Cocktail of the Week: Twice Smoked Old Fashioned at OZIN

Step inside OZIN, where shadows flicker against dark timber and the air carries whispers of hickory smoke. It’s a place where warmth and sophistication intertwine — where each pour and plate tells a story of fire, craft and flavour. From the first curl of smoke to the final sip, OZIN captures the art of slow indulgence, of savouring moments that linger long after the glass is empty.

Behind the bar, Biraj, OZIN’s master of mixology, has created something that embodies the restaurant’s essence — bold, elemental and unapologetically refined. His signature creation, the Twice Smoked Old Fashioned, is not just a cocktail; it’s a ritual of craftsmanship, theatre and sensory pleasure.

 

The Twice Smoked Old Fashioned is exactly what its name promises — a double embrace of smoke, layered with depth and drama. It begins with the familiar warmth of bourbon whisky, rounded and rich, then deepened by the peaty intensity of Islay whisky. Together, they form a duet of sweetness and smoke — a meeting of Kentucky and the Scottish Isles, played out in perfect harmony.

A touch of maple lends natural sweetness, smooth and fragrant, while aromatic bitters bring balance and complexity. It’s the final flourish — a double-smoking technique using hickory wood and a smoking gun — that transforms the experience from mere drink to performance. As the smoke swirls and lifts, it invites you to ‘drink with your eyes’ before your palate even engages.

Served in a sleek glass decanter, this cocktail commands attention. The ritual begins when the smoke rises — an ephemeral dance that teases the senses and sets the tone for what’s to come. One sip in and you’re met with layers: the caramel warmth of bourbon, the briny whisper of Islay peat, the sweetness of maple and a gentle bitterness that lingers like a memory.

 

It’s a drink that feels both ancient and modern — a nod to the Old Fashioned’s timeless appeal, elevated by contemporary technique. Biraj’s meticulous attention to balance ensures every element has its place: the smoke complements rather than overpowers, the sweetness soothes without cloying and the result is nothing short of alchemy.

Every element of the Twice Smoked Old Fashioned reflects OZIN’s fire-and-smoke philosophy. From the open flames of the kitchen to the glowing embers that define its signature dishes, this cocktail is both an extension and an echo of the restaurant’s culinary rhythm.

It pairs effortlessly with OZIN’s smoked and grilled fare, each sip amplifying the dishes’ charred notes while cutting through their richness. There’s a natural synergy between glass and plate — a shared language of smoke, warmth and sophistication.

What truly sets the Twice Smoked Old Fashioned apart is its visual allure. As the decanter is opened and a swirl of smoke escapes, it feels almost cinematic — a fleeting moment that captures the magic of the bar in motion. It’s this sensory interplay that makes the cocktail not just a drink, but an experience.

 

 

"Drink with your eyes,” says Biraj with a knowing smile and he’s right. Before the first taste, you’re already captivated — drawn in by the spectacle, the scent and the anticipation of that first smoky sip.

The Twice Smoked Old Fashioned isn’t about speed or simplicity — it’s about ritual, craft and connection. It’s the drink you order when you want to slow down, when the conversation turns reflective, when the night feels like it deserves something a little extraordinary.

Rich, contemplative and entirely captivating, this cocktail is the embodiment of OZIN’s philosophy: to ignite the senses, honour tradition and elevate every moment.

At OZIN, it’s not just a cocktail — it’s a story of smoke, fire and elegance, distilled into a glass and designed to be savoured.