Use Your Smoker To Easily Level Up A Classic Old Fashioned
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While there is a whole list of unfortunate cocktail names with torrid histories, the moniker of a quintessential Old Fashioned is as spare, retro, and classy as the drink itself. Unlike the viral hot dog cocktail, which seems like a prank in a glass, an Old Fashioned is sophisticated and sexy, as palatable to fictional lothario Don Draper from "Mad Men" as to hipsters and influencers today. With its combination of whiskey, water, bitters, and simple syrup garnished by sweet fruit, it's hard to imagine improving on an old-fashioned Old Fashioned. And, yet, on social media site Reddit, several comments suggested one unorthodox trick that has us questioning everything we know about mixology.
Your BBQ smoker is good for ... smoking barbecued meats. And, yet, if you smoke water in it, you have an inimitable swap for an Old Fashioned with character and unexpected depth. "I smoke water every so often and it's just water that's taken on some smoke flavor," explained a Redditor. "It's a little tinted but basically looks like water. Excellent in an Old Fashioned [...] adds a nice subtle smokey flavor without overwhelming the whiskey." Lest you think that this is just a weird invention by the chronically-online, know that smoked water is a legitimate addition to some well-stocked bars. And, no, it's not the same thing as Liquid Smoke, which has not only a much more pronounced and concentrated flavor, but far more ingredients as well. Smoked water is just water with the essence of smoke; nothing more and nothing less. Best of all, it's almost effortless to concoct at home.
How to make smoked water and use it in an Old Fashioned
You can easily smoke a large quantity of water in a full-sized BBQ smoker, by placing a pan of water inside and smoking it at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for a couple of hours. If you have a hand-held smoker, like this portable cocktail smoker torch, that's perfect for smoking small quantities of liquid. Simply load wood chips into the smoker and infuse your liquid with smoke, making sure that none escapes. Smoked water is obviously the focus of our attention, but there's nothing stopping you from smoking your whiskey, either. Reddit commenters alternatively suggested making smoked water ice cubes for your drink as a way to get a smoky tinge to your cocktail.
As for the wood to use for smoking your water, a hardwood may be better than a fruit wood, because the stronger essence of hardwood pairs better with the big flavors of the whiskey-based Old Fashioned. Hickory wood is considered especially harmonious in this classic drink, although you can't go wrong with oak or mesquite, either. Want to try something unique and creative? You can smoke whole cloves for a savor that beautifully combines the charred, earthy taste of smoke with pungent, warm spice. Once you have your smoked water, feel free to substitute it on a 1:1 basis for regular water in your Old Fashioned. A classic recipe takes only a splash, so the flavor shouldn't overwhelm your palate, but, rather, delight it.