Smoky Pecan Old Fashioned: A Toasty, Spirit-Forward Fall Sipper
Aug 29, 2025
Call it “fall in a glass.” This Smoky Pecan Old Fashioned is everything we love about the season—warm, toasty, aromatic and just a little bit dramatic. Adapted from a drink shared by Classy Chassis Mobile Cocktail Bar, our version leans into rich pecan notes, maple smoke and a bold bitters blend for a cocktail that feels like sweater weather in a rocks glass.
If you’re craving a cozy, nutty, spirit-forward drink to wind down a chilly evening, this pecan old fashioned delivers every time.
What is a Smoky Pecan Old Fashioned?
This riff honors the simplicity of a classic Old Fashioned while adding depth and seasonal character. Maple wood smoke lends an evocative campfire aroma, and the combination of Chicory Pecan Bitters and Spiced Cocoa Bitters elevates the rye into something layered, warm and unforgettable. It’s familiar—but with a twist that keeps guests asking, “What’s in this?”
Pecan Old Fashioned Cocktail Ingredients
Makes one cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz Sazerac Rye
- 0.25 oz El Guapo™ Creole Orgeat
- 2 dashes El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters
- 2 dashes El Guapo™ Spiced Cocoa Bitters
- One large rock
- Dehydrated orange wheel & cinnamon stick, for garnish
- Maple wood plank and torch
Instructions
- Smoke the Glass: Torch a dehydrated orange wheel on a maple plank until gently smoldering. Invert your rocks glass over the smoke to capture the aroma while you build the drink.
- Build the Cocktail: In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the rye, Creole Orgeat and both bitters. Stir until well chilled.
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Serve: Turn the smoked glass upright, add a large ice rock and strain the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately to enjoy the full aromatic effect.
The Bitters Blend: Depth in a Pecan Old Fashioned
This cocktail’s signature warmth comes from its bitters pairing.
- Chicory Pecan Bitters deliver roasted pecan, chicory and baking-spice depth.
- Spiced Cocoa Bitters add chocolate, cinnamon and soft heat.
Together, they create a richly layered aromatic base that plays beautifully with the maple smoke and rye’s natural spice resulting in a fall old fashioned that feels both nostalgic and elevated.
Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo's homepage to explore everything we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a pecan old fashioned taste like?
Nutty, warm and deeply comforting. You get toasted pecan, subtle sweetness from the orgeat and the spicy backbone of rye.
What whiskey works best?
Rye is ideal for its structure and spice. Sazerac is a beautiful fit, though a wheated bourbon will create a softer, sweeter profile.
How do I make a drink taste smoky?
Trap smoke inside your serving glass. Torching citrus or wood, then inverting the glass over the embers, infuses the aroma without overpowering the drink.
