Warm Up Your Summer Nights with a S’mores Old Fashioned 🥃🔥

Summer nights are perfect for gathering around a fire pit, and we’ve got just the cocktail to make those moments even sweeter: a S’mores Old Fashioned 🥃. This inventive twist on the classic Old Fashioned brings all the nostalgic flavors of a campfire s’more. Think chocolate, marshmallow, and a touch of smoky warmth right into your glass. Made with Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel bourbon, it’s a cozy yet sophisticated drink that’s ideal for sipping under the stars. Let’s dive into the recipe and why this cocktail is the perfect addition to your summer evenings!

Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

The S’mores Old Fashioned takes everything you love about the classic cocktail and gives it a playful, campfire-inspired makeover. The bourbon provides a rich, oaky backbone, while vanilla simple syrup and cocoa bitters add a dessert-like sweetness. A toasted marshmallow garnish brings the s’mores vibe full circle, making this drink as fun to look at as it is to sip. It’s the perfect balance of strong and sweet, with a nostalgic twist that’ll have you reminiscing about summer campfires and gooey marshmallows.

This cocktail is also a great way to switch things up if you’re a fan of traditional Old Fashioneds. It’s familiar enough to feel classic but unique enough to impress your guests at your next summer gathering.

The Recipe: S’mores Old Fashioned

Here’s our signature recipe to bring a taste of the campfire to your cocktail glass.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon (Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel recommended)
• 1/2 oz vanilla simple syrup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Few dashes of cocoa bitters
• Ice, for stirring
• Garnish: toasted marshmallow

Instructions

1. Mix the Base: In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, vanilla simple syrup, brown sugar, and a few dashes of cocoa bitters. Stir gently to dissolve the brown sugar.
2. Add Ice and Stir: Add ice to the mixing glass and stir for about 20–30 seconds to chill and dilute the drink slightly, bringing all the flavors together.
3. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. The big ice cube helps keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.
4. Garnish with a Toasted Marshmallow: Toast a marshmallow until golden and gooey (you can use a kitchen torch or carefully toast it over a flame). Place it on the rim of the glass or skewer it for a fun presentation.
5. Sip and Savor: Take a sip and let the flavors of bourbon, vanilla, and chocolatey cocoa bitters transport you to a cozy campfire scene. It’s pure magic in a glass!

Pro Tip

If you don’t have vanilla simple syrup, you can make your own by heating equal parts sugar and water with a splash of vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool before using. Also, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, rim the glass with crushed graham crackers for the full s’mores experience!

Why Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel?

We chose Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel bourbon for this recipe because of its unique flavor profile. The toasted barrel aging process gives it rich notes of caramel, marshmallow, toasted oak, and a subtle smokiness that perfectly complement the s’mores theme. It adds a depth that makes this cocktail feel warm and inviting, just like a campfire. If you don’t have Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, you can use another bourbon with a similar profile, something like Woodford Reserve Double Oaked or Knob Creek Smoked Maple would work well. Just aim for a bourbon with a bit of sweetness and smokiness to enhance the s’mores flavors.

A Cozy Twist for Summer Evenings

Even though it’s summer, there’s something so comforting about bringing a little campfire magic to your evenings. The S’mores Old Fashioned is the perfect drink for those cooler nights when you’re gathered with friends, sharing stories and enjoying the glow of a fire pit. The toasted marshmallow garnish not only adds flavor but also makes this cocktail a conversation starter.

Perfect Pairings

This cocktail is a dessert drink at heart, so pair it with snacks that complement its sweet, smoky vibe. A charcuterie board with dark chocolate, graham crackers, and some smoked cheeses would be a fun nod to the s’mores theme. If you’re hosting a gathering, you could also serve it alongside a tray of mini sliders or some grilled skewers—the savory flavors will balance the drink’s sweetness. And if you really want to lean into the campfire theme, set up a s’mores station with marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers for your guests to enjoy!

Final Thoughts

The S’mores Old Fashioned is more than just a cocktail, it’s a nostalgic experience that brings the best of summer campfires right to your glass. Its rich, smoky bourbon base and sweet, chocolatey notes make it a standout for any summer night, whether you’re hosting a backyard bonfire or just winding down after a long day. We’ve already made it a favorite in our cocktail rotation, and we’re pretty sure it’ll become one of yours too.

Have you tried a s’mores-inspired cocktail before? Or do you have your own twist on an Old Fashioned? Drop a comment below; we’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you make this recipe, be sure to tag us on social media so we can see your creations. Cheers to summer sipping!