Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Lydia Martin
There’s something genuinely magical about savoring a cocktail that the subtle allure of smoke has kissed. It adds a layer of complexity, a touch of mystery, and a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Intrigued by the growing popularity of smoked cocktails, we decided to try out some of the best smoked cocktails ourselves. Keep reading and learn about these smoked cocktail recipes.
Top 8 Best Smoked Cocktails To Try At Home
1. Smoked Manhattan Cocktail
Manhattan is a crowd-favorite cocktail [1], and you can level up your favorite recipe with a delightful smoky flavor.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
- 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 oz sweet/red vermouth
- 2 Luxardo Maraschino cocktail cherries
- Cherry wood chips
Instructions: In a cocktail shaker, combine the Bourbon Whiskey, vermouth, and bitters with ice. Stir until well-chilled.
Pour the mixture into a coupe or whiskey glass. Add a pinch of cherry wood chips to the Smoke Lid.
“In the world of cocktails, a little smoke can add a whole lot of intrigue and depth.”-Liquor Laboratory
Place the Smoke Lid on top of the highball glass. Carefully ignite the wood chips until smoke is visible inside the glass. Add smoke on top for a smoky presentation of the smoky cocktail.
Serving: 1
2. Smoked Cherry Old-Fashioned Cocktail
Smoked old-fashioned has rich flavors and a modern twist with the sweet essence of cherries.
Prep Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Campfire Whiskey
- 3 Smoked Cherries
- 1 tsp Smoked Cherry Simple Syrup
- Splash of aromatic bitters
Instructions: Add a spoonful of smoked cherries to the bottom of the glass and muddle them. Add ice, smoked cherry simple syrup, a splash of Anastoga Bitters, and 2 oz of Campfire Whiskey to the glass.
Gently stir the ingredients and serve the Smoked Old Fashioned with an orange peel or a smoked cherry for garnish.
Serving: 1
3. Smoked Manhattan with Cinnamon Cocktail
A delightful blend of bourbon with hints of cinnamon and maraschino cherry sweetness, all infused with a subtle smoky essence.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- ¾ oz sweet vermouth
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 3 dashes of orange bitters
- 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry syrup
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions: Very carefully light the end of the cinnamon stick on fire, then blow it out or let the flame extinguish.
Place the smoking cinnamon stick on a heatproof plate and cover it with an upside-down cocktail glass. In a mixing glass filled with ice, add bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, and cherry syrup.
Stir the mixture well and strain the Manhattan into the smoked cocktail glass.
Serving: 1
4. Smoky Mezcal Negroni
A bold and smoky twist on the classic Negroni, with the perfect balance of Campari, mezcal, and charred orange.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Mezcal
- 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1/4 oz Smoked Simple Syrup
Instructions: In a rocks glass filled with ice, combine Campari, mezcal, sweet vermouth, and smoked simple syrup. Stir the mixture well.
Serving: 1
5. Smoked Wood Margarita
This smoked cocktail boasts a smoky flavor and a refreshing twist on the classic Margarita [2].
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients: 2 oz. Reposado Tequila
- 3/4 oz. Cointreau
- 3/4 oz. Lime Juice
- 1/4 oz. Agave Syrup
- Cherry Wood Smoking Chips
- Coarse Kosher Salt
- Lime Wedges
Instructions:
Fill the chamber of the Smoking Gun Pro with cherrywood chips.
Fill a cock tail shaker with ice, then add all the ingredients. Fill the shaker with dense smoke using the Smoking Gun Pro.
Shake the mixture for 8-10 seconds or until it’s chilled and slightly diluted. Double-strain the cocktail into a coupe glass rimmed with coarse kosher salt. Garnish the cocktail with a lime wedge.
Serving: 1
6. Smoked Bloody Mary with Smoked Bacon
It is a classic Bloody Mary with a twist of smoked tomatoes and crispy bacon.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- Smoked tomatoes
- 3 cups tomato juice
- 5 teaspoons hot sauce
- 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons horseradish
- Juice of 1 whole medium-sized lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 oz vodka
Instructions: Transfer the smoked tomatoes to a food processor or blender and pulse until they are pureed and juiced.
