Riedel Drink Specific Glassware Rocks Glass,9.98 oz (Engraved)
Buy Now →If you’re a fan of bourbon, bacon, and bold flavors, this Smoky Maple Bacon Old Fashioned is about to become your new favorite cocktail. Imagine the rich, smoky essence of bacon fat-washed bourbon, the deep sweetness of maple syrup, and the aromatic complexity of Angostura bitters—all tied together in a smooth, sophisticated sip.
This isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience. Perfect for whiskey lovers, brunch fanatics, or anyone who enjoys a little smoky indulgence in their glass.
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
🔥 Smoky & Savory – The bacon fat-washed bourbon adds a subtle smokiness that takes this Old Fashioned to the next level.
🍁 Perfectly Balanced – Maple syrup provides just the right amount of sweetness to complement the bourbon’s boldness.
🥃 A Whiskey Lover’s Dream – A fun twist on a classic Old Fashioned, with deep, rich flavors.
🎉 Impressive Yet Simple – Looks fancy but is incredibly easy to make—perfect for a cocktail night or special occasion.
What Does a Bacon Old Fashioned Taste Like?
This cocktail is a masterful blend of smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy. The bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes shine through, enhanced by the smoky richness of the bacon. Maple syrup brings a deep, natural sweetness, while Angostura bitters add a touch of spice and complexity. The crispy bacon garnish? It’s the ultimate finishing touch—salty, crunchy, and irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bacon Fat-Washed Bourbon 🥃 (see how to make below!)
- ½ oz Maple Syrup 🍁 (use real maple syrup for the best flavor!)
- 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters 🍹 (adds warmth & spice!)
- Ice ❄️ (for mixing and serving!)
- Bacon Strip (for garnish) 🥓 (crispy & smoky—don’t skip this!)
- Orange Peel (optional, for garnish) 🍊 (adds a citrusy aroma!)
How to Make a Bacon Fat-Washed Bourbon
Bacon-washing bourbon may sound fancy, but it’s super easy and adds an incredible smoky, savory depth to your whiskey.
What You’ll Need:
✔️ 4 oz bacon fat (from about 8 slices of cooked bacon)
✔️ 1 bottle of bourbon (750ml)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Bacon – Fry 8 slices of bacon, then strain and save the rendered fat (about 4 oz).
2️⃣ Mix with Bourbon – Pour 750ml of bourbon into a jar and add the warm (not hot) bacon fat. Stir.
3️⃣ Infuse & Freeze – Let the mixture sit at room temp for 4-6 hours, then freeze overnight.
4️⃣ Strain – The fat will solidify at the top. Strain the bourbon through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove the fat.
5️⃣ Enjoy! – Store your bacon-infused bourbon in a sealed bottle—it’s now ready for cocktails!
How to Make the Smoky Maple Bacon Old Fashioned
1. Mix the Cocktail
🌀 In a mixing glass, combine:
✔️ 2 oz bacon fat-washed bourbon
✔️ ½ oz maple syrup
✔️ 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
2. Stir & Chill
🧊 Add ice and stir for about 30 seconds until well chilled.
3. Strain & Serve
🥃 Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Garnish Like a Pro
🥓 Bacon Strip – A crispy, smoky bacon strip makes this cocktail extra indulgent.
🍊 Orange Peel (Optional) – Express the oils of an orange peel over the drink for a subtle citrus aroma.
5. Sip & Enjoy!
🔥 Take a sip and enjoy the perfect harmony of smoky, sweet, and boozy goodness.
Ways to Customize Your Bacon Old Fashioned
🥥 Coconut Bacon Old Fashioned – Swap bacon fat for coconut oil to add a nutty, tropical twist.
🌶 Spicy Maple Bacon – Add a dash of smoked paprika or a slice of jalapeño for a spicy kick.
🍸 Smokier Version – Use smoked maple syrup or add a splash of Islay Scotch for extra smokiness.
🍯 Honey Bacon Old Fashioned – Swap maple syrup for honey for a different kind of sweetness.
