Day 17: Santa's (secret) Chimney
Cedar and cherry wood or sage are not only fantastic for whiskey infusions but also perfect for smoking. While this chimney may not be as big as the ones Santa is using, it can still bring plenty of magic into your home! Simply place the smoker chimney on top of your glass, add your chosen herbs or wood chips, and watch as a gentle, aromatic smoke infuses your whiskey. This method enhances the flavor profile, adding depth and a touch of smoky artistry to your creation.
Smoked cedar wood adds a warm, earthy depth to your cocktail, with hints of spice and a subtle, forest-like aroma that feels both elegant and grounding. Like cedar wood, sage also brings an earthy, herbal touch to your whiskey, combined with hints of pepper and minty freshness. Smoked cherry wood, on the other hand, offers a touch of fruity sweetness, complemented by a soft smokiness that enhances your whiskey’s natural flavors. Together, these smoky accents create unique layers of flavor, perfect for crafting a holiday-inspired drink like this:
Cherry Wood Smoked Maple Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon whiskey
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 4 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
- Cocktail cherry for garnish (optional)
- Whiskey stones for a chilled serving
Method:
- Begin by smoking your glass with cherry wood chips using the smoker chimney.
- In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters. Stir with ice.
- Strain into the smoked glass over your whiskey stones.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel and a cocktail cherry for a festive touch.
This cocktail perfectly highlights the fruity sweetness of cherry wood smoke, balanced by the richness of maple syrup and the warmth of bourbon—a holiday classic with a smoky twist!