Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

I love taking a classic cocktail and giving it a little twist that makes it feel new again.

The Old Fashioned is one of my go-to drinks, but adding a toasted marshmallow just changes everything. This Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned cocktail recipe brings together smoky sweetness and smooth bourbon in a simple, fun way.

You don’t need fancy skills for this one.

If you can toast a marshmallow and stir a drink, you’re more than ready to enjoy this recipe at home.

The warm caramel notes from the marshmallow balance so well with the richness of the bourbon.

Honestly, it’s a drink worth sharing.

I’ll walk you through exactly how to make it, what you’ll need, and how it tastes once all the flavors come together.

Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

I love making this drink because it combines the warmth of bourbon with the sweet, smoky flavor of toasted marshmallows.

It’s a fun twist on a classic cocktail that feels both familiar and a little special.

Equipment

To make this cocktail, I like to keep a few bar tools nearby to keep things simple.

A mixing glass helps me stir the drink evenly, and a cocktail strainer keeps any ice shards out of the final pour.

I usually grab a rocks glass or an old fashioned glass since they’re sturdy and hold large ice cubes really well.

A kitchen torch is pretty important for toasting the marshmallow garnish, but sometimes I use wood chips for an extra smoky effect.

Here’s what I gather:

• Mixing glass
• Cocktail strainer
• Rocks glass or old fashioned glass
• Bar spoon
• Large ice cubes
• Kitchen torch (or lighter)
• Skewer for marshmallows

Ingredients

I try to balance the sweetness with the right mix of spirits and syrups.

Bourbon is the base, and I usually reach for Bulleit or Four Roses Small Batch because they’re smooth, but still have plenty of flavor.

For bitters, I mix angostura bitters with a few drops of chocolate bitters.

The sweet side comes from toasted marshmallow simple syrup, though if I feel like switching things up, vanilla syrup or caramel syrup works too.

Here’s my ingredient list:

• 2 oz bourbon (Bulleit or Four Roses Small Batch)
• 2–3 dashes angostura bitters
• 1–2 dashes chocolate bitters
• 0.5 oz toasted marshmallow simple syrup
• Optional: 1–2 drops vanilla extract
• Large ice cube
• Marshmallow for garnish
• Crushed graham crackers for rim (optional)

Instructions

I start by prepping the glass.

If I want some extra flavor, I lightly rim the edge with caramel syrup and dip it into crushed graham crackers.

Next, I add the bourbon, bitters, and toasted marshmallow syrup to my mixing glass with ice.

I stir for about 20–30 seconds until the drink feels chilled and blended.

Then I strain it into a rocks glass over one large ice cube.

I toast a marshmallow with a kitchen torch, skewer it, and rest it across the top of the glass.

Step-by-step:

• Rim glass with caramel syrup and graham crackers (optional)
• Add bourbon, bitters, and syrup to mixing glass with ice
• Stir 20–30 seconds
• Strain into rocks glass over large ice cube
• Toast marshmallow with torch and garnish

Notes

I’ve found that using a single large ice cube keeps the drink cold without watering it down too quickly.

Smaller cubes just melt too fast and mess with the taste.

The toasted marshmallow syrup adds sweetness, but if I’m in the mood for a less sugary drink, I cut the amount in half.

A drop of vanilla extract can round out the flavor nicely.

If I want a stronger smoky note, I torch the marshmallow a little longer or use wood chips to add aroma.

The graham cracker rim is optional, but honestly, it makes the drink taste like a s’more in cocktail form.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, there’s this familiar warmth of a classic Old Fashioned right up front. The bourbon holds its ground, but the toasted marshmallow brings in a mellow sweetness that’s smooth—not heavy or cloying.

There’s a smoky edge from the toasted sugar that cuts through. I like how it reins in the sweetness and gives me this cozy, fireside vibe, all while sticking to the structure of an Old Fashioned.

I catch a light vanilla note mingling with the bitters. That detail adds a little depth, but it doesn’t wander too far from the heart of the original recipe.

The texture’s a bit richer than usual. That toasted marshmallow syrup rounds things out gently, but the finish stays clean and dry enough that I’m tempted to take another sip.

Flavor highlights I notice:

• Sweetness: toasted sugar, vanilla
• Warmth: bourbon, oak
• Balance: bitters, smoke

Honestly, I appreciate how this version honors the roots of mixology but still sneaks in a playful twist. It’s like a familiar drink that’s got just enough personality to make me slow down and really taste what’s going on.