drink from being one-dimensional. It’s the aromatic backbone of any great Old Fashioned. - Ice Cube: For Chill and Dilution
A large ice cube is preferred as it melts slower, gradually chilling and diluting the drink without watering down its rich flavors too quickly. This allows the subtle cinnamon smoke to evolve as you sip. - Cinnamon Sticks for Smoking: The Star of the Show
Crucial for the unique smoky flavor. Choose high-quality cinnamon sticks, which you’ll crush slightly to create more surface area for smoking. The aroma released is intensely warm and inviting. - Garnish: Maraschino Cherry or Orange Twist
These garnishes are more than just decoration. An orange twist, gently expressed over the drink, releases essential oils that complement the whiskey and cinnamon. A quality maraschino cherry adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, completing the aesthetic and flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Craft a Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned
Creating this impressive cocktail is an enjoyable process, made simple with the right tools and a little care. Follow these steps to perfectly infuse your Old Fashioned with that alluring cinnamon smoke:
- Prioritize Safety First: Before you begin, ensure your workspace is entirely clear of any flammable materials. You’ll be using an open flame, so a clean and safe environment is paramount. Double-check that all linens, paper products, and other combustibles are moved far away.
- Assemble Your Smoking Kit: Have all components of your cocktail smoking kit readily accessible. This typically includes the smoker top, a small mesh basket for the fuel, and a kitchen torch. Being organized helps ensure a smooth and safe process.
- Prepare the Base: In a sturdy rocks glass or a classic Old Fashioned glass, combine the simple syrup and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. Stir these ingredients gently with a bar spoon for about 10-15 seconds to ensure they are well mixed and the sugar is dissolved, creating a harmonious base for your whiskey.
- Add Whiskey and Ice: Pour in your chosen whiskey. If desired, add a large ice cube. A single large cube is recommended over smaller ones as it melts slower, providing consistent chilling and minimal dilution, allowing the cocktail’s flavors to evolve gradually.
- Position the Smoker: Carefully place the wooden smoking plate with its integrated mesh shavings basket directly over the top of your glass, ensuring it creates a snug seal. This traps the smoke efficiently within the glass, allowing it to infuse the cocktail.
- Prepare the Cinnamon: Place a small amount of finely crushed cinnamon stick pieces into the mesh basket of the smoking plate. Just enough to create a good amount of smoke without overfilling the basket.
- Ignite the Cinnamon: Using your kitchen torch, gently apply a flame to the cinnamon shavings. You don’t need to char them completely; just ignite them enough to produce a consistent stream of fragrant smoke.
- Smoke to Perfection: Continue holding the flame over the cinnamon until the glass is filled with the desired amount of cinnamon-scented smoke. The amount of smoke is a matter of personal preference – some like a light kiss, others prefer a more intense infusion. Watch as the smoke swirls and infuses your drink.
- Rest and Reveal: Once enough smoke has been generated, turn off the torch. Allow the smoke to sit for a brief moment (30-60 seconds) to maximize infusion. Then, carefully remove the wooden smoking plate. A captivating plume of cinnamon smoke will rise, revealing your beautifully infused cocktail.
- Garnish and Savor: Finish your masterpiece with a fresh orange peel (expressed by twisting it over the drink to release its oils) and a maraschino cherry. Take a moment to appreciate the aroma before taking your first sip. Enjoy the rich, warm, and sophisticated flavors of your Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned!
Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for an Exceptional Smoked Old Fashioned
Even though this cocktail is straightforward to make, a few expert tips can elevate your Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned from great to extraordinary. Pay attention to these details for a truly remarkable drink:
- **Select a Premium Whiskey:** The foundation of any excellent Old Fashioned is its whiskey. Investing in a high-quality bourbon or rye will make a significant difference. The nuanced flavors of a good whiskey will harmonize beautifully with the cinnamon smoke, creating a more complex and satisfying drinking experience. Avoid using cheap whiskey, as its harsh notes will be accentuated.
