There’s a reason bacon shows up in everything from doughnuts to whiskey—it’s comforting, indulgent, and universally loved. The Bacon Bourbon Old Fashioned brings that salty, smoky goodness to your cocktail glass. Here’s why it’s destined to become a favorite:

Unmatched Flavor: The fat-washing technique used to infuse bourbon with bacon gives this drink a rich, meaty depth that plays beautifully with the caramel notes of the whiskey and the warm spice of bitters.
Aromatic Elegance: Garnishing with orange peel and crispy bacon doesn’t just look impressive—it adds an aromatic layer that activates your senses before you even sip.
Perfect for Whiskey Lovers: This version keeps the heart of the Old Fashioned intact, just with a fun, flavorful twist that doesn’t overpower the bourbon.
Crowd-Pleaser: This is one of those “Wait… is that bacon?” moments that gets people talking and keeps them coming back for seconds.
Easy to Customize: Want it a little sweeter? Add maple syrup. Prefer rye? Go for it. This cocktail is flexible while still being unforgettable.

Ingredients

2 oz Bourbon (fat-washed with bacon for best results)
1 sugar cube
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Ice cubes or a large ice sphere
1 strip of cooked bacon (for garnish)
Orange peel (for garnish)

Optional:

Maple syrup (substitute for sugar cube for richer sweetness)
Orange bitters (for added citrus brightness)

Preparation

Step 1: Fat-Wash Your Bourbon

Optional—but highly recommended for the full bacon experience.

Cook bacon in a pan until crisp. Reserve the rendered fat.
In a jar, combine 2 oz bacon fat (cooled but still liquid) with 750 ml bourbon (or enough to fully infuse).
Seal the jar and let it sit at room temperature for 4–6 hours.
Transfer to the freezer and chill overnight. The fat will solidify.
Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove solids. Your bacon-infused bourbon is now ready!

Step 2: Build the Drink

Place 1 sugar cube in a mixing glass.
Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and a few drops of water.
Muddle until the sugar dissolves into a paste.
Add 2 oz bacon-infused bourbon.
Fill the glass with ice and stir for about 20–30 seconds until well-chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.

Step 3: Garnish Like a Pro

Orange Peel: Express the peel over the drink to release oils, then drop it in.
Bacon Strip: Add a cooked strip of bacon for dramatic presentation and an edible bonus.

Variation

Maple Bacon Old Fashioned: Substitute the sugar cube for ¼ oz real maple syrup to add a sweet, earthy depth that complements the bacon perfectly.
Smoky Bacon Old Fashioned: Use smoked salt on the rim or smoked bitters for an extra layer of smoky sophistication.
Rye Bacon Old Fashioned: Swap bourbon for rye whiskey if you prefer a spicier, bolder base.
Candied Bacon Garnish: Bake your bacon strip with brown sugar until caramelized and crunchy. Adds texture, sweetness, and wow-factor.

Cocktail Note

Fat-washing might sound like something out of a molecular gastronomy class, but it’s surprisingly easy to do at home. This method not only flavors the bourbon with smoky richness but also softens the harshness of high-proof spirits, giving you a silky smooth sip. While you can make this drink with regular bourbon, taking the extra time to infuse it with bacon fat will take it from great to unforgettable.

Serving Suggestions

The Bacon Bourbon Old Fashioned shines in a variety of settings:

Brunch Cocktails: This drink plays beautifully with eggs, waffles, and pancakes—especially when there’s maple syrup on the table.
Winter Evenings: Its warm, smoky character makes it ideal for sipping by the fire.
Bacon-Themed Parties: Yep, they exist. Bring this, and be the star.
Date Nights: Impress your partner with a cocktail that’s indulgent, creative, and thoughtfully crafted.
Cocktail Flights: Pair with other Old Fashioned variations for a whiskey tasting night.

Tips

Use Quality Bourbon: Since the spirit is front and center, opt for a mid-range bourbon like Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, or Elijah Craig.
Control the Fat: Too much bacon fat will overwhelm. Stick to the 2 oz per 750 ml ratio.
Make Ahead: Fat-washed bourbon keeps well—store it in a sealed bottle in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Batch It: Hosting a party? Scale up the recipe and pre-mix everything except the ice and garnishes.
Don’t Skip the Stir: Stirring—not shaking—keeps the drink clear and elegant, while gently chilling and diluting.

Prep Time

Fat-Washing Time: ~8–12 hours (including freezing)
Drink Assembly Time: 5 minutes

Total Time

~8–12 hours (if infusing bourbon)
~5 minutes (if bourbon is pre-infused)

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

Calories: 190
Protein: 2g (from bacon garnish)
Sodium: 150mg
Sugar: ~4g
Fat: 2g (trace from fat-washed bourbon)

FAQs

Can I skip the bacon infusion?
Yes, you can, especially if you’re in a hurry or prefer a cleaner bourbon flavor. But fair warning—you’ll miss out on the deep, smoky richness that makes this cocktail unforgettable. For a shortcut, use plain bourbon and garnish with a crispy strip of bacon. It’ll still give off that savory essence, just in a lighter way.

