S’mores Old Fashioned Cocktail
A summer campfire favorite makes an appearance for this twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. Rich bourbon meets toasted marshmallow and graham cracker warmth, with silky vanilla bean syrup for a cozy, nostalgic cocktail decadent enough for slow sipping.
Ingredients
COCKTAIL
- 2 ounces bourbon (see notes)
- ½–¾ ounce homemade vanilla bean simple
- syrup (recipe below)
- 2 dashes chocolate or Aztec cocoa bitters
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Pinch of salt (or smoked sea salt)
- Ice
FOR GARNISH
- Melted dark chocolate
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Toasted marshmallow
HOMEMADE VANILLA BEAN SIMPLE SYRUP
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or
- 2 vanilla pods, split, with seeds scraped out
Instructions
TO MAKE COCKTAIL
- Rim a rocks glass with melted dark chocolate, then dip into graham cracker crumbs.
- Add bourbon, vanilla bean simple syrup, bitters and salt to a mixing glass or cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Stir or shake until thoroughly chilled and slightly diluted, about 20–30 seconds. Strain over a large clear ice cube into prepared glass.
- Garnish with toasted marshmallow.
TO MAKE SIMPLE SYRUP
- Silky and aromatic with deep caramel undertones from brown sugar, this syrup adds warmth and depth to cocktails, coff ee and desserts alike. Makes about ¾ cup.
- Combine the water and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture begins to gently simmer.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste, or add the vanilla pods and seeds.
- Let cool completely before transferring to a glass jar or airtight container. If using vanilla pods, leave them in the syrup while storing for deeper flavor.
- Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Shake gently before using.
Notes
CHEF’S NOTES A bourbon works beautifully here, especially one with strong vanilla, caramel or toasted oak notes. For a slightly spiced, pleasingly bitter variation, use the VomFass Two Georges Rye Whiskey. This cocktail is also delicious prepared as a smoked Old Fashioned for an extra layer of warmth and campfire character. And for teetotalers, an NA bourbon would work just as well.
