Smoked cocktails are a fusion of flavors, combining the rich aroma of wood smoke with your favorite drink. Choosing the right wood for smoking can greatly impact the flavor profile of your cocktails.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the art of selecting wood for smoking cocktails and provide a detailed table suggesting various woods, their smoking benefits, and the perfect cocktails to complement them.
We’ll also discuss step by step instructions to make a smoked cocktail and also describe the ingredients and tools needed, including the cocktail smoker, aka smoking gun. First off, we’ll discuss how to choose wood for smoking cocktails for the tastiest results.
The Best Woods For Smoked Cocktails
When it comes to smoking cocktails, different woods impart unique flavors and aromas. You’ll need small wood chips or chunks which you can source in commercially sold bags just like the ones you’d use in a food smoker.
NOTE: While smoking foods involves using a wood smoker that is typically used outdoors, smoking a cocktail involves a smaller handheld smoker gun which you can use indoors.
Here’s a table to help you choose the perfect wood for your smoked cocktails:
| Wood Type | Smoking Benefits | Cocktail Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Hickory | – Robust, smoky flavor | – Smoked Old Fashioned |
| – Works well with bourbon and whiskey | – Smoked Maple Bourbon Sour | |
| – Complements barbecue and earthy notes in cocktails | – Smoked Blackberry Whiskey Smash | |
| Applewood | – Mild, sweet, and fruity aroma | – Smoked Applewood Whiskey Sour |
| – Pairs beautifully with brandy, bourbon, and rum | – Smoked Apple Cider Margarita | |
| – Ideal for adding a subtle fruitiness to your drinks | – Smoked Applewood Negroni | |
| Cherrywood | – Sweet and slightly tart flavor | – Smoked Cherrywood Manhattan |
| – Enhances the character of aged spirits like rye and Scotch | – Smoked Cherrywood Sangria | |
| – Perfect for crafting sweeter, dessert-style cocktails | – Smoked Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned | |
| Cedar | – Woodsy and aromatic notes | – Smoked Cedar Gin and Tonic |
| – Best suited for gin-based cocktails | – Smoked Lavender Gin Fizz | |
| – Adds a touch of elegance and complexity to drinks | – Smoked Cedar-Infused Vodka Martini | |
| Mesquite | – Intense, smoky flavor | – Smoked Mesquite Margarita |
| – Complements tequila and mezcal | – Smoked Mesquite Pineapple Whiskey Sour | |
| – Pairs well with spicy and citrusy cocktails | – Smoked Mesquite Paloma | |
| Oak | – Subtle smokiness with vanilla and caramel undertones | – Smoked Oak Barrel-Aged Negroni |
| – Enhances the natural oakiness in whiskey and bourbon | – Smoked Oak Bourbon Manhattan | |
| – Adds depth and complexity to classic cocktails | – Smoked Oak Barrel-Aged Martinez | |
| Maple | – Sweet, mellow smoke with hints of maple syrup | – Smoked Maple Old Fashioned |
| – Complements Canadian whisky and aged rum | – Smoked Maple Rum Sour | |
| – Perfect for dessert cocktails and coffee-based drinks | – Smoked Maple Espresso Martini |
Step By Step Instructions To Make A Smoked Cocktail
Making a smoked cocktail involves infusing your cocktail with the aromatic flavors of wood smoke. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a basic smoked cocktail using a smoking gun, which is a common method for infusing smoky notes into your drink:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (60 ml) of your preferred spirit (e.g., whiskey, bourbon, tequila)
- 1 oz (30 ml) of simple syrup or flavored syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2-3 dashes of bitters (optional)
- Ice
- Wood chips (e.g., hickory, applewood, cherrywood)
- Smoking gun
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Ingredients:
- Measure the spirit, syrup, and bitters into a mixing glass or cocktail shaker.
- Add ice to chill the ingredients.
- Select Your Wood Chips:
- Choose the type of wood chips that will complement your cocktail’s flavor. Different woods impart distinct smoky notes.
- Choose the type of wood chips that will complement your cocktail’s flavor. Different woods impart distinct smoky notes.
- Set Up the Smoking Gun:
- Place a small quantity of wood chips into the chamber of the smoking gun.
- Position the hose or nozzle of the smoking gun into the mixing glass or shaker containing your cocktail ingredients.
- Infuse with Smoke:
- Ignite the wood chips in the smoking gun, creating a steady flow of smoke.
- Allow the smoke to fill the mixing glass or shaker with your cocktail ingredients. You can gently swirl the mixture to help evenly distribute the smoke.
- Seal and Rest:
- Once the cocktail is infused with smoke, seal the mixing glass or shaker with a lid or plastic wrap to trap the smoke inside.
- Allow the cocktail to rest for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the smoky flavors to infuse.
- Strain and Serve:
- Remove the lid or plastic wrap, and strain your smoked cocktail into a chilled glass filled with ice or serve it neat, depending on your preference.
- Optionally, garnish with a citrus twist, a cherry, or a sprig of fresh herbs.
- Enjoy: Sip and savor the unique smoky aroma and flavor of your cocktail.
