Get ready to elevate your cocktail skills with the Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned. This twist on the classic Old Fashioned mixes toasted marshmallows’ smoky sweetness with bourbon’s bold flavors. It’s a treat that will leave you and your guests wanting more.
This cocktail is inspired by the campfire favorite. It pairs toasted marshmallows’ caramelized taste with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon’s smoothness. A touch of aromatic bitters and sweetness complete this must-try for toasted marshmallow lovers and smoked whiskey drink fans.
Key Takeaways
- Unique twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, featuring toasted marshmallow syrup
- Combines the smoky sweetness of toasted marshmallows with the robust flavors of bourbon
- Recommended bourbon is Woodford Reserve Double Oaked for its smoothness and flavor notes
- Garnished with toasted marshmallows for an extra touch of indulgence
- Perfect for s’more lovers and cocktail enthusiasts seeking a new and delicious experience
What is an Old Fashioned Cocktail?
The Old Fashioned is a classic bourbon cocktail. It has been around since the early 19th century. Back then, it was just spirits, sugar, bitters, and citrus peel. Today, it’s still a favorite among many.
Brief History of the Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned started in the 1800s in Louisville, Kentucky. Bartenders mixed whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water over ice. It was called the “whiskey cocktail” or “fancy cocktail” back then.
As it became more popular, people started adding different spirits and ingredients. This made the Old Fashioned even more special.
Classic Old Fashioned Ingredients
- Bourbon or Rye Whiskey – The heart of the Old Fashioned, giving it rich flavors.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness, balancing the whiskey’s strength.
- Bitters – A few dashes of aromatic bitters add depth and complexity.
- Citrus Peel – A twist of orange or lemon adds a bright, fragrant touch.
Today, the Old Fashioned is loved for its classic taste and modern twists. Its lasting popularity shows its timeless charm.
Unique Twist: The Toasted Marshmallow
Make your Old Fashioned special with a Toasted Marshmallow twist. This campfire-inspired cocktail mixes whiskey’s smoothness with toasted marshmallows’ smoky sweetness. It’s like having a dessert in a glass.
Why Toasted Marshmallow?
The toasted marshmallow brings warmth and coziness to this drink. It reminds you of roasting marshmallows by a campfire. The caramelized sugar and whiskey’s strong flavor work together beautifully.
Flavor Profile of Toasted Marshmallow
Enjoying the Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned is like tasting s’mores flavors. The toasted marshmallow’s smoky sweetness meets the whiskey’s caramel notes. It’s a rich, comforting drink.
This twist on the Old Fashioned is great for enjoying seasonal flavors. It adds a nostalgic touch to your holiday celebrations.
Essential Ingredients for Your Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned
Making a great Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned needs the right ingredients. The base is the whiskey. Choose a smooth bourbon like Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. It has flavors of vanilla, toasted marshmallows, and chocolate.
Choosing the Right Whiskey
Bourbon is key for an Old Fashioned. Find a bourbon that’s smooth and balanced. This way, it can handle the drink’s extra flavors. Here are some great choices:
- Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
- Four Roses Small Batch
- Benchmark
Marshmallow Selection
Use fresh, quality marshmallows for the toasted marshmallow part. Mini marshmallows are best because they toast well and mix easily into the drink. You can make toasted marshmallow syrup by boiling honey, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and water together.
Additional Flavor Enhancers
Add dashes of Angostura and chocolate bitters to enhance the flavor. These bitters make the drink richer and deeper. You can also add a graham cracker-flavored simple syrup. This syrup can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks.
With the right whiskey, fresh marshmallows, and extra flavorings, your Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned will impress everyone.
Tools You’ll Need for Mixing
To make the perfect Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned, you’ll need some key tools. From glasses to bar essentials, the right equipment makes mixing easy and fun.
Best Glassware for Cocktails
The classic Old Fashioned goes in a rocks glass, also known as an Old Fashioned glass. This short, sturdy glass is great for mixing and enjoying your drink. For a fancy touch, try a coupe or Nick and Nora glass.
Must-Have Bartending Tools
- Mixing glass: This tall, weighted glass is key for stirring and chilling your drink.
- Bar spoon: A long spoon for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Jigger: A small, double-sided measuring cup for precise liquid portions.
- Strainer: Strains ice and solids from your drink as you pour it.
- Muddler: Used to mash and extract flavors from fruits or herbs.
- Kitchen torch: Toasts the marshmallow garnish for a smoky, caramelized finish.
- Sealable container: A mason jar or similar airtight vessel for smoking the cocktail.
With these cocktail mixing tools and bar equipment, you’re ready to make the perfect Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned
Make your Old Fashioned cocktail special with a Toasted Marshmallow twist. This adds a smoky flavor that goes well with bourbon’s caramel taste. Here’s how to make this tasty drink.
Preparing Your Toasted Marshmallow
First, toast some marshmallows over a flame or with a kitchen torch. Aim for a charred outside and a soft inside. Let them cool a bit after toasting.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a mixing glass, mix 1 1⁄2 ounces of bourbon, 3⁄4 ounce of vanilla-cinnamon syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura and chocolate bitters. Add ice and stir for 15 seconds to chill.
Finishing Touches
Strain the mix into a glass with ice. Place a toasted marshmallow on the rim. This makes the drink look and taste amazing.
Now, enjoy your Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned. It’s a mix of sweet, smoky, and aromatic flavors. Cheers!
Tips for Perfecting Your Cocktail
Making the perfect Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned is all about finding the right mix of flavors. As you try out this special take on the classic cocktail, here are some tips to get you there.
Balancing Flavors
The secret to a great Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned is balancing sweetness, bitterness, and smokiness. Start by tweaking the cocktail flavor balance. Play with the syrup amount to match the bourbon’s richness and the marshmallow’s smoky taste.
