Are you ready to take your cocktail game to a whole new level? If yes, then it’s time to dive into the world of smoked cocktail recipes. These unique and flavorful concoctions are not just drinks; they are experiences. This article will guide you through five of the best smoked cocktail recipes that are sure to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
1. Smoked Old Fashioned – A Classic Twist
The Smoked Old Fashioned is a delightful and sophisticated variation of the traditional Old Fashioned cocktail. This cocktail combines the rich, woody notes of bourbon with the spicy and herbal undertones of Angostura bitters. The addition of a citrusy orange peel and the unique twist of infusing the drink with the earthy and aromatic essence of smoke creates a memorable and visually captivating beverage.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Bourbon | 2 oz |
| Sugar cube | 1 |
| Angostura bitters | Few dashes |
| Orange peel | 1 strip |
| Ice | 1 large cube |
| Smoking chips (wood) | Applewood or Hickory |
Method
- Prepare Your Glass: Begin by selecting a sturdy rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass for serving.
- Saturate the Sugar Cube: Place the sugar cube at the bottom of the glass, add a few dashes of Angostura bitters directly onto the sugar cube, and using a muddler or a spoon, gently muddle and saturate the sugar cube with the bitters, as this step is crucial for adding depth and complexity to the cocktail’s flavor.
- Add Ice and Bourbon: Carefully place one large ice cube into the glass, and then pour 2 ounces (about 60 ml) of bourbon over the ice, keeping in mind that the choice of bourbon can significantly impact the flavor of your Smoked Old Fashioned, so you can opt for your favorite brand or try different ones to find your preferred taste.
- Infuse with Smoke: Use a smoking gun or a smoker box with your choice of smoking chips (applewood or hickory work well), ignite the wood chips and let them smolder, cover the glass with a coaster or a lid to trap the smoke inside the glass, and allow the smoke to infuse the drink for approximately one minute, adjusting the time to your preference for a smokier flavor.
- Garnish with Orange Peel: After infusing, remove the cover from the glass, take a strip of orange peel, and express the oils by holding it over the glass, giving it a gentle twist to release the citrus aroma, and then drop the twisted orange peel into the glass as a garnish.
Table of Flavors
To fully appreciate the flavors in a Smoked Old Fashioned, it’s essential to understand the individual taste profiles of its key ingredients:
| Ingredient | Flavor Note |
| Bourbon | Rich, woody |
| Bitters | Spicy, herbal |
| Orange Peel | Citrusy |
| Smoke | Earthy, aromatic |
These flavor notes combine harmoniously to create a complex and well-balanced cocktail. The bourbon provides a robust, woody foundation, while the bitters add a spicy and herbal kick. The orange peel contributes a bright, citrusy freshness, and the infusion of smoke adds an earthy and aromatic depth to the overall taste experience.
2. Mezcal Smoked Margarita – A Zesty Delight
The Mezcal Smoked Margarita is a flavorful and smoky twist on the classic Margarita cocktail. This delightful beverage combines the earthy and smoky notes of mezcal with the zesty freshness of lime juice and the sweetness of agave syrup. The addition of mesquite-smoked infusions adds a unique depth of flavor that sets this cocktail apart.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Mezcal | 2 oz |
| Fresh lime juice | 1 oz |
| Agave syrup | 0.75 oz |
| Salt (for rimming) | As needed |
| Lime wheel (for garnish) | 1 |
| Ice | As needed |
| Smoking chips (mesquite) | Mesquite |
Method
- Rim the Glass: Begin by rimming your margarita glass with salt by taking a lime wedge and running it along the outer rim of the glass. In a separate dish, spread a thin layer of salt, then gently turn the glass upside down, dipping the rim into the salt to create a salted rim. Set it aside.
- Prepare the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces of mezcal, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, and 0.75 ounces of agave syrup, then add ice to the shaker to chill the ingredients and shake vigorously. This step is crucial to ensure proper mixing and cooling of the cocktail.
- Strain into the Glass: Strain the well-shaken cocktail mixture into your prepared margarita glass filled with ice. The ice will help maintain the drink’s temperature and dilution level.
- Smoke the Drink: Utilize a smoking gun or a smoker box with mesquite smoking chips, ignite the mesquite chips and allow them to produce aromatic smoke, cover the margarita glass with a coaster or a lid to trap the mesquite smoke inside, and leave the glass covered for a brief moment to infuse the cocktail with mesquite smoke, adjusting the duration based on your preference for smokiness.
- Garnish with a Lime Wheel: After infusing, remove the cover from the glass. Garnish your Mezcal Smoked Margarita with a lime wheel. This adds a visual and aromatic touch to the drink.
