Smoked thyme old fashioned

There’s something about perfectly timing the smoke that makes this old fashioned worth the effort. Sure, you can use a tabletop drink smoker and call it a day but honestly where is the fun in that?

When you have the Emberhaus fired up, you let the flames do the work. Toss a small chunk of Applewood or Cherry for something sweet, or Oak for a stronger bite right onto the coals. When the wood lights and the smoke begins to develop, slide in the cereamic deflector to protect the glass from the heat. We aren’t cooking the drink but letting it take in that smoke for extra flavor. Timing on this is everything. We only need about 15 seconds before the drink is done!

The real question?

What is Emberhaus? Emberhaus isn’t just an oven, its an entire experience. Designed with split cooking surfaces that allow you complete control over your heat, elevating the simplest recipe.

Unlike a traditional smoker or kettle, Emberhaus gives you direct interaction with the flame, embers, and the smoke itself. Every element of this fire oven is built around control. It’s a way to connect with the flame and bring a story to every dish, or in this case, a smoked old fashioned.

Smoked Thyme Old fashioned

• 2oz bourbon: for this drink I used Goldbar Rickhouse

• 1/2 thyme simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water simmered with fresh thyme)

• Orange Slice, Muddled

• Charred orange peel

• Fresh Thyme spring

Instructions:

1. Make the simple syrup: Simmer equal parts sugar to water with a bunch of fresh thyme springs for about 5 minutes over indirect heat. Let cool before pouring into the glass.

   1. We are simmering, not boiling.

2. While the simple syrup cools, toss in a small chunk of wood into the coal bed. Once the wood catches, place the deflector into the fire oven. This is to shield the glass from direct heat.

3. This is where precision matters.

   1. When it comes time, we are smoking the drink for 15-20 seconds and removing. We want to smoke the drink, not cook it.

4. Mix the drink: In a glass combine the thyme simple syrup, orange and bitters. Muddle the orange then add in your ice. Pour into the bourbon and stir.

5. Place the mixed drink onto the deflector for about 15-20 seconds before removing.

6. Garnish with a charred orange peel and spring of thyme.

Notes:

• Simmer don’t boil the thyme simple syrup. You want infusion not reduce.

• You can char the orange peel directly over the flame for a more aromatic garnish.

• Timing is everything. The second the wood catches, char the orange peel. It’s also the perfect que to when to start smoking the drink.