Beyond Smoke and Mirrors – The Art of Smoking Cocktails
Making great-tasting and great-looking cocktails isn’t about smoke and mirrors; it requires an understanding of cocktail basics. But hey! Using smoke is actually one technique that can elevate your drinks to a whole new level.
What exactly are smoked cocktails?
If you’ve ever been at a bar and witnessed someone being served a smoked cocktail, you know it steals the spotlight. Suddenly, everyone in the room wants one!
Beyond the fact it looks amazing, smoke offers an aromatic layer that can elevate the best of drinks. Imagine the scent of smoldering wood mingling with the rich notes of whiskey or rum, creating a true sensory experience. Amazing, huh?
Best of all, making smoked cocktails yourself at home is simpler than you might think.
What cocktails are best smoked?
First thing’s first, not every cocktail is suited for a smoky makeover. However, two great examples of drinks that work as smoked cocktails are spirit-forward classics like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan.
So, then, what alcohol is best for smoked cocktails? The robust flavors of whiskey and bourbon stand up beautifully to the smoky infusion. Rum-based cocktails can also benefit from a touch of smoke, adding an exotic twist to tropical favorites.
The Ultimate Tool for Smoked Cocktails
Creating smoked cocktails is much easier than you think. Let’s look at one popular method – a smoking gun together with a dome.
The smoking cocktail gun enables you to infuse your drinks with smoke in seconds. To use it, first place your cocktail under a glass dome. Load the gun with wood chips and ignite them, then connect the hose to the gun and insert it through the dome’s opening.
The dome traps the smoke, allowing it to swirl around your drink, creating a captivating visual effect. As the smoke infuses the cocktail, it enhances the aroma, adding depth and complexity to the flavors. This technique turns any cocktail into a showstopper.
Which Wood Would You Choose to Smoke Cocktails?
Whether you choose applewood, oak, or cherry, each type has its own unique flavor profile, adding depth and complexity to your drink.
- Applewood brings a subtle sweetness, perfect for lighter spirits and fruit-forward cocktails.
- Oak, on the other hand, offers a robust, earthy flavor that complements the richness of whiskey and bourbon.
- Cherry wood adds a delicate, fruity note, ideal for rum-based drinks and those seeking a touch of elegance.
How to Smoke Cocktails
While smoking guns are quick and easy to use, we find smoking cocktails with a glass dome to be more effective, adding more depth and character to drinks.
As you’ll see in the video below, on the side of the dome, there’s a small opening designed for inserting the hose connected to a wood smoker. Once the hose is in place, you light the wood chips in the smoker, allowing the smoke to flow through the hose and envelop your drink.
Let’s say you want to create a smoked Old Fashioned. Once you’ve added all the ingredients, including the bourbon, in a mixing glass with ice cubes, stir until perfectly chilled, and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Place the glass on a stable, heatproof serving platter or wooden base.
Next, cover the coupe glass with the dome, light the wood chips in the smoker, and let the smoke work its magic for a moment. Lift the dome to unveil a captivating smoky effect that’s guaranteed to tantalize the senses and elevates your cocktail experience.
Letting the Smoke Settle
How long should you smoke a cocktail? Ah, the age ol’ question. Letting the smoke sit for the right amount of time will make all the difference to your drink. But, of course, it all depends on your desired effect.
Too short, and the smoke won’t have time to infuse your drink; too long, and it may overpower the other flavors.
Aim for a balance, letting the smoke linger just long enough to enhance the aroma and flavor without overwhelming the cocktail.
We recommend experimenting; try smoking your cocktail anywhere between 30 and 60 seconds to find the sweet spot.
Remember, where there’s smoke, there’s flavor! And be careful when using matches or lighters with alcohol – safety first!