Paul Kushner
I love experimenting with smoked cocktails. They bring an incredible layer of complexity with aromatic smoke that transforms a drink. By using a smoking gun, I infuse flavors from different woods, herbs, or spices into the cocktails. This technique creates a unique blend of smoky, savory, and sweet notes. It’s an exciting way to explore new tastes and elevate a simple drink into something extraordinary. If you’re into trying innovative flavors, this roundup of smoked cocktail recipes is a must-see.
Oak Smoked Old Fashioned
Discover the unique Oak Smoked Old Fashioned. Try this recipe and enjoy a new twist on a classic cocktail.
Oak Smoked Old Fashioned
Ingredients
Method
- Place a handful of oak wood chips in a smoker or a smoking gun.
- Light the chips until they begin to smoke.
- Capture the smoke in an empty Old Fashioned glass by inverting the glass over the smoke source.
- Allow the smoke to infuse the glass for about 30 seconds. Then, flip the glass back over.
- Place one orange slice in the smoked glass.
- Gently muddle the orange slice to release its juices and oils.
- Add 1/2 oz of maple syrup and 3 dashes of orange bitters to the glass.
- Pour in 2 oz of bourbon.
- Add a large ice cube to the glass.
- Stir the mixture gently for about 20-30 seconds until well chilled.
- Garnish with the second orange slice.
- Enjoy your Oak Smoked Old Fashioned.
Smoked Rosemary Boulevardier
Deep, smoky, and beautifully complex, the Smoked Rosemary Boulevardier is an elevated twist on the traditional Boulevardier. The herbal bitterness of Campari and the rich sweetness of vermouth pair seamlessly with bold bourbon, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail. The added touch of smoked rosemary enhances the drink with an earthy, aromatic layer, making each sip an immersive experience. Served over a large ice cube and garnished with an orange slice and maraschino cherry, this cocktail is ideal for whiskey lovers looking for a sophisticated and smoky spin on a timeless favorite. Cheers to a refined, smoky indulgence!
Smoked Rosemary Boulevardier
Ingredients
Method
- Place a fresh rosemary sprig on a heatproof surface and light it with a lighter or torch.
- Once it starts smoking, invert the rocks glass over the rosemary to capture the smoke. Let it sit for a few moments to infuse the glass with the smoky aroma. In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, campari, and sweet vermouth.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir gently until well chilled and diluted (about 30 seconds).
- Strain the mixture over a large ice cube into the smoked rocks glass.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
- Enjoy your Smoked Rosemary Boulevardier!
Smoked Peach Maple Bourbon Smash
The Smoked Peach Maple Bourbon Smash is a warm, aromatic cocktail that blends sweet stone fruit, rich maple syrup, and the bold depth of bourbon. The drink’s signature touch comes from smoking grilled peach and fresh thyme directly into the glass, infusing each sip with a subtle, savory aroma. Muddled grilled peaches and thyme form the heart of the drink, layered with bitters, fresh lemon, and smoked maple bourbon. A splash of spicy ginger beer adds brightness and gentle heat, creating a drink that’s equal parts smooth, smoky, and refreshing. Ideal for late summer evenings or cozy autumn nights.
Smoked Peach Maple Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
Method
- Take one peach slice and one sprig of thyme. Set it on a wooden cutting board or fire safe surface. Torch the peach slice and thyme until they release smoke, and place your rocks glass overtop. Let the peach and thyme smoke the glass while you prepare the rest of the cocktail.
- In a shaker, add 3 slices of grilled peaches, a sprig of thyme, 3 dashes of Angostura bitters, 3 dashes of peach bitters, .5 oz lemon juice, and 1/4 oz maple syrup. Muddle all of those ingredients together.
- Add 2 oz of bourbon (or smoked bourbon) to the shaker tin. Add ice and gently shake all ingredients
- Double strain the cocktail over fresh ice cubes (or use one large ice cube)
- Top with 2 oz of ginger beer and stir
- Garnish with a peach slice and thyme
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Smoky Autumn Mezcal Spritz
Embrace the flavors of autumn with this smoky Mezcal spritz. The combination of Mezcal, Aperol, and sweet vermouth, topped with effervescent Prosecco, creates a cocktail that’s both vibrant and sophisticated. The smoky and citrusy notes make it a perfect drink for fall gatherings.
Smoky Autumn Mezcal Spritz
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a snifter glass with ice.
- Pour Mezcal, Aperol, and sweet vermouth over the ice.
- Stir gently until the mixture is well chilled.
