The Velvet Hog – A Modern Old Fashioned with a Bold Twist
Bourbon is a valued commodity in our home. This Modern Old Fashioned take—our Velvet Hog—is bold, silky, and carries a touch of savory swagger. We rinse the glass with a splash of mezcal before building it. This bourbon-based Modern Old Fashioned layers deep complexity with amaro, chocolate bitters, Luxardo, and, of course, bourbon. It’s the equivalent of a leather chair by a roaring fire—luxurious, comforting, and a bit wild.
Let’s have a look at the liquors in this recipe. There are some interesting combinations here.
Mezcal Rinse – just enough to coat the glass and add a whisper of smoke that lingers on the nose.
Bourbon – brings warmth, caramel and that signature American oak smoothness.
Amaro – a bittersweet Italian herbal liqueur, add depth and complexity with its earthy, citrusy undertones. The cocktail’s brooding backbone.
Luxardo – a cherry based liqueur with nutty, marzipan-lie notes, adds just the right amount of sweetness and intrigue.
Chocolate Bitters – Velvet finish
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Unforgettable Garnish – Candied Bacon; decadent
Balance of sweet, bitter and smoke – The maple and chocolate bitters create a velvety smooth finish and the mezcal offers just a hint of smoke.
Recipe Quick Facts
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time (candied bacon): 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 1 Cocktail (plus a lot of bacon for snacking!)
Occasion: Gentlemen’s Poker Night, Weekend BBQ
What Do You Need
Fresh
- oranges
- bacon
Pantry/Bar
- bourbon
- amaro
- Luxardo Liqueur
- chocolate bitters
- brown sugar
- black pepper
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Serves
1
Ingredients
Cocktail
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz amaro
- 1/4 oz pure maple syrup
- 1/4 oz Luxardo liqueur
- orange peel (for garnish)
- candied bacon (for garnish; recipe below)
Candied Bacon
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
Steps
1
Cocktail: Pour 1/4 oz of Mezcal into your serving glass. Swirl around; getting the liquor up to the edges. Dump the excess out. Add a large ice cube.
Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add bourbon, amaro, maple syrup, Luxardo and chocolate bitters. Stir well until chilled and a little diluted, about 30 seconds.
Strain into your prepared cocktail glass.
Garnish with a twist of orange peel and a strip of candied bacon.
2
Candied Bacon – Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Lay bacon strips a down on foil.
Mix maple syrup with brown sugar to create a paste. Brush over bacon.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until caramelized and crisp. You may need to flip it and spread the paste onto the other side.
Let cool, remove to parchment to fully cool and harden
Expert Tips and Tricks
Good Quality Bourbon: this drink is sprit-forward so you will taste the difference.
Extra Smoky Edge: try using smoked bacon or finishing with a torched orange peel.
Batch the candied Bacon: make your bacon ahead of time and keep it on hand for cocktail magic or serve it as an appetizer.
FAQ
Can I use another liqueur instead of Luxardo? Yes you can sub maraschino or cherry brandy, but Luxardo adds a distinct herbal cherry depth that compliments the amaro.
Do I have to rinse the glass with Mezcal? Mezcal has a strong and specific flavour that may not appeal to some people Feel free to just skip this step. It will just be less smoky.
What’s the best amaro to use? Averna is a great choice, but Montenegro or Nonino also work well depending on your taste for bitter vs. citrusy notes.
Can I make this drink in advance? Absolutely! Stir the base (bourbon, amaro, maple, Luxardo, bitters) ahead and store chilled. Just pour over ice and garnish when ready.
Ingredients
Cocktail
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz amaro
- 1/4 oz pure maple syrup
- 1/4 oz Luxardo liqueur
- orange peel for garnish
- candied bacon for garnish; recipe below
Candied Bacon
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
Cocktail: Pour 1/4 oz of Mezcal into your serving glass. Swirl around; getting the liquor up to the edges. Dump the excess out. Add a large ice cube.
- Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add bourbon, amaro, maple syrup, Luxardo and chocolate bitters. Stir well until chilled and a little diluted, about 30 seconds.
- Strain into your prepared cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel and a strip of candied bacon.
Candied Bacon – Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Lay bacon strips a down on foil.
- Mix maple syrup with brown sugar to create a paste. Brush over bacon.
- Bake 20-25 minutes or until caramelized and crisp. You may need to flip it and spread the paste onto the other side.
- Let cool, remove to parchment to fully cool and harden
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