Smoked Old Fashioned Kits: The Ultimate Prohibition-Era Cocktail
When it comes to cocktails, Prohibition is a time that many cocktail aficionados would love to forget. But, in some ways, it was also a time of great innovation. One of the most popular innovations during Prohibition was the creation of the smoked old fashioned. Smoked old fashioned kit are perfect for anyone who wants to try this classic cocktail but doesn’t want to spend a lot of time mixing drinks or smoking cigars. With just a few ingredients and some easy instructions, you can have yourself a delicious and flavorful smoky old fashioned in no time. So whether you’re trying to commemorate prohibition or celebrate its end, smoked old fashion kits are the perfect way to do it!
History of the Smoked Old Fashioned Kits
In the 1920s and 1930s, cocktails were often made with dark liquors like scotch, bourbon, and rye. In an effort to avoid the federal prohibition, many bartenders created drinks using lighter spirits like vermouth and gin. These “smoked old fashioneds” were laced with tobaccos like Virginia and Burley.
The smoked old fashioned is a cocktail that was popular during the prohibition era. It is made with bourbon, vermouth, bitters, and a cigar-like cigarillo called an Old Fashioned Twist. The cigarillo is lit before it is added to the drink and giving it its characteristic smoky flavor.
The smoked old fashioned was first created in the 1920s by Harry Craddock, a bartender at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Some argue that the cocktail was actually created earlier by Thomas H. Handy in 1887, but it is most commonly attributed to Harry Craddock.
Since its creation, the smoked old fashioned has undergone many revisions. In the 1930s, it was often made with light liquors like gin and vermouth instead of whiskey. In the 1950s, it transitioned from a bourbon-based drink to a mixture of bourbon, rye, and vermouth. Today, the smoked old fashioned remains one of the most popular cocktails on the menu at many bars around the world.
The smoked old fashioned was popularized by the New York City bartender Jerry Thomas. He created it in 1862 and called it a “smoked cocktail.”
How to Make a Smoked Old Fashioned Kit
Making a smoked old fashioned is an easy, satisfying project that can be completed in just a few hours. All you need is some quality whiskey, some wood chips or pellets, and your favorite smoking device.
Choose a wood chip or pellet smoker that can reach moderate to high-temperature levels. Start by loading the smoker with as many wood chips or pellets as it will hold. Make sure the smoker is set up for indirect smoking, and preheat it to its recommended cooking temperature.
Once the smoker is hot, add the whiskey of your choice and close the lid. Let the mixture cook for about 2 hours, until the wood has absorbed most of the liquid and started to smoke. Carefully open the smoker and enjoy your smoked old fashion!
Tips for Making a Great Smoked Old Fashioned Kit
Making a great smoked old fashioned kit is a bit of an art form, but with a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to create some delicious cocktails that will take your taste buds back to when prohibition was in full swing.
1. Start with quality bourbon
The most important part of any old fashioned cocktail is the bourbon, and it’s no different when making a smoked version. Make sure to use a high-quality bourbon like Jim Beam or Old Forester for the best results.
2. Add your favorite bitters
Adding bitters is another essential step in making a great smoked old fashioned kit. Try variations like Angostura Bitters or Peychaud’s Bitters for added flavor.
3. Brine the meat ahead of time
One of the secret ingredients in making a great smoked Old Fashioned is bringing the meat beforehand. This process helps soften it so that it can be easily cooked in the smoker. Simply mix equal parts water and chicken or pork broth together and let sit for 30 minutes before using.
4. Smoke your meat properly
Smoking your meat correctly is essential if you want great results when making smoked old fashioneds. Start by checking the temperature frequently and make sure to keep adding wood as needed to maintain a consistent temperature. Don’t forget to give your cocktail some smoke flavor too with some wood chips or chunks!
Drink Recipes for a Smoked Old Fashioned Kit
If you’re looking for a delicious, smoky cocktail to drink on a hot summer night, you need to look no further than an old fashioned smoked Old Fashioned kit. This classic cocktail is perfect for enjoying during Prohibition-era cocktail parties. There are many variations of the old fashioned that can be made with various types of bourbon, rye, and vermouth, so feel free to experiment until you find the one that suits your taste. Some tips for making a great smoked old fashioned kit: -Start by mixing together some dry ingredients (bourbon, rye whiskey, vermouth) in a shaker filled with cracked ice. -Stir well and strain into an ice-filled glass. – optionally add some orange bitters or curacao to heighten the flavor and scent of the smoke. -Garnish with a twist of orange or cherry. Enjoy!
