Smoked cocktails have become a popular trend in craft bars, adding a unique and flavorful twist to traditional drinks. While it may seem intimidating to try making smoked cocktails at home, it's actually quite simple with the right tools. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making smoked cocktails and recommend some of the best cocktail smokers on the market.
What You Need to Make Smoked Cocktails
To make smoked cocktails at home, you will need the following tools:
- A cocktail smoker
- Wood chips
- Glass cloche or dome
- Drinking glasses
- Cocktail ingredients
The cocktail smoker is the key tool for infusing your drinks with smoke. There are several options available, but we have selected some of the best ones for you to consider.
Best Overall: Breville PolyScience The Smoking Gun Pro
The Breville PolyScience The Smoking Gun Pro is a highly versatile cocktail smoker that is easy to use and clean. It features a large burn chamber, allowing you to smoke multiple cocktails at once. The flexible silicone hose makes it easy to direct the smoke where you want it, and variable speeds allow you to control the intensity of the smoke. The stainless steel barrel and burn chamber are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. Overall, this smoker offers excellent performance, ease of use, and value.
Best Showpiece: Crafthouse by Fortessa Cocktail Smoking Box
If you're looking for a cocktail smoker that doubles as a showpiece, the Crafthouse by Fortessa Cocktail Smoking Box is the perfect choice. This smoker not only adds smoky flavor to your drinks but also elevates the presentation. The glass box is surrounded by stainless steel, creating a stunning visual effect. While it may be a bit challenging to clean, this smoker delivers impressive performance and creates a lot of smoky flavor.
Best Starter Kit: MITBAK Smoking Gun with Dome Lid and Woodchips
If you're new to smoking cocktails, the MITBAK Smoking Gun with Dome Lid and Woodchips is an excellent starter kit. It includes everything you need to start smoking cocktails right away, including a smoking gun, domed cloche, wood chips, and a detachable hose. The smoke infuser fan has three variable settings, allowing you to control the intensity of the smoke. The cloche is dishwasher safe and the unit is rechargeable, making it convenient to use. Keep in mind that the cloche may not fit tall glasses, so consider your glassware when using this kit.
How to Smoke Cocktails
Now that you have your cocktail smoker and other tools ready, it's time to start smoking your cocktails. Follow these steps:
- Prepare your cocktail ingredients as you normally would.
- Place your cocktail glass or glasses on a flat surface.
- Add your desired amount of wood chips to the burn chamber of your smoker.
- Light the wood chips using a lighter or torch.
- Place the glass cloche or dome over the cocktail glass(es) to capture the smoke.
- Insert the flexible hose of the smoker into the hole on the cloche or dome.
- Turn on the smoker and let the smoke fill the glass(es) for a few seconds.
- Remove the smoker and cloche or dome, and your smoked cocktail is ready to be enjoyed!
Remember to use cold smoke rather than hot smoke, as hot smoke can cook the drink. The amount of smoke you add to your cocktail is a matter of personal preference, so feel free to experiment with different levels of smokiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke any type of cocktail?
Yes, you can smoke any type of cocktail that you like. The smoking process can add an extra layer of flavor to a wide range of drinks, including classics like Old Fashioned and Margaritas, as well as more creative concoctions.
What types of wood chips should I use?
The choice of wood chips will depend on your personal taste preferences. Different types of wood chips, such as cherry, oak, apple, and hickory, can impart unique flavors to your cocktails. It's recommended to experiment with different wood chip varieties to find your favorite combinations.
Can I smoke non-alcoholic drinks?
Absolutely! Smoking cocktails is not limited to alcoholic beverages. You can also smoke non-alcoholic drinks like mocktails, iced teas, and lemonades to add a smoky twist.
Are there any safety precautions I should take?
When using a cocktail smoker, it's important to follow safety guidelines. Ensure that you are in a well-ventilated area when smoking cocktails and avoid inhaling the smoke directly. Additionally, make sure to handle the smoking gun and other tools with care, as they can become hot during the smoking process.
In Conclusion
Making smoked cocktails at home is a fun and creative way to elevate your drink-making skills. With the right cocktail smoker and a few simple steps, you can add a smoky twist to your favorite cocktails. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced mixologist, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. So, grab your cocktail smoker, gather your ingredients, and start experimenting with smoky flavors in your homemade cocktails!
If you want to know other articles similar to How to make smoked cocktails at home: a complete guide you can visit the Smoked cocktails category.
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