Elevate your mixology skills and impress your guests with the allure of smoky flavors. A subtle hint of smoke can transform a cocktail, adding depth and complexity to the drinking experience. This unique twist is particularly effective when paired with aged spirits like whiskey, scotch, or bourbon, as it enhances their woody notes. Similarly, clear liquors such as gin and vodka can be elevated by the smoky nuance.
The art of smoking cocktails has been a staple in bars and nightclubs for years, and with the rise of home smoking kits, aspiring mixologists can now hone their craft and incorporate this unique element into their repertoire. With practice, you’ll be able to wow your guests with a drink that’s as impressive as it is delicious. This list features 15 smoky cocktails, from timeless classics like the Smoked Old Fashioned to refreshing twists like the Smoked Mojito.
Stay tuned until the end for a surprising ingredient in #14.
Smoked Rosemary & Blackberry Whiskey Sour
To kick off our list of whiskey cocktails, we’re starting with a fruity and refreshing concoction that combines the smoothness of aged whiskey with the sweetness of fresh blackberries. The tart flavor of the berries pairs perfectly with the earthy notes of the whiskey, while the simple syrup adds a touch of warmth without overpowering the drink.
One of the best things about this cocktail is that you don’t need any special equipment to make it – just a few simple ingredients and a bit of creativity. To take it to the next level, simply torch a sprig of rosemary with a lighter or match right before serving, allowing the herby aroma to fill the air and tantalize your senses.
Smoky Mezcal Negroni
Discover the art of blending bold flavors in this innovative recipe! The Negroni-inspired cocktail takes a unique approach by substituting traditional gin with Mezcal, renowned for its rich smokiness. To amplify the smoky notes, the drink incorporates several ingredients that contribute to layers of complex flavor. One key component is the charred orange slice, achieved by baking thin slices on high heat until they develop a perfect caramelized crust.
When used as a garnish, this crispy orange slice infuses the cocktail with a deep roasted quality and subtle sweetness.
Peach Maple Bourbon Smash
Whether you’re a summer or fall enthusiast, this unique cocktail has something for everyone. The peach flavor imbues the drink with a lively, poolside party vibe, while the soda water and ginger beer add a refreshing fizziness that’s perfect for sipping on a warm day. Meanwhile, the maple syrup and bourbon bring a sense of coziness and warmth to the drink, evoking images of a crackling fireplace or a crisp autumn evening.
Finally, the Angostura bitters tie everything together with subtle hints of clove, cinnamon, and spice that will leave you wanting more.
Smoked Manhattan With Cinnamon Cocktail
For novice bartenders, this recipe presents a remarkable opportunity to reduce costs without sacrificing quality. The ingredients used are likely to be repurposed for future cocktails, eliminating waste and promoting sustainability. The harmonious blend of sweet vermouth’s herby and spicy notes with bourbon’s rich flavor is nothing short of impressive. Orange bitters expertly tie the entire concoction together, creating a well-balanced drink.
Furthermore, the innovative technique of inverting a cocktail glass over a smoking cinnamon stick allows the aromatic smoke to infuse the drink, elevating its overall profile.
Haunted Graveyard
As the clock strikes midnight on All Hallows’ Eve, why not conjure up a spooky yet sophisticated cocktail to cast a spell on your guests? Imagine the air thickening with the scent of rosemary smoke wafting from a glass, transporting you to a haunted night. This bewitching beverage pairs bourbon’s rich caramel and vanilla notes with the vibrant zest of orange, perfect for sipping alongside Halloween-themed appetizers that will leave your partygoers howling for more.
Smoked Old Fashioned
For a truly immersive experience in smoked drinks, it’s essential to revisit the timeless classics. A tried-and-true smoked cocktail is always a winner, and this recipe takes things to the next level by smoking sugar, a cherry, and an orange peel not once, not twice, but three times for maximum flavor impact. The resulting combination of smokiness and fruity notes from the essential oils in the orange peel creates a truly harmonious balance.
With the smoke taking center stage, it’s crucial to be meticulous when selecting wood chips to find the perfect flavor profile.
Orange Cranberry Smoked Cocktail
This fruity cocktail is surprisingly easy to whip up at home, thanks to a unique preparation method that sets it apart from other recipes. Instead of diluting the flavor with watered-down ice cubes, this drink uses ‘flavor-packed’ ice that’s infused with the sweet and tangy taste of orange and cranberry juices. As the ice melts, the cocktail becomes even sweeter and more vibrant. The vodka base adds a clean and crisp element to the drink, allowing the fruit flavors to take center stage.
Its subtle taste doesn’t overpower the other ingredients, making it an ideal choice for this refreshing cocktail.
