The Science Lesson That Tells You How Smoked Cocktails Work

Smoke your own cocktails at home

If your mother ever advised you against playing with fire, now might be the moment to set that advice aside. You don’t need to be a skilled bartender or chemist to create your own aromatic concoctions. All you require to begin is a wooden plank and a torch. You can easily find an inexpensive board at your local hardware store, but be cautious to avoid pine, which can have an overpowering scent, or any wood treated with preservatives. The ideal woods for infusing cocktails with smoke include oak, maple, cherry, hickory, and apple, known for their rich smokiness or sweetness. A butane kitchen torch or any torch that produces a narrow, steady flame is perfect for charring the wood plank. If you prefer not to keep purchasing wood from the hardware store, consider getting the Smokeshow cocktail smoker starter bundle available on Amazon.

It's also important to note that not every cocktail is suitable for smoking. The best candidates for a smoky flavor are typically those made with dark spirits like bourbon, whiskey, rum, and añejo mezcal. Classic cocktails such as the Manhattan, old-fashioned, and smoke on the water are excellent choices to experiment with. You can even give your pineapple margarita a smoky twist. For an added depth of flavor, fire up the grill and char fruit slices like peaches and pineapples to enhance your cocktails. Whatever method you choose to smoke your drinks, remember to prioritize safety and enjoy the process!