What to Serve with a Maple Bacon Old Fashioned
This cocktail pairs beautifully with:
🥩 Steak or BBQ Ribs – The smoky bourbon and bacon flavors complement grilled meats perfectly.
🧀 Aged Cheddar or Gouda – A cheese board with smoked cheeses is a great pairing.
🍫 Dark Chocolate – The bittersweet richness of chocolate balances the smoky-sweet flavors.
🥞 Brunch Foods (Pancakes, French Toast) – Perfect for a boozy brunch!
Helpful Tips for the Best Maple Bacon Old Fashioned
✔️ Use Real Maple Syrup – The deeper flavor makes all the difference.
✔️ Chill the Glass – A pre-chilled rocks glass keeps the drink cold longer.
✔️ Stir, Don’t Shake – Stirring helps preserve the cocktail’s smooth texture.
✔️ Crisp Up the Bacon – A crunchy bacon strip adds the perfect crisp-salty contrast.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
🥃 Bacon-Washed Bourbon: Store in a sealed bottle at room temp for up to 3 months.
🍹 Pre-Mix the Cocktail: Combine everything except ice & garnishes and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just stir and serve!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Can I make this without bacon fat-washed bourbon?
Yes! You can use regular bourbon and still enjoy the maple and bitters flavors. But the bacon infusion adds an extra smoky touch!
❓ What’s the best bourbon for this cocktail?
Look for a bold, high-proof bourbon like Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, or Bulleit—they hold up well against the strong flavors.
❓ Can I make this cocktail sweeter?
Yes! Increase the maple syrup to ¾ oz for a sweeter twist.
❓ What’s the best way to strain bacon-washed bourbon?
A coffee filter or cheesecloth works best to remove all the fat solids.
Final Thoughts – The Ultimate Whiskey Lover’s Cocktail!
If you love smoky, savory, and slightly sweet cocktails, this Smoky Maple Bacon Old Fashioned is a must-try. Whether you’re enjoying it by the fireplace, serving it at a brunch, or impressing friends with a unique bourbon experience—this cocktail never disappoints!
🔥 Have you tried this recipe? Drop a comment below!
📌 Pin this on Pinterest so you can make it later!
Cheers to bacon, bourbon, and bold flavors! 🥃🥓🍁
More Bourbon Cocktails to Try
🍹 Smoked Maple Bourbon Sour
🥃 Brown Sugar Old Fashioned
🔥 Campfire Whiskey Smash
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Smoky Maple Bacon Old Fashioned – A Bourbon Lover’s Dream
Description
If you’re a fan of bourbon, bacon, and bold flavors, this Smoky Maple Bacon Old Fashioned is about to become your new favorite cocktail. Imagine the rich, smoky essence of bacon fat-washed bourbon, the deep sweetness of maple syrup, and the aromatic complexity of Angostura bitters—all tied together in a smooth, sophisticated sip.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bacon Fat-Washed Bourbon 🥃 (see how to make below!)
- ½ oz Maple Syrup 🍁 (use real maple syrup for the best flavor!)
- 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters 🍹 (adds warmth & spice!)
- Ice ❄️ (for mixing and serving!)
- Bacon Strip (for garnish) 🥓 (crispy & smoky—don’t skip this!)
- Orange Peel (optional, for garnish) 🍊 (adds a citrusy aroma!)
Instructions
Bacon-washing bourbon may sound fancy, but it’s super easy and adds an incredible smoky, savory depth to your whiskey.
✔️ 4 oz bacon fat (from about 8 slices of cooked bacon)
✔️ 1 bottle of bourbon (750ml)
1️⃣ Cook the Bacon – Fry 8 slices of bacon, then strain and save the rendered fat (about 4 oz).
2️⃣ Mix with Bourbon – Pour 750ml of bourbon into a jar and add the warm (not hot) bacon fat. Stir.
3️⃣ Infuse & Freeze – Let the mixture sit at room temp for 4-6 hours, then freeze overnight.
4️⃣ Strain – The fat will solidify at the top. Strain the bourbon through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove the fat.
5️⃣ Enjoy! – Store your bacon-infused bourbon in a sealed bottle—it’s now ready for cocktails!