Smoked Maple Bacon

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Smoked Maple Bacon might evoke images of breakfast, and indeed, it’s the cornerstone of many morning feasts. But here, it serves as the inspiration for a bold and savory twist on the traditional Old Fashioned—crafted with bacon fat-washed bourbon.

The Art of Fat-Washing
Fat-washing is a unique infusion technique that enhances spirits with rich, savory notes while smoothing their profile. Bacon fat lends a subtle, smoky depth and aroma to the bourbon, resulting in a velvety base perfect for adventurous cocktails. We start with 100-proof rye bourbon, which stands up to the robust bacon essence, ensuring a drink that’s as complex as it is satisfying.

Building the Flavor Profile
What pairs better with bacon than maple syrup? Inspired by hearty breakfasts of pancakes drenched in syrup, this Old Fashioned replaces traditional granulated sugar with the natural sweetness of real maple syrup. The result is a rich, slightly smoky sweetness that perfectly balances the cocktail.

To round out the flavors, we add a dash of orange bitters and garnish with a freshly expressed orange peel, adding brightness to the mix. Then, for the final touch, the drink is smoked with cherry wood, creating a sensory experience reminiscent of a campfire breakfast—bacon, maple, and a hint of woodsy warmth.

The Smoked Maple Bacon Old Fashioned Experience
This is not your standard Old Fashioned. It’s a cocktail for those who appreciate bold flavors and aren’t afraid to experiment. Each sip brings a layered complexity: the smoky richness of bacon, the sweetness of maple, the brightness of orange, and the warmth of cherry wood.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or indulge in a slow-sipping masterpiece, the Smoked Maple Bacon Old Fashioned is the perfect way to elevate your cocktail game.

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Smoked Maple Bacon

Bacon fat washed rye bourbon with maple, orange and cherry smoke

  • Author: Tim

Ingredients

Scale
  • 21/2 oz bacon fat-washed 100 proof Old Fitzgerald rye bourbon whiskey: read how to make it HERE
  • 1/4 oz real grade A maple syrup
  • 1 dash orange bitters
  • Orange peel – garnish
  • Cherry wood smoke – garnish

Instructions

  1. Add the maple syrup, bitters and bourbon to a double rocks glass and briefly stir
  2. Add a giant 2×2 solid ice cube
  3. Twist the orange to express the oil over it and drop into the glass
  4. Smoke the cocktail with cherry wood and slide off the top at the table when serving