Smokey Rhubarb Habanero Old Fashioned: The Bold Canadian Cocktail You Need to Try
Get ready to sip on something bold, spicy, and just a little bit smoky—because this Canadian-inspired cocktail is here to elevate your drink experience. Meet Shelley's new favourite drink, the Smokey Rhubarb Habanero Old Fashioned (Canadian Style).
It's everything you love about a classic Old Fashioned, with a twist that will captivate your palate.
In this drink, Shelley has swapped out traditional American bourbon for the smooth, full-bodied Canadian Club 100% Rye (for obvious reasons!). But the true star of this cocktail is Mighty Pines—a woman-made, Canadian product that delivers delicious alcohol-optional craft cocktail mixes. Their Rhubarb Habanero mix offers the perfect balance of tart rhubarb, a hint of fiery habanero, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s the bold kick this classic drink needs.
To complement the bold flavors, Shelley adds a touch of maple syrup (because what’s more Canadian than a splash of maple?), few dashes of Angostura-style bitters (like the Canadian-made House bitters by Kinsip) for perfect depth, and an expressed orange peel for that fresh burst of citrus. The final flourish is a rosemary sprig, gently lit to release a smoky aroma that rounds out the drink with a tantalizing scent, enhancing the cocktail's rich and complex profile (pro tip: use a cocktail smoker to take things to the next level).
If you're looking for an Unboozy Beverage, simply swap out the rye with your favourite alcohol-free spirit. Alternatively, exchange the alcohol for club soda and keep the rosemary unlit for a lighter, unboozy, effervescent drink.
To elevate the experience, quality bar tools make all the difference. A sturdy mixing glass, professional bar spoon, and a sleek strainer ensure you can stir to perfection, creating a smooth, well-blended drink. And, of course, a classic lowball glass provides the ideal vessel to showcase the beauty of this drink and its smoky garnish.
For a truly memorable touch when entertaining, serve your cocktail over a large round ice mold, which chills your drink to perfection while keeping it beautifully presented. If you’re feeling extra festive, try using one of the heart or rose-shaped ice molds sold at Marmalade! These ice molds will ensure your cocktail is dinner-party worthy, adding that final touch of elegance and fun.
Whether you're hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, this all-Canadian cocktail brings together bold, spicy, and smoky notes with a touch elegance. Cheers to a cocktail that’s as refined as it is delicious!
Smokey Rhubarb Habanero Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Canadian Club 100% Rye or Alcohol-Free Spirit
- 1 oz Mighty Pines Rhubarb Habanero mix
- 2 dashes Kinsip House bitters (or any Angostura-style bitters)
- 1/2 oz maple syrup (depending on sweetness preference) *Pro tip: Try Kinsip's Whisky Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup -you won't regret it!
- Orange Peel
- Ice
- A small sprig of rosemary for garnish (adds a smoky aroma when you light it)
Instructions:
- In a mixing glass, combine the Rye (or alcohol-free spirit), Mighty Pines Rhubarb Habanero mix, bitters, and maple syrup. Stir well with ice.
- Strain into a lowball cocktail glass with ice.
- Express the orange peel over the drink (squeeze it to release the oils) and drop it into the glass.
- Light the rosemary sprig with a match and place it on top for a smoky aroma.
Tip: Add a little extra cocktail mix for a spicier flavour and some added sweetness if you find the cocktail a little too boozy.
Alternative Unboozy Bevy
Exchange the Rye for club soda, and keep your rosemary unlit for a lighter, summer-forward drink.
Try the whole lineup of Mighty Pines Craft Cocktail (Mocktail) Mixers available at Marmalade.
