If you're a fan of smoky cocktails, this Smoked Añejo Old Fashioned cocktail is definitely for you! The warm oak flavor of aged añejo tequila gets even better when you add some smoke flavor. This is a pretty simple drink, and fun to make for guests too!
This is great fall cocktail to sip on when the weather starts to get chilly! I love the oaky flavors in the añejo tequila whenever fall comes around. And just smoked cocktails in general scream fall to me!
Another amazing smoked cocktail to try is my Smoky Margarita! You can also smoke your simple syrup for even more smoke flavor.
I also have a frozen Smoky Peach Margarita recipe that uses mezcal for the smoke flavor instead of a cocktail smoker. Mezcal is great for smoke lovers, since it naturally has some smokiness because of how it's made! Try this Mezcal Chocolate Cherry cocktail for another great boozy sipper.
About Cocktail Smokers
There are a couple of different styles of cocktail smoker. For this drink, I used the style that sits on top of the glass, and the smoke goes down into the drink. It's probably the easiest to use (and definitely takes up the least amount of space!)
Another style is the kind with a tube, like this style of smoker, where you can direct the smoke into a container or cloche.
The upside to the tube style is that they are a little more versatile. You can smoke more than one cocktail at once if your container is large enough, or other foods too. (I used this style in my Smoked Simple Syrup recipe.)
With both of these styles, you'll need a kitchen torch to burn the wood chips. (Some kits have a torch included, though you might need to buy fuel separately.) The torch burns hotter than a regular grill lighter, and you can direct the flame downward into the wood.
Ingredients
You'll only need three main ingredients for this drink! Añejo tequila is the clear star of the show.
You'll also need simple syrup and bitters. I used Bittermens Hopped Grapefruit bitters here, but Angostura also works well. For the simple syrup, you can use plain syrup or Smoked Simple Syrup for some extra smoke flavor.
Your cocktail smoker should have come with some wood chips. Each type of wood chip has a slightly different flavor. I used applewood chips, but any of them should work well.
For the garnish, a fresh grapefruit peel works great.
Substitutions
You can use brandy, Cognac, or a single malt whiskey in place of the tequila if you don't have it. For a more budget-friendly option, try using a reposado tequila or a blended whiskey.
For the syrup, try using a different sweetener like agave nectar or maple syrup.
If you don't have the grapefruit bitters, Angostura bitters work great.
Variations
This is a pretty easy drink to make sugar free, because it only uses a little sweetener! Try using a sugar free syrup instead, like Wholesome Yum Keto Simple Syrup. Or, make your own syrup using water and allulose.
Since this is a spirit-forward drink, it's a little harder to make this into a mocktail. But, you can try out this Seven Giants Añejo Style Tequila Alternative, which is made with blue agave, in place of the tequila.
Equipment
Obviously you'll need to have a cocktail smoker! I used a single-serving smoker like this one.
You'll also need a jigger, a cocktail mixing glass, a long bar spoon, and an old fashioned style cocktail serving glass.
Note: If you need to buy any new bar tools, my go-to is A Bar Above! Their tools are amazing and dishwasher friendly. You can also get 10% off with my code, LKDrinks.
Instructions
If you're using a grapefruit peel garnish, use a vegetable peeler to cut a large piece of fresh peel. Set it aside while you make the drink.
Then, add in the añejo tequila to your cocktail mixing glass.
Add in the syrup, and then the bitters.
Fill your mixing glass with ice, and then use a long bar spoon to stir the drink for about 30 seconds.
Add a large ice cube to your serving glass, and strain the drink into the glass.
If you are using the grapefruit peel, squeeze the peel over top of the glass to express the grapefruit oils onto the drink.
Add the grapefruit into the drink, and then use your cocktail smoker to add smoke to the glass.
Serve and enjoy!
Hint: You can let the cocktail smoker sit on top of the drink for a few minutes to absorb more of the smoky flavor. For a less strong flavor, smoke the glass on its own before adding the drink.
📖 Recipe
Smoked Añejo Old Fashioned
Equipment
- Vegetable peeler (for the grapefruit peel)
- Cocktail strainer
Ingredients
- fresh grapefruit (for the peel only) (optional)
- 2 ounces añejo tequila
- ½ ounce smoked simple syrup (or use plain simple syrup)
- 2 dashes Hopped Grapefruit Bitters (or use Angostura)
Instructions
- Set up your cocktail smoker so it is ready to go once the drink is made. Add wood chips to it, and test to make sure your kitchen torch is fueled and works.
- Cut a large piece of grapefruit peel using a vegetable peeler. Set it aside.
- Add the tequila, simple syrup and bitters to a cocktail mixing glass.
- Add ice to the mixing glass.
- Use a long bar spoon to stir the mixture for about 30 seconds.
- Add a large piece of ice into your serving glass.
- Strain the drink into the serving glass.
- Take your grapefruit peel and squeeze it over top of the glass so that the oils go into the drink, and place the peel into the drink.
- Follow the directions on your cocktail smoker to add smoke to the cocktail glass.
- Remove the smoker from the glass, and serve!
Kimberly says
This is such a great drink! Super fun to make if you want to play around with the cocktail smoker. Let me know if you have questions about this drink!