If you loved roasting marshmallows for s’mores over a campfire as a kid, then you’ll love this s’mores old fashioned as an adult! It’s all the classic flavors of toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and graham crackers on a smoky bourbon whiskey base that’s perfect for sipping by the fire!
Why Make a S’Mores Old Fashioned?
A s’mores old fashioned, also sometimes known as a campfire old fashioned, is a fun and whimsical twist on the classic cocktail, blending the rich, smoky flavors of bourbon with the nostalgic taste of s’mores.
This variation of the traditional drink adds chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker elements, creating a dessert-like experience while maintaining the depth and warmth of an old fashioned (which kind of reminds me of the fire-roasted notes of the dessert)!
Making a s’mores old fashioned is perfect for those who love bourbon-based drinks with a touch of sweetness. The addition of chocolate bitters, toasted marshmallow syrup, or even a hint of smoked cinnamon brings a cozy campfire feel to each sip.
It’s a perfect alcoholic beverage for the adults to enjoy on warm summer nights by the bonfire, or nights in front of the fireplace for the fall and winter!
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Ingredients Needed
- 2 ounces bourbon or whiskey
- ½ ounce toasted marshmallow syrup (such as Torani)
- 2-3 dashes chocolate bitters (or mole)
For Garnish (Optional)
- Toasted marshmallow
- 1 Tbsp crushed graham crackers
- Extra syrup (for the rim)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Your favorite bourbon or whiskey is the perfect choice – I like one with nice smoky notes to give it that campfire feel! You can also use a s’mores flavored whiskey (like Bird Dog or Southern Tier), or a marshmallow variety for extra flavor!
- For a creamier drink, add ½ ounce of creme de cacao for chocolate flavor, or Rumchata for a hint of cinnamon! This is also a good way to cut the strength of the bourbon if you find it too strong
- If you are adding the graham cracker rim, you can use a little extra marshmallow syrup, simple syrup, chocolate syrup, honey, or anything similar that you like!
Equipment Notes
I use a food processor to crush graham crackers for the rim, but you can add them to a Ziploc and crush them with a rolling pin or mallet, or just buy graham crumbs instead!
If you want to add a toasted marshmallow garnish, you can toast it over an open flame (like a gas stove, grill, or similar), or use a kitchen torch to get that perfect browning!
Step By Step Instructions
- To rim your glass, dip the top edge into a little marshmallow syrup (or similar) to wet it. Then, dip the wet edge into a plate or bowl with the graham crumbs, and turn to coat. You can also use a brush or dip the side of the glass in the wet ingredient and press it into the crumbs to coat the side of the glass for a fun look
- Add the bourbon and marshmallow syrup to the glass, and stir to combine
- Shake 2-3 drops of chocolate bitters over the top
- Add a large ice cube, then finish with a garnish of a bruleed marshmallow or cinnamon stick (optional) and enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Savory Pairings
- Smoked Meats or Charcuterie: Think bourbon-glazed bacon, smoked brisket sliders, or a charcuterie board with aged cheeses and cured meats! The smoky notes in the cocktail mirror those in the meat
- Salted Nuts or Pretzels: These offer a salty crunch that contrasts nicely with the sweet, rich cocktail
- Gourmet Flatbreads: Especially ones with blue cheese, caramelized onions, or prosciutto for a sweet-and-savory match
Sweet Pairings
- Chocolate Desserts: Brownies, flourless chocolate cake, or chocolate lava cake work beautifully with the cocktail’s cocoa notes! You can make Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Lava Cake for a quick option!
- Toasted Marshmallow or S’mores-Inspired Treats: Think cookies, cupcakes, or even a s’mores tart for a thematic pairing (I’ll add some of my favorites below)!
- Caramel or Butterscotch Desserts: Bread pudding, crème brûlée, or caramel-dipped fruit match the warm, vanilla-caramel tones of the bourbon. You can make Air Fryer Creme Brulee, Butterbeer Fudge, or Caramel Candied Strawberries for some delicious options!
Seasonal Pairings
- Autumn Flavors: Pumpkin pie, sweet potato casserole, or spiced nuts complement the cozy, campfire feel
- Winter Treats: Gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, or fig and date cake work well with the cocktail’s richness. Try my Microwave Peppermint Bark and Gingerbread Fudge for a quick preparation!
Recipe FAQs
How To Make A Non Alcoholic Version
To create a non-alcoholic s’mores old fashioned, use a zero-proof whiskey or a mix of black tea and a splash of apple cider as the base.