Can I use maple syrup instead of a sugar cube?
Absolutely! In fact, maple syrup is a fantastic twist that compliments the savory bacon and brings a warm, earthy sweetness to the glass. Use a dark, rich maple syrup for best results. It dissolves more easily than a sugar cube and adds another layer of indulgence.

Is this drink very strong?
It’s a classic Old Fashioned at its core—spirit-forward, bold, and boozy. But thanks to the bacon fat infusion, the bourbon takes on a silky, almost velvety smoothness that makes each sip feel rich rather than harsh. It’s powerful, but dangerously sippable.

How long does bacon-infused bourbon last?
Once you’ve fat-washed the bourbon and strained it properly, it can last up to two weeks in the fridge in a tightly sealed bottle. Just make sure to strain out all the fat and sediment to prevent spoilage and keep it crystal clear.

What’s the best bacon for this recipe?
Go for thick-cut, smoky bacon for the biggest flavor impact. Applewood-smoked bacon works beautifully, bringing sweetness and depth, but hickory-smoked or peppered bacon can also add a fun twist depending on your flavor preference.

Can I make this for a crowd?
Absolutely! Pre-batch the cocktail mix (bourbon, bitters, and sweetener) in a large bottle or pitcher, and chill it in the fridge. Then just stir individual servings with ice when guests arrive. As for the bacon garnish, cook strips in advance and keep them warm in the oven at a low temp (around 170°F/75°C) so they’re crispy and ready to go.

What kind of bitters work best?
Classic Angostura bitters are always a safe bet, offering that signature spiced edge. But don’t be afraid to get creative—orange bitters add brightness, while chocolate bitters bring out the rich, savory-sweet notes in the bacon and bourbon pairing. Try a combination to find your perfect match!

Conclusion

The Bacon Bourbon Old Fashioned takes a beloved classic and reimagines it through the lens of culinary indulgence, wrapping it in a blanket of bold, smoky, savory goodness that dances across your palate with each sip. From its intoxicating aroma—where sweet orange oils meet the unmistakable scent of crisp bacon—to the nuanced flavor profile that balances bourbon’s smooth caramel notes with the sultry richness of fat-washed decadence, this drink isn’t just a cocktail—it’s an experience. It invites conversation, evokes nostalgia, and delivers satisfaction on a sensory level that lingers long after the glass is empty. This is a drink for those who appreciate craftsmanship, who aren’t afraid to experiment, and who understand that the magic often lies in the details.

The interplay between the salty bite of bacon and the subtle sweetness of muddled sugar, enhanced by the bitter complexity of Angostura and brightened with citrus zest, makes for a cocktail that’s layered, intriguing, and utterly unforgettable. It bridges the gap between kitchen and bar, comfort and sophistication, indulgence and refinement. Whether you’re entertaining guests with a flair for the gourmet, winding down with a nightcap that truly hits the spot, or seeking the perfect statement drink to elevate your cocktail menu, the Bacon Bourbon Old Fashioned rises to the occasion every single time.

In a world filled with fleeting trends and overcomplicated concoctions, this drink stands as a testament to the power of simplicity, elevated with intention. It honors tradition while pushing boundaries. So the next time you’re in the mood for something extraordinary, let this smoky masterpiece remind you that sometimes the best flavors come from the most unexpected pairings. Cheers to bacon, bourbon, and beautiful balance in every glass—a true tribute to flavor, craftsmanship, and indulgence.

Bacon Bourbon Old Fashioned: A Smoky Twist on a Classic Cocktail

Author: Imili Johnson

Print Recipe

Ingredients

2 oz Bourbon (fat-washed with bacon for best results)
1 sugar cube
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Ice cubes or a large ice sphere
1 strip of cooked bacon (for garnish)
Orange peel (for garnish)

Optional:

Maple syrup (substitute for sugar cube for richer sweetness)
Orange bitters (for added citrus brightness)

Instructions

Step 1: Fat-Wash Your Bourbon

Optional—but highly recommended for the full bacon experience.

Cook bacon in a pan until crisp. Reserve the rendered fat.
In a jar, combine 2 oz bacon fat (cooled but still liquid) with 750 ml bourbon (or enough to fully infuse).
Seal the jar and let it sit at room temperature for 4–6 hours.
Transfer to the freezer and chill overnight. The fat will solidify.
Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove solids. Your bacon-infused bourbon is now ready!

Step 2: Build the Drink

Place 1 sugar cube in a mixing glass.
Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and a few drops of water.
Muddle until the sugar dissolves into a paste.
Add 2 oz bacon-infused bourbon.
Fill the glass with ice and stir for about 20–30 seconds until well-chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.

Step 3: Garnish Like a Pro

Orange Peel: Express the peel over the drink to release oils, then drop it in.
Bacon Strip: Add a cooked strip of bacon for dramatic presentation and an edible bonus.

Notes

Nutrition

Calories: 190
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 2g
Protein: 2g