Smoked Blood Orange Rosemary Old Fashioned

Flavor profile: bold, aromatic, and slightly bitter-sweet with smoky and herbal notes. Pairs beautifully with whiskey or mezcal.

Serves: 1 • Time: 3 minutes • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon or mezcal
• 0.25 oz blood orange liqueur (or a small splash of fresh blood orange juice)
• 1 bar spoon demerara syrup (or simple syrup)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice (large cube preferred)

Garnishes

• 1 dehydrated blood orange wheel (Bar Necessities)
• 1 fresh rosemary sprig
• Optional: smoke gun or small culinary torch

Instructions

1. Stir the drink: In a mixing glass, combine bourbon (or mezcal), blood orange liqueur, bitters, and syrup. Add ice and stir for 15–20 seconds.
2. Prep the glass: Place a large ice cube into a rocks glass. Strain the drink over the cube.
3. Garnish with impact: Lay the dehydrated blood orange wheel on top or on the side of the glass. Lightly slap the rosemary sprig to release oils and place into the drink.
4. Optional smoke effect: Gently torch the rosemary before placing it in the glass or use a smoke gun under a dome for tableside service.

Tips & Variations

• Spirit swap: Mezcal adds a natural smokiness; bourbon keeps it classic and rich.
• Sweeter or drier: Adjust the demerara syrup up or down by 0.25 oz.
• Citrus accent: Express a strip of blood orange peel over the glass for extra aroma.
• Service note: The smoke dome presentation adds drama and can command a small up-charge on menus.

Recommended Bar Necessities garnishes: dehydrated blood orange wheels, dehydrated orange wheels, and fresh rosemary.