Bacon Fat Washed Bourbon + Maple Bacon Old Fashioned

From breakfast to cocktail hour: the art of fat washing & mastering the Maple Bacon Old Fashioned

If you’ve ever wished your cocktail could taste like Saturday morning brunch, smoked bacon, warm maple syrup, and bourbon in hand, this recipe is for you. We’re diving into one of my favorite cocktail techniques: fat washing, and using it to create a Maple Bacon Old Fashioned that’s rich, savory, and perfectly cozy for fall or winter sipping.

What Is Fat Washing?

Fat washing is one of those behind-the-bar secrets that sounds more complicated than it actually is. The process involves infusing a spirit with a fat, like bacon grease, browned butter, or coconut oil, to carry over those rich, savory, or nutty flavors without leaving the drink oily or heavy.

Essentially, fat washing allows you to extract the aromatic compounds from the fat (the good stuff) into the alcohol. Once chilled, the fat solidifies on top and is removed, leaving behind a silky, flavored spirit that’s shelf-stable and smooth.

How to Fat Wash Bourbon with Bacon

Tools you’ll need:

• Pour-over stand, for straining

• Coffee Filters

• Weck Jars

You’ll Need:

• 4–5 slices of thick-cut bacon

• 2 cups (about 500 ml) bourbon (I love Still Austin, Woodford Reserve, or your favorite mid-range bottle)

Instructions:

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp, reserving about 1.5 ounces (3 tablespoons) of rendered bacon fat. Let it cool slightly.

2. Combine the warm bacon fat and bourbon in a large jar or sealable container. Stir or swirl to mix.

3. Let it sit at room temperature for 4–6 hours to infuse.

4. Freeze overnight. As it chills, the fat will solidify on top.

5. Skim and strain. Remove the solid fat layer and strain the bourbon through a coffee filter or fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth.

6. Store in a sealed jar, it’ll keep at room temperature for weeks or longer in the fridge.

The result? A bourbon that smells subtly smoky, with a velvety texture and a hint of bacon richness that makes it irresistible.

Maple Bacon Old Fashioned Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bacon Fat Washed Bourbon

• 1/4 or 1/2 oz Maple Syrup, depending on sweetness preference

• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

• Garnish: Orange peel + crispy bacon slice (optional, but fun)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine the bacon-washed bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters.

2. Add ice and stir until chilled and slightly diluted, about 20–30 seconds.

3. Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.

4. Express an orange peel over the drink and garnish with it. If you’re feeling extra, add a crisp piece of bacon for that smoky aroma.

Why Fat Wash?

Think of fat washing as adding depth to your cocktails. It brings a layer of complexity you can’t achieve with syrups or bitters alone. It’s a little unexpected, with an umami warmth that lingers.

Here are a few flavor pairings that work beautifully:

• Bacon fat → Bourbon or rye whiskey

• Brown butter → Rum or whiskey

• Coconut oil → Tequila or gin

• Olive oil → Vodka or gin

• Sesame oil → Whiskey or mezcal

Each fat introduces a different personality: smoky, nutty, tropical, or toasty, depending on what you’re going for.

The key is always balance, you want the fat to enhance the spirit, not overpower it. Start small, taste, and adjust.

This is also a great gift idea! Make a big batch, bottle it up, label it, and gift it this holiday season!

Xx, Happy Hosting!