The old fashioned is a cocktail that dates back to the early 1800s and is considered one of the most classic whiskey drinks. This unique twist on the old fashioned incorporates the beloved flavor of bacon to create a smokey, savory, and slightly sweet sipper. We'll use Evan Williams Bottled in Bond bourbon as the base spirit, which provides a high proof yet smooth drinking experience with notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel.
Bacon Infused Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 oz Evan Williams Bottled in Bond Bourbon
- 1 oz Simple syrup
- 3-10 dashes of Orange bitters
- 1 or 3 Luxardo Cherries
Instructions
To make a bacon infused old fashioned, start by rendering some bacon fat by cooking a few slices of thick cut bacon in a skillet until crispy. Be sure to save 2-3 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat. Next, grab a mixing glass filled with ice and add 2 ounces of Evan Williams bonded bourbon. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and 1 teaspoon of simple syrup to the glass. Stir gently with a barspoon to incorporate.
Here is where the bacon fat comes in - take a piece of cotton cheesecloth and fold it over several times to create a sachet. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved bacon fat to the center and tie it closed tightly with butchers twine. Add this bacon fat sachet directly into the mixing glass and continue stirring for 30 seconds. This will allow the bourbon to extract the bacon essence from the fat.
Once properly infused, remove the sachet and express the oils of an orange peel over the top of the cocktail. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass to distribute the oils. Drop in a large ice cube and garnish with the expressed orange peel. Place 1 or 3 Luxardo Cherries in the glass. Additionally, consider skewing a cooked piece of bacon on a decorative pick and placing it in the drink.
The end result is a brilliant balance of sweet, savory, smoky, and bitter flavors. The maple syrup provides a touch of sweetness while the bitters add an earthy bitterness. The smoky, salty bacon fat infuses into the smooth bourbon to create a truly unique sipping experience. Each sip will provide hits of vanilla and caramel from the bourbon along with a pop of bacon on the finish.
The fat renders into the bourbon for a velvety, rich mouthfeel while the classic Angostura bitters tie everything together. Be sure to use a high-quality thick cut bacon for the best results. Applewood smoked bacon would be an excellent choice and help accentuate that signature bacon flavor.
This bacon old fashioned is a fun twist on a classic cocktail that's perfect for brunch or anytime you're craving some porky goodness in drink form. The labor of infusing your own bacon fat pays off in the form of an elevated, savory sipper. Just be sure to properly chill your glassware ahead of time to keep the drink icy cold. Then find your favorite leather chair, put your feet up, and enjoy this decadently baconified old fashioned.
As always, I am open to hear your take and your input. You can reach me at [email protected]