Add the ingredients and stir well to combine. Rim a pint-sized glass with lemon juice, then dip it upside down into the seasoning mixture. For extra flair, consider mixing smoked salt with the seasoning for the glass rim.
Add ice cubes to the glass, pour the vodka, and top with the Bloody Mary mixture. Stir gently. Garnish with smoked bacon, pickled asparagus, a celery stick, and lemon wedges.
Serving: 4
7. Bourbon Toscano
A delightful blend of Kentucky straight bourbon with a unique and smoky twist.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 oz Kentucky straight bourbon
- 1/2 oz Aperol
- 2 dashes of rosemary cocktail spice bitters
- Smoked ice cubes
- Dehydrated rosemary sprig and orange wheel
Instructions:
In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the liquor, Aperol, and smoky rosemary syrup or cocktail spice bitters.
Stir the mixture until well chilled. Strain the cocktail into an Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with a dehydrated or burnt rosemary sprig.
Serving: 1
8. Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita
A smoky and autumn-inspired twist on the classic Margarita.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz mezcal or silver tequila
- 1/2 oz sweet orange liqueur
- 4 oz apple cider
- Cinnamon sugar and flaky sea salt
- 1/2 lime
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup
- Apple slices and cinnamon sticks
Instructions: Combine the mezcal or tequila, orange liqueur, apple cider, lime juice, and maple syrup in a shaker.
Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously to combine all the ingredients. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass. Optionally, rim your glass with cinnamon sugar and flaky sea salt.
“If life gives you limes, make margaritas.”-Jimmy Buffett, Musician
Garnish your Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. For an extra smoky effect, you can even light the cinnamon stick on fire if desired.
Serving: 1
Note: The overall enjoyment rating was determined during a blind taste based on the popularity of the cocktail, unique smoke flavor combinations, and overall appeal.
FAQs Related to Best Smoked Cocktails
What are smoked cocktails?
Smoked cocktails are cocktails that incorporate smoky flavors imparted through various techniques, such as using smoked ingredients, infusing the cocktail with smoke, or serving it in a smoky vessel.
What makes a smoked cocktail unique?
Smoked cocktails offer a unique sensory experience by adding depth, complexity, and aroma to traditional cocktail recipes. The smoky notes can enhance the flavor profile and elevate the overall drinking experience.
How are smoked cocktails typically prepared?
Smoked cocktails can be prepared using different methods, such as smoking the ingredients (like fruits or herbs) before mixing, using smoked ice cubes, infusing the cocktail with smoke using a smoking gun, or serving the cocktail in a glass that has been smoked with wood chips or herbs.
What types of cocktails are best suited for smoking?
Many classic cocktails can be adapted to incorporate smoky flavors, including Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, Margaritas, Negronis, and even fruity or herbal cocktails like mojitos or sangrias.
What are some popular ingredients used for smoking cocktails?
Popular ingredients for smoking cocktails include wood chips (such as applewood, hickory, or cedar), dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme), spices (such as cinnamon or cloves), and even dried fruits (like citrus peels).
Can you provide examples of best smoked cocktails?
Some examples of best smoked cocktails include Smoked Old Fashioned, Smoked Margarita, Smoked Negroni, Smoked Manhattan, Smoked Whiskey Sour, and Smoked Bloody Mary.
In Conclusion
Smoked cocktails have emerged as a captivating trend in mixology, offering a unique and memorable drinking experience.
The infusion of smoky flavors adds depth and complexity to classic and contemporary concoctions, making them a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts.
Manhattan Cocktail (Smoked), the Smoked Cherry Old-Fashioned Cocktail, and Manhattan with Cinnamon Cocktail (Smoked) are the best smoked cocktails.
Experimenting with smoked cocktails at home can lead to delightful and intriguing flavor combinations that elevate your mixology game [4].
References:
- https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/manhattan-cocktails-2009
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/fresh-margarita-cocktail-recipe-759317
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/whiskey
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevingray/2020/04/15/mixology-masterclass-worlds-best-bartenders/