Remember that the intensity of the smoky flavor can be adjusted by varying the amount of time you expose the cocktail to the smoke and the quantity of wood chips used. Experiment with different wood types and cocktails to find your perfect smoky concoction.
How To Use A Cocktail Smoker Gun And Why It’s Important
A cocktail smoker or cocktail smoking gun, in the context of cocktail making, is a handheld kitchen device used to infuse cocktails and other culinary creations with aromatic wood smoke. It allows you to add a layer of smoky flavor and aroma to your drinks, enhancing their complexity and appeal. Here’s how it works:
- Device Overview: A smoking gun typically consists of a chamber for wood chips or sawdust, a hose or nozzle for directing the smoke, and a fan or motor to create airflow.
- Wood Chips: You place a small quantity of wood chips or sawdust into the chamber of the smoking gun. Various wood types, such as hickory, applewood, cherrywood, and cedar, can be used to impart distinct smoky flavors.
- Ignition: The wood chips are ignited, either manually or electronically, creating a controlled burn that generates smoke.
- Directed Smoke: The smoke is then directed through the hose or nozzle, allowing you to introduce it into a sealed container, such as a cocktail shaker, a glass, or a cloche, where your cocktail ingredients are placed.
- Infusion: The smoke infuses your cocktail or other culinary creations with its smoky essence, enhancing the overall flavor and aroma.
Smoking guns are a favorite tool among mixologists and chefs for their ability to add complexity and depth to cocktails, dishes, and even desserts. They provide a theatrical and sensory experience for both the creator and the consumer, making smoked cocktails a popular choice in craft cocktail bars and upscale dining establishments.
Smoking Cocktail Gun Brands And Manufacturers To Choose From
The easiest way to make smoked cocktails is by using a smoking gun. Here’s a table comparing some popular manufacturers and brands of smoking cocktail smoke guns, along with their benefits:
| Manufacturer | Brand | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Breville | The Smoking Gun | – Compact and portable design – Adjustable smoke intensity – Easy to use and clean – Versatile for various ingredients |
| PolyScience | The Smoking Gun Pro | – Professional-grade smoke gun – Precise temperature control – Large capacity smoke chamber – Durable construction |
| Gourmia | Gourmia GMSG245 | – Affordable option – Compact and lightweight – Adjustable smoke intensity – Suitable for both cocktails and food |
| Homia | Homia Smoking Gun | – Easy one-button operation – Compact and lightweight – Versatile for cocktails, food, and drinks – Comes with wood chips and dome cover |
| Breville | Breville BSM600SIL | – Dual functionality as a smoker and infuser – Adjustable smoke intensity and time – Large smoke chamber – Sleek and modern design |
Please note that the “best” smoking cocktail smoke gun may vary depending on individual preferences and specific needs. It’s recommended to read customer reviews, consider the features that are most important to you, and choose a smoke gun that suits your requirements and budget.
Tips for Smoking Cocktails
- Choosing the Wood: Consider the base spirit and flavor profile of your cocktail when selecting wood. Experimentation is key to finding your preferred wood-smoked flavor.
- Preparation: Soak wood chips or chunks in water for about 30 minutes before smoking. This helps control the intensity of the smoke.
- Containment: Use a smoking gun or a closed container to capture the smoke and infuse it into your cocktail.
- Timing: Smoke your cocktail for the appropriate duration. A few minutes can make a noticeable difference, so taste as you go.
- Balancing Act: Remember that smoking can be intense, so ensure your smoked cocktail remains well-balanced and not overwhelmed by the smoky aroma.
With these wood choices and tips, you can elevate your cocktail game by adding a layer of complexity and a delightful smoky twist to your favorite drinks. Explore different wood-smoked cocktails, and let your taste buds embark on a flavorful journey.
Final Thoughts
A smoked cocktail is a type of cocktail that incorporates the use of wood smoke to enhance its flavor, aroma, and overall drinking experience. In a smoked cocktail, the smoke is introduced to the cocktail either by infusing the ingredients with smoke or by using a smoking device to add smoky notes to the drink.
How to choose wood for smoked cocktails is a combination of what woods you have available to easily source as well as deciding what taste and flavor profile you’re looking for.
Here’s how smoked cocktails are typically prepared:
- Wood Selection: Different types of wood, such as hickory, applewood, cherrywood, cedar, or mesquite, are chosen based on their distinct flavor profiles.
- Smoking Process: The chosen wood is either burned or smoldered to create smoke. This smoke is then captured or directed toward the cocktail to infuse it with smoky flavors.
- Smoking Device: There are various methods for smoking cocktails, including using a smoking gun, a smoke box, or even a cloche to contain the smoke and direct it into the cocktail.
- Infusion: The cocktail ingredients, such as spirits, syrups, or garnishes, are exposed to the smoke, allowing them to absorb the smoky essence.
- Mixing: After the infusion process, the cocktail is mixed and prepared as usual, combining the smoky elements with other flavor components.
Smoked cocktails offer a unique and complex flavor profile that can range from subtly smoky to intensely aromatic, depending on the wood type and smoking technique used. They are known for their intriguing and multidimensional taste, making them a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts and mixologists alike.