Smoked Black Cherry Old Fashioned 🍒💨

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Crafting a Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned with Luxardo cocktail cherries 🍒 and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof bourbon 🥃 elevates this classic cocktail to new heights. The rich, robust flavors of the bourbon, combined with the smoky essence 🌫️ and the sweetness of Luxardo cherries, create a harmonious blend that’s both sophisticated and indulgent. Perfect for a quiet evening 🌙 or a gathering with friends 🎉, this drink is a refined treat for the senses.

Yield: 1 cocktail 🍹
Prep Time: 2 minutes ⏱️
Total Time: 2 minutes ⏳

Equipment Needed 🛠️

🔴 Wood Smoke Kit

  • Whiskey glass (wide-rimmed, sturdy) 🍸

  • Torch lighter 🔥

  • Standard mixing glass 🥛

  • Bar spoon 🥄

  • Wood chips (cherry, oak, or hickory) 🌲

Ingredients 🛒

  • 7 dashes Angostura bitters 🌿 – The classic bitters that bring depth and spice to the cocktail.

  • 3 dashes orange bitters 🍊 – Adds a bright citrus note to balance the rich bourbon flavors.

  • 1.5 oz Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon 🥃 – The star of the show, offering bold, full-bodied character and complexity.

  • 1.25 oz distilled or bottled water 💧 – Slightly dilutes the bourbon to open up its flavors without compromising its strength.

  • 1 Luxardo cherry 🍒 – A luxurious garnish with a small spoonful of its rich, syrupy goodness for added sweetness and indulgence.

  • A few drops of Stevia liquid sweetener 🌱 – A low-calorie alternative for sweetness, subtly enhancing the flavors without overpowering the drink.

Instructions 📋

  1. Prepare the Glass ❄️

    • Place a large cocktail ice cube 🧊 in your favorite whiskey glass. This chills the drink and adds an elegant touch to the presentation ✨.

  2. Mix the Cocktail 🍹

    • In a standard mixing glass 🥛, combine 1.5 oz Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon 🥃, 7 dashes Angostura bitters 🌿, 3 dashes orange bitters 🍊, 1.25 oz distilled or bottled water 💧, a small spoonful of Luxardo cherry syrup 🍒, and a few drops of Stevia liquid sweetener 🌱. Stir gently with a bar spoon 🥄 to blend the flavors harmoniously.

  3. Chill the Mix 🥶

    • Add 3-4 ice cubes 🧊 to the mixing glass and stir steadily for about 20 seconds ⏲️. This chills the cocktail and slightly dilutes it for the perfect balance ⚖️.

  4. Pour with Care 🍸

    • Slowly strain the mixture over the large ice cube 🧊 in the whiskey glass, leaving about 1/2 inch of space from the rim. This makes room for the smoking process and keeps things tidy 🚿.

  5. Add the Smoky Flair 💨

    • Place a smoker or smoking dome over the glass 🍸. Sprinkle fine, clean wood chips (cherry, oak, or hickory) 🌲 into the smoker. Using a torch lighter 🔥, ignite the chips until a steady flow of smoke fills the glass 🌫️. Once you see a good smoke level, stop the torch and cap the smoker or dome.

  6. Infuse and Serve 🌟

    • Let the cocktail sit, capped, for about 30 seconds ⏲️ to let the smoke fully infuse the drink. Uncover, drop in 1 Luxardo cherry 🍒 as a garnish, and enjoy the smoky aroma as you take your first sip 😋.

Additional Tips 💡

  • Use the Right Glassware: A sturdy, wide-rimmed whiskey glass 🍸 lets you fully enjoy the smoky aroma and bourbon’s depth 👃.

  • Choose Your Wood Chips Wisely: Cherry 🌸, oak 🌳, or hickory 🔥 wood chips pair beautifully with the bourbon. Avoid pine or resinous woods—they can ruin the vibe with bitter notes 🚫.

  • Mind the Smoke: Start light with the smoke 💨—too much can overpower the cocktail’s nuance. Adjust to your taste after the first try ✅.

  • Control Your Sweetness: Tweak the Stevia 🌱 and Luxardo syrup 🍒 to suit your palate. The cherry’s natural sweetness keeps it balanced without going overboard 🍬.

  • Chill Your Glass: Pop your glass in the freezer ❄️ for 10 minutes before starting for an extra-premium feel 🥶.

Final Thought 🌟

The Smoked Black Cherry Old Fashioned takes a timeless classic to the next level 🚀, blending the bold complexity of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon 🥃, the sweet luxury of Luxardo cherries 🍒, and a hint of aromatic smoke 💨. It’s not just a drink—it’s an experience, perfect for sipping and savoring. Whether you’re unwinding solo 🌌 or wowing guests 🎊, this cocktail delivers a refined yet bold twist. Cheers! 🥂

FAQ ❓

  • Q: Do I need a cocktail smoker? 🤔

    • A: Not a must! Use a large glass jar 🫙 and a wood chip bundle ignited with a torch 🔥 for a DIY smoky effect.

  • Q: Can I substitute the bourbon? 🥃

    • A: Sure! Swap with another barrel-proof bourbon or premium whiskey—just tweak the sweetness ⚖️ to match.

  • Q: Is there an alternative to Luxardo cherries? 🍒

    • A: Yes—try Amarena or Bordeaux cherries 🌟. Make sure they’re syrupy for that sweet kick 🍯.

  • Q: Can I skip the water? 💧

    • A: It’s key to balance the bourbon’s strength 💪. Reduce it if you like, but don’t ditch it entirely.

  • Q: How do I adjust the smoky flavor? 💨

    • A: Use fewer chips or less time ⏲️ for lighter smoke; go longer for a bolder hit 🔥.