Smoked Winter Gin & Tonic Cocktail
As the temperature drops, this refreshing drink is sure to be a winter warmer. The harmonious union of gin and tonic, like salt and pepper, is a match made in heaven. The subtle sweetness of honey beautifully balances the piney and herbal notes of the gin, while the tonic water adds a delightful bitterness, rounding out the flavor profile. For an added layer of complexity, spiced honey brings a pleasant kick.
If you’re having trouble tracking down spiced honey, don’t worry – ordinary honey, maple syrup, or other alternatives will still yield a delicious result.
Smoked Margarita Sour
Sip on this silky sensation! The secret to its smoothness lies in an unexpected ingredient: aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas. This innovative substitute for traditional egg whites or cream helps create a velvety texture that’s as refreshing as it is unique. Meanwhile, silver tequila and triple sec bring bold flavors to the table, with the citrusy orange notes of the latter perfectly complementing the robust taste of the former.
But just as the flavors start to meld together, a pinch of sea salt adds a touch of savory sweetness, elevating the entire experience from delightful to sublime. To get the most out of this cocktail, be sure to chill your liquors before mixing – and don’t be afraid to experiment with different ratios to find your perfect blend.
The Smoked Cherry
A fabulous choice for a girls’ night in is this stunning light cherry pink cocktail. Its balanced flavor profile and easy-drinking nature make it an instant hit. The star of the show is Vermouth Blanco, which brings a subtle blend of vanilla, floral, and fruity notes that beautifully complement the rich caramel undertones of aged bourbon.
Honey brandy adds a touch of sweetness and amplifies the boozy depth, while cherry bitters tie everything together with a welcome hint of bitterness, completing the theme of this delightful drink.
Smoked Mojito
Rum has a sweet secret: it’s made from sugarcane! This natural sweetness is the perfect foundation for a refreshing cocktail. To balance out the sweetness, a squeeze of lime juice brings a tangy acidity that complements the drink perfectly. The addition of mint-infused simple syrup adds a crisp and refreshing finish. But what really sets this cocktail apart is its practicality – with this recipe, you can serve a large party without having to muddle mint leaves every time!
And if you’re running low on mint, don’t worry – basil or other aromatic herbs make great substitutes in a pinch!
Smoked Pear & Vodka
In this signature cocktail, Islay whiskey’s bold peaty taste is expertly balanced by the sweet and fruity notes of pear nectar and honey, making it a crowd-pleaser. The whiskey’s characteristic smokiness is beautifully tempered by these additions, allowing its unique flavor profile to shine through. While simple syrup can sometimes get lost in a drink, the natural sweetness of pear nectar and honey holds its own against the strong flavors, elevating the overall taste experience.
As the pear nectar contributes its bright apple notes, the cocktail takes on a delightful harmony of sweet and smoky flavors.
Smoked Hot Chocolate
As we reflect on our cherished childhood moments, sipping hot cocoa on a snowy day, it’s only natural to crave a similar experience as adults during the holiday season. Why not indulge in a rich and decadent hot chocolate cocktail? The perfect blend of cinnamon and cayenne powder evokes a sense of warmth and coziness, reminiscent of a comforting hug. For an added layer of depth, a splash of bourbon will surely put you in the mood.
To fully appreciate this indulgent treat, pair it with your favorite snack – we suggest Christmas cookies, but feel free to get creative!
Smoked Bloody Mary With Smoked Bacon
When it comes to enhancing the flavor profile of cocktails, few ingredients are as divisive yet effective as bacon. While it may seem unconventional to add bacon to a drink, the smoky, savory notes can surprisingly complement a variety of flavors. Take this particular cocktail, for instance. By combining rich and bold bacon with fresh and tangy Roma tomato sauce, you create a harmonious balance of flavors.
A dash of horseradish adds a welcome kick, making it perfect for those who appreciate a bit of spice. The best part? This recipe allows you to showcase your homegrown tomatoes, providing the perfect opportunity to share your harvest with friends and family.
Hickory Smoked Bloody Mary
Indulge in the heavenly Hickory Smoked Bloody Mary, where the harmonious blend of lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato juice perfectly balances the subtle bitterness of vodka. But that’s not all – the real excitement lies in adding a smoky twist with hickory wood chips. Just be mindful when using the smoking gun to avoid any mishaps.
The bottom line
The allure of smoked cocktails lies not just in their unique flavor profiles, but also in the theatrical experience they offer. As the aroma of wood smoke wafts through the air, it’s as if the drink itself is putting on a show. The possibilities for experimentation are endless, with different types of wood and infusion times yielding distinct and intriguing flavors.
Whether you’re looking to unleash your inner mixologist or simply impress your guests, our collection of 15 smoky cocktail recipes provides the perfect starting point.
