Maple Gochujang Smoked Old Fashioned

A smoky, mysterious cocktail with a punch of heat from Gochujang and subtle sweetness from maple syrup.  
If you're wanting to experiment with an inexpensive smoking method, try this foolproof cocktail smoker,

Cocktail smoker including butane torch, that's under $30.

I feel like this is the perfect hip pocket fancy cocktail for your holiday gatherings. The Old fashioned being an iconic drink, but this maple gochujang smoked old fashion takes it up a notch.

Whether or not you decide to smoke the drink is totally up to you, but highly recommended for the unique allure that it lends.  It's also very cool to present this way.

Bourbon and orange Liquor are the backbone of the Old Fashioned.  Use what you enjoy, but I picked classic Grand Marnier and Jim Beam.

The syrup is equally simple. Combine maple syrup and Gochujang in a small sauce pan and simmer for about 60 seconds, then let it cool. Gochujang is a beautifully flavorful Korean chili paste.

It's readily available in most grocery stores or you can buy it here through my Thrive market link. You can use other chili pastes, but I really like the Gochuchang for this specific purpose.

This golden amber liquid is what's left after you reduce the syrup and Gochujang for a few seconds.

This inexpensive glass top smoker is great if you don't want to commit to the larger smoke box.  It's so easy to use and what a fun spin on your drinks.

Love to watch the smoke rise from the glasses.

Add a little sprig of thyme or rosemary, simply for the cuteness factor.  I just feel like all cocktails need a pretty garnish.

Pick a fancy ice cube mold

Brandy Snifter style glass

Gold Rimmed Glass

Maple Gochujang Smoked Old Fashioned
Serves 1

1 1/2 ounces bourbon
1 1/2 ounces Gran Marnier or other orange flavored liquor
1 teaspoon maple gochujang syrup
ice (I like the large cubes that you can make with a fun ice cube mold 
Cocktail smoker (optional-see below)
Sprigs of rosemary or thyme for garnish

Place an ice cube in your cocktail glass.
Combine bourbon, Gran Marnier & maple gochujang syrup in a cocktail shaker or mason jar with a tight fitting lid.  Shake vigorously so the syrup is evenly dispersed.  

Pour over the ice and use the cocktail smoker to smoke the drink and give it that beautiful smoky allure.  You can certainly leave off the smoking part, but it is pretty cool if I do say so myself,

​I love the inexpensive cocktail smoker below as well as these great large square ice cube molds.
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​Top with a sprig of rosemary or thyme if using.  So cute.




Maple Gochujang Syrup

4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon gochujang (use more if you like the spice)

Combine in asmall saucepan and simmer for 60 seconds.  Pour into a heat proof glass jar, cover and chill in the fridge until you're ready to use.

You can make the quantity as small or great as you like.  It stores well in the fridge and is great on things other than in cocktails.  Mix with butter for a super flavorful and delicious flavored butter for your rolls, or mix with mayo to drizzle over grilled chicken or fish.  Divine!

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