Old Fashioned Smoke

Photo by Rachel Lukas

When CHOP moved from its original location at the Country Walk Shops and down to the center of Sister Bay, the steakhouse also added a full liquor license. When they did, they also added a new twist on a classic Wisconsin cocktail, the smoked Old Fashioned.

“It was on the first CHOP cocktail list in 2017,” said CHOP bar manager Alyse Freeman. The thing is, the smoked Old Fashioned wasn’t supposed to stick around. The plan was to rotate different Old Fashioneds on and off the list, but the smoked Old Fashioned was so popular that today it remains the restaurant’s most-called-for cocktail.

Today, the drink is made by muddling cherries, orange, and bitters together with sugar and Knob Creek Smoked Maple bourbon. Freeman said the bourbon gives it all the smoke flavor it needs, and it does. 

But if you want to add some show to your home cocktailing game, here’s how to do it in the original CHOP style.

Smoked Old Fashioned
Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 4-6 shakes Angostura Bitters
• ½ oz simple syrup
• Cherry
• Orange peel
• Maple round or cedar plank
• Creme brulee torch
• Big cube

Using a crème brûlée torch (or a propane torch), scorch the center of a cedar plank or maple round until it starts to lightly smoke. Then place the Old Fashioned glass upside down over the scorched area. Let the smoke do its work in the glass. 

Meanwhile, mix bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters in a cocktail shaker, add ice, and stir for about 30 seconds. 

Now flip over your glass, add one big cube, and strain the drink into the glass as the last of the smoke wafts into your nose. Garnish with cherry and orange peel to rim the glass.

You’ll be surprised at how much of the smoke flavor the glass retain, but not by how much you’ll love this smokey twist.