Add a little toasted marshmallow or chocolate syrup, and finish with non-alcoholic bitters or a dash of vanilla extract. Serve over ice and garnish with a toasted marshmallow for the full effect.
What Is the Secret to a Good Old Fashioned?
The secret to a great old fashioned is balance—using quality whiskey, a hint of sweetness from sugar or syrup, and a couple of dashes of aromatic bitters.
Stirring well over ice and garnishing with a citrus peel (or something creative like a toasted marshmallow in this themed version) ensures a smooth, flavorful finish.
What Else Can I Mix With S’mores Whiskey?
S’mores whiskey has rich notes of chocolate, vanilla, and toasted marshmallow, so it pairs well with mixers that complement those dessert flavors.
Try it with coffee liqueur, chocolate bitters, or cream-based liqueurs. You can also mix it with cola or use it in a twist on a White Russian or hot cocoa for a cozy treat!
Tips For the Best Campfire Old Fashioned
- An old fashioned is considered quite strong due to the ratio of mixers to alcohol. If you find the drink too strong, cut it with cold water, club soda, or a cream liqueur with chocolate or cinnamon notes
- Use a large ice cube for best results so that it chills the drink but melts slowly to prevent over-dilution. I use a 2” cube mold, but a sphere is a nice option as well!
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Any type of lowball glassware, like a rocks glass, whiskey, or old fashioned glass is great for this recipe. Use cut glass for an elegant look, or a smooth sided glass if you want to add crumbs to an entire side!
- While garnishes are optional, I love to add a toasted marshmallow! Other nice choices are chocolate shavings, a cinnamon stick, a slice of orange (or twist of peel), toasted nuts like pecans, or even a slice of cooked smoky bacon!
- Crown Salted Caramel Old Fashioned
Final Thoughts
This s’mores old fashioned is a delicious bourbon cocktail inspired by the classic campfire dessert! With graham, marshmallow, and chocolate notes on a toasted whiskey base which has natural caramel flavors, it’s the perfect adult way to enjoy a childhood treat.
Of course, you can customize it just like a s’more by using different flavors of whiskey, or adding fun finishing touches like cinnamon, maple, or even some smoky bacon!
I like to serve this drink when we’re sitting around the bonfire on those warm summer nights, but it’s equally good for fall and winter – even the holiday season! Enjoy one in front of the fireplace for a cozy cool night.
Katie’s tip
If you’re interesting in more dessert drinks, then don’t miss my collection of delicious S’mores Cocktails!
S’mores Old Fashioned (Easy Bourbon Whiskey Recipe)
Equipment
- Old fashioned glass (or similar)
- Kitchen torch (optional; for toasted marshmallow garnish)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon or whiskey
- ½ ounce toasted marshmallow syrup
- 2-3 dashes chocolate bitter (or mole)
- Large ice cube
For Garnish (Optional)
- 1 Tbsp graham cracker crumbs (amount approximate)
- Extra syrup (for the rim)
- 1 large marshmallow (toasted)
Instructions
- To rim your glass, dip the top edge into a little marshmallow syrup (or similar) to wet it. Then, dip the wet edge into a plate or bowl with the graham crumbs, and turn to coat. You can also use a brush or dip the side of the glass in the wet ingredient and press it into the crumbs to coat the side of the glass for a fun look1 Tbsp graham cracker crumbs, Extra syrup
- Add the bourbon and toasted marshmallow syrup to the glass, stirring to combine2 ounces bourbon or whiskey, ½ ounce toasted marshmallow syrup
- Shake 2-3 drops of chocolate bitters over the top2-3 dashes chocolate bitter
- Add a large ice cube, then finish with a garnish of a bruleed marshmallow (use a kitchen torch or a campfire) or cinnamon stick (optional) and enjoy!Large ice cube, 1 large marshmallow
Notes
- Your favorite bourbon or whiskey is the perfect choice – I like one with nice smoky notes to give it that campfire feel! You can also use a s’mores flavored whiskey (like Bird Dog or Southern Tier), maple flavor, or a marshmallow variety for extra flavor!
- For a creamier drink, add ½ ounce of creme de cacao for chocolate flavor, or Rumchata for a hint of cinnamon! This is also a good way to cut the strength of the bourbon if you find it too strong
- If you are adding the graham cracker rim, you can use a little extra marshmallow syrup, simple syrup, chocolate syrup, honey, or anything similar that you like as the “wet” element
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