- Top the cocktail with Prosecco or Cava.
- Garnish with a twist of grapefruit and a sprig of smoked herbs. Serve immediately.
Smoked Cinnamon Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
Smoked Cinnamon Apple Cider Bourbon Smash combines apple cider, bourbon, orange bitters, and optional agave syrup in a fall cocktail with a warm smoky aroma. The bourbon gives the drink depth, the cider adds mellow apple flavor, and the bitters bring a subtle citrus note that keeps the mix from feeling too sweet.
Smoked Cinnamon Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
Method
- To infuse your cocktail with a smoky flavor, take a fresh cinnamon stick (or sprig of thyme) and place it on a plate or wooden plank. Using a lighter, carefully ignite the end of the cinnamon stick or thyme until it begins to smoke. Place your cocktail glass over the smoking cinnamon stick or thyme to capture the aroma inside the glass. Let it sit for a few moments to absorb the smoke.
- While the glass is smoking, fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the apple cider, bourbon, orange bitters, and agave syrup (if using) to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled and fully combined.
- Remove the smoking element from the glass and pour the shaken cocktail into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with fresh thyme, a cinnamon stick, and/or apple slices. For an extra smoky experience, you can lightly char the garnish with a lighter before adding it to the drink.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, smoky flavors of this autumn-inspired cocktail.
Picante Cocktail
The Picante Cocktail is a bold and spicy tequila-based drink that perfectly balances heat, tang, and sweetness. With the kick of fresh jalapeños, the brightness of lime, and a spiced rim, it’s a lively choice for those who enjoy a little fire in their glass.
Picante Cocktail
Ingredients
Method
- Mix Tajín and coarse sea salt on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of a short rocks glass, then dip the rim into the spice mixture to coat.
- In the bottom of the glass, lightly muddle the jalapeño slices with agave syrup to release their spice. Add lime juice and tequila, then fill the glass with ice.
- Stir gently to mix the flavors together.
- Slide a thin lime wheel against the inside of the glass, and place a jalapeño slice on top of the drink. For an added touch, use a cinnamon stick as a stirrer for a visually striking and aromatic finish.
Lychee Jalapeño Margarita
Friday nights at my place usually start with one question: do we want something classic, or do we want something that feels new? This Lychee Jalapeño Margarita is my answer when I’m bored of the usual lime-only routine but still want margarita cocktails that taste bright and clean. The first time I made it, I had lychee juice sitting in the fridge and I wanted a drink that felt a little “special” without turning into a whole project.
Lychee Jalapeño Margarita
Ingredients
Method
- On a small plate, mix the salt and smoked paprika for the rim.
- Rub a lemon wedge around a quarter of the glass rim, then dip that section into the salt mixture.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add lychee jalapeño syrup, lychee juice, lemon juice, and tequila.
- Shake well for 15–20 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with lychees.
Smoke and Spice Old Fashioned
Follow this cocktail recipe for a savory and spicy take on this sweet classic. The smoky element comes from a brunt cinnamon stick garnish, as does the first layer of spice. More heat comes from chili bitters and the high-proof bourbon called for in this drink. Overall, this brings excellent balance with a punch of heat.
Smoking Gun Vesper
If you’re interested in smoking cocktails but don’t want to mess around with fire, try this classic cocktail with a unique garnish. This drink is boozy, incorporating dry gin and sweet vermouth. The main component, which adds the smoky element, is oak-smoked vodka. Garnish this drink with a small piece of smoked pork and citrus peel.
Smoked Whiskey Cocktail
The Smoked Whiskey Cocktail varies depending on the type of spirit you use in the cocktail. Try spicy rye or sweeter bourbon to change the character of the cocktail. The drink is balanced with spices, bitters, and maple syrup. In addition to a layer of smoke added to the top of the drink, this cocktail calls for liquid smoke, creating an intense smokiness.
Smoked Manhattan Cocktail
The majority of this cocktail recipe follows the same steps as a classic Manhattan. It calls for bourbon and sweet vermouth, contrasted by bitters. The smoking element comes in when preparing the garnishes. Smoke citrus peel and your choice of herbs, along with some smoking pellets, infusing robust flavors.
Smoke on the Water
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This recipe has a mix of fruity and savory flavors! Watermelon juice and hibiscus simple syrup bring contrasting notes to the smoky mezcal. Cointreau and lime juice add a refreshing burst of citrus. Finally, the smoke on the water is created by adding a flaming rosemary sprig to the top of the cocktail.