- **Tailor the Sweetness to Your Palate:** The amount of simple syrup is adjustable. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, feel free to add a bit more. Conversely, if you enjoy a drier, more spirit-forward drink, reduce the syrup. Always taste as you go, and remember you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
- **Experiment with Creative Garnishes:** While an orange peel and maraschino cherry are classic, don’t shy away from experimenting. Consider a dehydrated orange slice, a twist of grapefruit peel for a brighter note, or even a star anise pod for an additional layer of spice. A fresh sprig of rosemary or a whole cinnamon stick can also add an aromatic flourish. The visual appeal and the initial scent when the drink is served are part of the overall experience.
- **Control the Smoke Intensity:** The duration of smoking impacts the intensity of the cinnamon flavor. Start with a shorter smoke (30 seconds) for a subtle hint and increase it to a minute or more for a bolder, more pronounced smoky profile. Practice will help you find your perfect balance.
- **Chill Your Glass:** For an even more enjoyable sipping experience, consider chilling your rocks glass in the freezer for a few minutes before mixing the cocktail. This helps maintain the drink’s temperature longer without excessive dilution.
Recommended Holiday Cocktail Pairings
If you love this innovative twist on a classic, you might enjoy exploring other festive cocktails perfect for holiday entertaining. Here are a few more recommendations to expand your seasonal beverage menu:
Culinary Pairings: What to Serve with Your Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned
The rich, warm, and subtly spicy notes of a Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned make it an incredibly versatile drink for food pairings, especially during the festive season. Its complex profile can stand up to hearty dishes and complement delicate ones, making it a star at any holiday gathering. Here are some ideas to perfectly pair your cocktail:
For a cozy holiday evening, consider pairing this sophisticated drink with comfort foods. It works wonderfully with savory dishes like juicy smoked turkey quesadillas, where the smoky cocktail enhances the depth of the turkey. For a more elaborate meal, a rich turkey roll roast with its savory notes finds a perfect match in the whiskey’s warmth and cinnamon’s spice. The cocktail’s depth also complements the creamy, slightly spicy kick of smoked queso, creating a delightful contrast that engages the palate.
Beyond main courses, think about appetizers and desserts. A cheese board featuring aged cheddar, smoked gouda, and a spiced cranberry jam would be exquisite. The robustness of the Old Fashioned can cut through the richness of the cheeses, while the cinnamon beautifully echoes the jam. For something sweet, a classic apple pie, pecan pie, or even a dark chocolate molten lava cake would be heavenly. The cinnamon in the drink naturally pairs with the spices in autumnal desserts, while the whiskey offers a lovely counterpoint to the sweetness. Even simple spiced nuts or ginger snaps can make for an elegant accompaniment, enhancing the overall festive atmosphere.
Ultimately, the Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned is designed to be savored slowly, making it an excellent partner to any dish that evokes warmth, comfort, and celebration. Its versatility ensures that whether you’re hosting a grand feast or enjoying a quiet evening, this cocktail will enhance your culinary journey.
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Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned
Equipment
- 1 cocktail smoking kit
Ingredients
- 1 cinnamon stick crushed
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup 1/4 ounce
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 ounces whiskey
- 1 maraschino cherry optional garnish
- 1 strip orange peel optional garnish
- 1 large ice cube optional
Instructions
- Ensure your work area is free from fire hazards. You’ll be working with a live flame, so remove anything that could catch on fire.
- Gather the materials from your smoked cocktail kit and have them nearby.
- Add the simple syrup and bitters to a rocks glass or old-fashioned glass and stir gently to mix.
- Add the whiskey and a large ice cube (optional).
- Put the wooden plate with mesh shavings basket over the top of the glass.
- Add the crushed cinnamon shavings to the mesh basket and ignite it with the torch.
- Hold the flame on the shavings until the top of the glass fills with the desired amount of smoke.
- Turn off the torch, and when ready, remove the wooden plate.
- Garnish with an orange peel and a cherry, and enjoy!
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Choose a high-quality Whiskey to enhance the overall flavor of the cocktail.
- If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, adjust the simple syrup quantity to your liking.
- Experiment with different garnishes to find your favorite flavor combination.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.