Bolstered by Instagram, which allows the drink to come to life beyond its tabletop presentation, smoky Old-Fashioned cocktails have popped up on drinks menus all over Houston. Want in on the trend? Here, five fashionable spots where this classic whiskey cocktail is crafted for you to inhale and imbibe.
1. Cueva at The Marriott Marquis Houston
Made with a blended house barrel-aged whiskey, this version of the Old-Fashioned is steeped in smoke and plenty of “wow” factor. A large glass dome cloaks the libation in a cloud of hickory vapor, which is revealed in all its glory, complete with a crystal clear ice cube stamped with the bar’s logo amid a waft of misty plume. 1777 Walker St., 713.654.1777, marriott.com
2. Julep
Leave it to bar maestro and Julep owner Alba Huerta to concoct a smoked Old-Fashioned that’s so sultry, it comes in its own miniature glass box. Made of 100-proof bonded bourbon, turbinado syrup, angostura bitters and Abbott’s bitters, the house shrouds the cocktail in cherrywood fumes until such time that the door is opened to uncover the drink inside. 1919 Washington Ave., 713.869.4383, julephouston.com
3. International Smoke
Smoke is infused into every aspect of celebrity chef Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry’s CityCentre hot spot, including the cold-smoked Old Fashioned, a Buffalo Trace bourbon-based cocktail suffused with mesquite and served in a Mason jar that is opened at the table to release the woodsy aroma. 800 Sorella Court, Ste. 940, 713.714.0126, internationalsmoke.com
4. Poitin Bar & Kitchen
Owner Ian Tucker brought the most popular drink from his Dublin-based bar, The Exchequer, to Houston with this smoked Old Fashioned—hickory-smoked Wild Turkey 101 bourbon, maple syrup and angostura bitters served in large glass flask with swirling fumes trapped inside. 2313 Edwards St., Ste. 100, 713.470.6686, poitinhouston.com
5. Yauatcha
Heads will turn for Yauatcha’s cedar maple-smoked Old-Fashioned, which arrives in a gorgeous Riedel O glass topped with a still-smoking cedar paper chip laid atop. Made with a choice of The Balvenie Caribbean cask 14-year or Johnny Walker Blue, maple syrup and aromatic and orange bitters lend dulcet notes to this sexy creation by chief mixologist Tim Weigel. 5045 Westheimer Road, 713.357.7588, yauatcha.com
Photography by: Kelly Puleio Photography
