Smoked cocktails are known for their rich, complex flavors. The degree of smokiness can vary widely depending on the method used and the desired flavor profile of the final product. Whiskey and bourbon are the most common, so this is often referred to as “whiskey smoking,” but any type of drink or cocktail can be smoked.
Whiskey and bourbon in particular are aged in oak barrels that have been charred black by fire on the inside. This is what gives them their deep caramel color. Jack Daniels black label is famously aged for seven years (Old No. 7).
How Does a Cocktail Smoker Work?
Without doing a deep dive into chemistry, smoke likes to adhere to cold surfaces, like the inside of a chilled glass. Smoking cocktails add flavors, aromas, and textures – providing an enhanced experience. If you’ve ever been to a BBQ or spent time around a campfire, you know how the smell of smoke gets infused into your clothing.
Our solid hardwood cocktail smokers are designed to work in two different ways:
Smoke-Rinsing the Glass
This is the more traditional way of smoking a drink, giving a light smoky flavor.
Begin by chilling your glass. A few minutes in the freezer will do the trick. Prepare your smoker by placing a pinch of wood chips into the burn chamber, and ignite them with a butane torch. Avoid any device that uses lighter fluid, which can leave a bad-tasting chemical residue.
Once the glass has filled with smoke, turn it upside down to ensure the smoke adheres to the sides of the glass. Once the smoke has dissipated, pour your drink and enjoy.
Smoke-Infused Cocktail
For a more robust flavor, simply pour your drink over ice and apply smoke directly. Remove the smoker from the rim of the glass, then let it clear away. That last part is important. Drinking a mouthful of smoke isn’t for the faint-hearted!
This method is more suit-to-taste and may require a bit of experimentation to find a flavor that’s right for you. We find that firing the torch for just 2-3 seconds is just about right. It doesn’t take much.
FAQ
What type of wood chips should I use? – This is largely personal preference, depending on what flavor profile you like. Oak is by far the most common, and tends to bring out the best of whiskies and bourbons. Hickory is another solid choice. For mixed drinks, like an Old Fashioned, you may prefer apple or cherry wood chips.
How many wood chips should I use? – It doesn’t take much, just a pinch. Less is more. Don’t fill the entire chamber because you’ll just burn off the top layer of chips and no smoke will penetrate through to the glass.
Can I use something besides wood chips? – Yes! Whole spices, teas, nuts, fruit, and weedy herbs like rosemary, lavender, thyme, and sage are all popular choices.
What kind of torch should I use? – Any decent refillable butane torch. These are also called “culinary torches” or “creme brulee torches” used in high-end kitchens. This is the torch we use at home. It’s cheap and works great. If silver isn’t your thing, it’s available in a wide variety of colors. If you’re looking for something snazzy, we can also vouch for this torch.
Are electric smokers okay? – Electric smokers are kind of…blah. They can be awkward to set up and use, and they lack the character most aficionados appreciate. Perhaps most importantly, they lack flair and panache. You’re not going to impress your guests with an electric smoker.
Having your own cocktail smoker at home means you can enjoy a quality sensory experience without having to hit a nearby bar and pay an upcharge. Our smokers are high quality solid wood with a beautiful, minimalist design that lasts for thousands of uses.
