Forget the tie. This Father's Day, give Dad an experience in a flask with this complex, smoke-infused twist on his favorite cocktail, crafted by our cocktail expert, Andy Austin.

This Father's Day, we're raising a glass to the dads who are notoriously hard to shop for. The ones who appreciate quality, effort, and a damn good story. That's why in this edition of Campfire Cocktails, our backcountry cocktail expert Andy Austin is crafting something truly special: a Bacon-Fat Washed, Tobacco-Smoked Old Fashioned.

It’s a cocktail that doesn't just taste extraordinary; it tells a story of craftsmanship and character. It’s the perfect project to show Dad you care, and the perfect gift when presented in a High Camp Flask.

Let's get mixing.

Part 1: The Art of Bacon-Fat Washing Bourbon

First, we infuse the bourbon. This might sound intimidating, but the process is simple and the result is a bourbon with a subtle, savory richness that provides an incredible foundation for our Old Fashioned.

What You'll Need:

• 1 bottle of quality bourbon (your favorite mid-range brand will do great)
• ~2 oz rendered bacon fat
• A large mason jar
• Cheesecloth or a coffee filter

The Process:

1. Render the Fat: Cook a few strips of quality bacon until crispy. Set the bacon aside for a snack and save every drop of that liquid gold fat.
2. Infuse: Let the bacon fat cool slightly, then pour it into your mason jar. Add the entire bottle of bourbon, seal the jar, and shake gently.
3. Rest: Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Separate: Place the jar in the freezer overnight. The cold temperature will cause the fat to solidify into a solid disk on top.
5. Strain: Open the jar and carefully remove the solid fat. For maximum purity, strain the now bacon-washed bourbon through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove any remaining solids.

The result is a beautifully smooth, subtly smoky bourbon, ready for the main event.

Part 2: Building the Perfect Father's Day Old Fashioned

Now that your signature bourbon is ready, crafting the cocktail is classic.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bacon-fat washed bourbon
• 1/4 oz simple syrup
• 2-3 dashes of aromatic or tobacco bitters (Scrappy's Tobacco or Black Walnut bitters work beautifully)
• Orange peel for garnish
• Pipe tobacco and a smoking device (optional, but highly recommended)

Method:

1. Combine: In a mixing glass, add the bacon-washed bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters.
2. Stir: Add a generous amount of ice and stir for about 30 seconds until the mixture is perfectly chilled.
3. Strain: Strain the cocktail over a large ice cube in a tumbler or rocks glass.
4. Garnish: Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink, then drop it in.

The Grand Finale: Adding Aromatic Smoke

For a truly memorable presentation, Andy uses pipe tobacco smoke, not to add flavor to the drink, but to create a nostalgic, aromatic experience that evokes a classic gentleman's study.

The Smoking Process:

1. Using a smoking gun or a simple improvised smoker, generate smoke from a small pinch of quality pipe tobacco.
2. Capture the smoke under an overturned rocks glass.
3. Place the glass (still overturned) over your finished cocktail, allowing the drink to sit in the aromatic chamber for about 30 seconds before serving. Lift the glass to reveal the cocktail in a puff of fragrant smoke.

The Perfect Pairing: Why This Cocktail Belongs in a High Camp Flask

This isn't just a home-bar cocktail; it was made for adventure. Pre-batching this Old Fashioned makes it the ultimate portable luxury for Dad. Here’s why a High Camp Flask is the ideal vessel:

• Preserves Perfect Flavor: The rich, complex notes of bacon and smoke are delicate. Our flasks are built with premium, kitchen-grade electropolished stainless steel , which guarantees zero flavor impact. He'll taste his cocktail exactly as you intended, not the ghost of yesterday's coffee.
• The Ideal Gift Set: The Firelight Flask® 375 is perfectly sized for this recipe and includes a magnetically integrated tumbler for a seamless, bar-quality experience anywhere. It’s a complete, ready-to-impress gift.
• For the Serious Enthusiast: Does Dad love his spirits? The Torch Flask is our modern interpretation of the traditional flask, designed specifically for savoring top-shelf spirits. Its screw-off bottom cap allows for easy filling and even adding ice.
• Share the Moment: Making a larger batch for a family gathering or a tailgate? The Firelight Flask® 750 holds an entire bottle of spirits (750ml) and comes with two tumblers , embodying our belief that adventures are best shared with friends.

This Father's Day, give a gift that's as bold, complex, and full of character as he is.

We’d love to see your creations! Tag us on social media @HighCampFlasks and use #CampfireCocktails to share your Father's Day moments.