Table of Flavors
Understanding the distinct flavor profiles of the key ingredients is essential to fully appreciate the Mezcal Smoked Margarita:
| Ingredient | Flavor Note |
| Mezcal | Earthy, smoky |
| Fresh Lime Juice | Zesty, citrusy |
| Agave Syrup | Sweet, honey-like |
| Salt (rimming) | Salty (enhances taste) |
| Lime Wheel (garnish) | Citrusy |
| Mesquite Smoke | Smoky, robust |
These flavor notes harmonize beautifully, with the mezcal providing a rich, earthy, and smoky base, complemented by the zesty freshness of lime juice and the sweetness of agave syrup. The salted rim enhances the overall taste, and the mesquite smoke adds a robust smokiness, making this Margarita a truly unforgettable experience for your taste buds.
3. Smoky Martini – Elegance Redefined
The Smoky Martini is a sophisticated and refined twist on the classic Martini cocktail. This elegant beverage seamlessly combines the crispness of gin, the dry sophistication of vermouth, and the unique depth of flavor added by oak-smoked infusion. Topped with a lemon twist garnish, this cocktail is an embodiment of elegance redefined.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Gin | 2 oz |
| Dry vermouth | 0.5 oz |
| Lemon twist (for garnish) | 1 |
| Ice | As needed |
| Smoking chips (oak) | Oak |
Method
- Mix Gin and Vermouth: Begin by combining 2 ounces of gin and 0.5 ounces of dry vermouth in a mixing glass filled with ice, and then stir the mixture well using a bar spoon, as stirring, rather than shaking, is the preferred method for a Martini to maintain its clarity and smooth texture.
- Strain into a Chilled Martini Glass: Using a strainer, carefully strain the well-mixed cocktail into a chilled martini glass. A chilled glass ensures the martini stays cold and refreshing.
- Infuse with Oak Smoke: The defining step of the Smoky Martini is the infusion of oak smoke: Employ oak smoking chips and ignite them to produce fragrant smoke, quickly cover the martini glass with a coaster or a lid to trap the oak smoke inside, and allow the cocktail to sit for a brief moment to imbue it with the rich, smoky essence. You can adjust the duration to suit your desired level of smokiness.
- Garnish with a Lemon Twist: After infusing, remove the cover from the martini glass, and garnish your Smoky Martini with a lemon twist. This addition not only adds a visually pleasing element but also imparts a hint of citrus aroma to elevate the cocktail’s elegance.
Table of Flavors
Understanding the flavor profiles of the key ingredients is essential for a full appreciation of the Smoky Martini:
| Ingredient | Flavor Note |
| Gin | Crisp, botanical |
| Dry Vermouth | Dry, herbal |
| Lemon Twist | Citrusy |
| Oak Smoke | Smoky, woody |
These flavors harmonize to create a martini that is crisp and botanical from the gin, dry and herbal from the vermouth, with a hint of citrusy freshness from the lemon twist. The oak smoke infusion adds a smoky and woody depth, transforming this classic cocktail into an exquisite, smoky sensation.
4. Applewood Smoked Manhattan – A Fruity Adventure
The Applewood Smoked Manhattan is a delightful twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail. This variation combines the boldness of rye whiskey, the sweetness of vermouth, and the aromatic complexity of Angostura bitters, all elevated by the addition of applewood-smoked infusion. Garnished with a cherry, this cocktail promises a fruity adventure for your taste buds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Rye whiskey | 2 oz |
| Sweet vermouth | 1 oz |
| Angostura bitters | Few dashes |
| Cherry (for garnish) | 1 |
| Ice | As needed |
| Smoking chips (applewood) | Applewood |
Method
- Stir the Ingredients: Begin by stirring together 2 ounces of rye whiskey, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice, as stirring allows for proper mixing while maintaining a smooth and velvety texture in the cocktail.
- Strain into a Chilled Glass: Use a strainer to carefully strain the well-mixed Manhattan into a chilled cocktail glass. Chilling the glass beforehand helps maintain the drink’s temperature and enhances the overall experience.
- Infuse with Applewood Smoke: The defining characteristic of the Applewood Smoked Manhattan is the infusion of applewood smoke: Ignite applewood smoking chips to create fragrant smoke, swiftly cover the glass with a coaster or a lid to capture the applewood smoke within, and allow the cocktail to sit for a brief moment, customizing the infusion duration to your preference for smokiness.