Try different bitters to add depth to your drink. Angostura bitters give a classic aroma, while chocolate bitters bring out the marshmallow’s cocoa flavor. Find the perfect mix for you.
Adjusting Sweetness
Getting the sweetness adjustment right is key to a balanced Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned. Start with the suggested syrup amount, then adjust to taste. If it’s too sweet, add less syrup. If you want it sweeter, add more.
Don’t forget to dilute the drink properly. Stir everything well to get the right water amount. This helps balance the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.
“The art of mixology lies in the perfect balance of flavors, where each component complements the other, creating a symphony on the palate.”
Mastering the cocktail flavor balance and sweetness adjustment will help you make a Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned that’s both classic and unique.
Serving Suggestions
Make your Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned stand out with great garnishes and food pairings. This cocktail is meant to be the main attraction. So, choose flavors that make it even better.
Garnishes to Use
- Toasted marshmallow: A must-have garnish that provides a smoky, sweet touch to the drink.
- Graham cracker rim: For a true s’mores-inspired vibe, rim the glass with crushed graham crackers.
- Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings on top of the cocktail for a rich, indulgent finish.
Pairing Food with Your Cocktail
The Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned goes well with many desserts and savory dishes. Try it with:
- Dessert charcuterie: Create a platter with dark chocolate, dried fruit, and toasted nuts.
- Decadent chocolate: Pair the cocktail with a slice of dense, fudgy chocolate cake or truffles.
- Hearty beef dishes: The cocktail’s sweetness and smokiness complement grilled steaks or short ribs.
- Smoked meats: The cocktail’s flavors harmonize well with the savory notes of smoked brisket or pork.
For a full s’mores experience, serve the Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned with campfire treats. Enjoy it with graham crackers, chocolate bars, and roasted marshmallows.
Making it a Batch Cocktail
Hosting a party or want to make more Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioneds? No worries! You can easily make a batch of this cocktail for a crowd. Just multiply the ingredients for the number of drinks you want to serve.
Scaling the Recipe
To make a batch of Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned cocktails, follow these steps:
- Determine the number of servings you’d like to prepare. A typical batch size is 4-6 servings.
- Multiply each ingredient in the original recipe by the number of servings. For example, if making a 4-serving batch, use 4 times the amount of whiskey, bitters, and other components.
- Prepare the toasted marshmallow syrup in advance, as it can be made and stored for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
- Combine all the batch ingredients, except for the ice, in a large pitcher or container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Stir or shake the batch mixture well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- When ready to serve, fill glasses with fresh ice and pour the batch cocktail over the ice.
- Garnish each drink with a toasted marshmallow or other desired garnishes.
Storage Tips for Batch Cocktails
Storing your batch of Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned is easy. Keep the batch mixture (without ice) in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. When you’re ready to serve, pour the chilled batch over fresh ice and add your garnishes. This makes it easy to serve a round of cocktails without mixing each one individually.
With a batch cocktail recipe and proper large-scale cocktail preparation, you can easily elevate your next gathering. Impress your friends with this delightful Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned cocktail.
Variations of the Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned
The Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned is a delightful cocktail. Its beauty comes from its versatility. You can make it your own by trying different whiskey variations and cocktail flavor twists.
Different Whiskeys to Try
While bourbon is traditional, don’t be afraid to try other whiskeys. Scotch adds a smoky flavor that goes well with toasted marshmallows. Rye whiskey, with its spicy kick, balances the sweetness.
- Try Scotch whiskeys like Lagavulin or Laphroaig for a smoky taste.
- Experiment with rye whiskeys, such as Bulleit or High West, for a spicy kick.
- For a softer flavor, use a gentle Irish whiskey like Jameson or Redbreast.
Flavor Substitutions
While toasted marshmallows are key, you can also play with other flavors. Try vanilla extract instead of vanilla syrup for a stronger vanilla smell. Experiment with different wood chips for smoking to get unique smoky notes.
| Ingredient Substitution | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Vanilla Extract | Richer, more intense vanilla flavor |
| Chocolate or Coffee Liqueur | Adds depth and complexity with notes of chocolate or coffee |
| Smoked Salt or Smoked Sugar | Introduces a subtle, earthy smokiness to the cocktail |
Be creative and explore the Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned’s endless possibilities. By trying different whiskey variations and cocktail flavor twists, you can make a unique cocktail. It will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned needs care and focus. It’s a tasty treat, but some mistakes can ruin it. Here are a few to watch out for to make your drink great.
Over-Toasting Marshmallows
Toasting marshmallows right is key. You want them golden and caramelized, not burnt. Watch them closely and take them off the heat when they’re just right.
Incorrect Mixing Techniques
Stirring your Old Fashioned right is crucial. Stir gently to get the mix just right. Don’t stir too much, or it’ll be too watered down. Also, use the right amount of ice to keep the flavors balanced.
By avoiding these cocktail mixing errors and toasting techniques mistakes, you’ll make a Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned that’s top-notch for your home bar.
Conclusion: Your Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned Awaits
The Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned is a special cocktail. It mixes the classic Old Fashioned with the warm taste of toasted marshmallows and s’mores. This new twist on a classic drink will excite your taste buds and wow your friends.
Recap of Key Points
We’ve looked into the Old Fashioned’s history and why toasted marshmallows are added. We’ve also covered the key ingredients and tools needed. Plus, we shared tips for getting the flavors just right and how to serve it.
Encouragement to Experiment
Now, it’s your turn to try out this unique cocktail experience and flavor exploration. Play with different whiskeys and marshmallow flavors. Add your own twist to make a Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned that’s all yours. The world of mixology is yours to explore, so get creative and show off your skills.
Try making these at home and explore more delicious dessert recipes on our dessert category.