- Garnish with a Cherry: Take the lid off the glass once the infusion is complete, and then add a cherry for garnish to your Applewood Smoked Manhattan. The inclusion enhances the cocktail’s aesthetic value while simultaneously imparting a fruity flavor.
Table of Flavors
Understanding the flavor profiles of the key ingredients is vital for appreciating the Applewood Smoked Manhattan:
| Ingredient | Flavor Note |
| Rye Whiskey | Bold, spicy |
| Sweet Vermouth | Sweet, herbal |
| Angostura Bitters | Aromatic, bitter |
| Cherry (garnish) | Fruity |
| Applewood Smoke | Smoky, fruity |
These flavors combine to create a complex and well-balanced cocktail. The rye whiskey contributes bold and spicy notes, the sweet vermouth adds sweetness and herbal complexity, and the Angostura bitters provide aromatic bitterness. The applewood smoke infusion introduces a smoky and fruity depth, elevating this classic Manhattan into a unique and unforgettable drink.
5. Hickory Smoked Negroni – A Bitter-Sweet Symphony
The Hickory Smoked Negroni is a captivating variation of the classic Negroni cocktail. This libation masterfully combines the bitterness of Campari, the richness of sweet vermouth, and the botanical notes of gin, all complemented by the unique depth of flavor added through hickory-smoked infusion. Topped with an orange peel garnish, this cocktail is a harmonious bitter-sweet symphony.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Gin | 1 oz |
| Campari | 1 oz |
| Sweet vermouth | 1 oz |
| Orange peel (for garnish) | 1 |
| Ice | As needed |
| Smoking chips (hickory) | Hickory |
Method
- Combine Gin, Campari, and Vermouth: Begin by combining 1 ounce of gin, 1 ounce of Campari, and 1 ounce of sweet vermouth in a mixing glass filled with ice, and stir the mixture thoroughly with a bar spoon to ensure proper blending of the ingredients.
- Strain over Ice: Using a strainer, carefully strain the well-mixed Negroni into a glass filled with ice. The ice not only chills the drink but also helps in controlling dilution.
- Infuse with Hickory Smoke: The hallmark of the Hickory Smoked Negroni is the infusion of hickory smoke: Ignite hickory smoking chips to produce aromatic smoke, quickly cover the glass with a coaster or a lid to trap the hickory smoke inside, and allow the cocktail to sit for a brief moment, customizing the infusion duration to match your desired level of smokiness.
- Garnish with an Orange Peel: After infusing, remove the cover from the glass, and garnish your Hickory Smoked Negroni with a twist of orange peel. This not only enhances the cocktail’s appearance but also imparts a fragrant citrus aroma.
Table of Flavors
Understanding the flavor profiles of the key ingredients is essential for a complete appreciation of the Hickory Smoked Negroni:
| Ingredient | Flavor Note |
| Gin | Botanical, crisp |
| Campari | Bitter, herbal |
| Sweet Vermouth | Rich, sweet |
| Orange Peel | Citrusy |
| Hickory Smoke | Smoky, robust |
These flavors harmonize beautifully, with the gin contributing botanical and crisp notes, the Campari providing bitterness and herbal complexity, and the sweet vermouth adding richness and sweetness. The hickory smoke infusion introduces a smoky and robust depth, transforming this classic Negroni into a truly unique and unforgettable cocktail.
Conclusion
Smoked cocktail recipes are a fantastic way to add an extra layer of flavor and sophistication to your drinks. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a cocktail enthusiast, these recipes are sure to impress. Remember, the key to a great smoked cocktail lies in balancing the flavors and experimenting with different smoking techniques. So, grab your smoking gun, gather your ingredients, and start exploring the wonderful world of smoked cocktail recipes!
FAQ
Q1: Can I smoke a cocktail without a smoking gun?
Yes, you can use a handheld smoker or even smoke the glass by placing it over smoldering wood chips on a heatproof surface.
Q2: What are the best woods for smoking cocktails?
Popular choices include hickory for a robust flavor, applewood for a sweeter touch, and oak for a classic smokiness. Experiment to find your favorite.
Q3: Are smoked cocktail recipes difficult to make?
Not at all! With the right tools and ingredients, you can easily create these smoked cocktail recipes at home.
Q4: Can I prepare smoked cocktails in advance?
It’s best to smoke cocktails just before serving to enjoy the full aroma and flavor.
Q5: Are there non-alcoholic smoked cocktail recipes?
Absolutely! You can apply the smoking technique to mocktails for a smoky twist.
Q6: How long should I smoke the cocktail?
Typically, 30 seconds to a minute is sufficient, but you can adjust based on your taste preference.