Top 12 Smoked Cocktails to Try

This recipe gives the classic cocktail a smoky twist. A Smoked Old Fashioned goes through the smoking process three times, the final of which adds smoke to the glass creating a flashy display. Smoky flavors contrast the other notes in the cocktail, balancing out the sweet, spicy, and bitter tastes. 

Despite the name of this cocktail, it doesn’t contain any cherries. The flavor of the fruit comes from cherry-flavored bitters that contrast sweet elements in the drink, like honey brandy and complexly sweet sage simple syrup. Smoke and citrus add even more depth to the sweet and savory notes. Cherry wood should be used for the smoking process to add more cherry notes.

Another combination of bitters and bourbon, this cocktail has fresh and rich flavors. Smoking isn’t the only technique used in the recipe. The bourbon also goes through an infusion process with flavorful pumpkin butter. Incorporate smoke into your cocktail by lighting a thyme sprig and trapping smoke in the glass. 

Try this complexly fruity cocktail to add the smoking effect without the smoky flavor. Fresh blackberries and sage add rich sweet, and herbal notes to the base of this drink. The smoky look of this margarita comes from dry ice, which creates impressive wisps of smoke. Just remember to wait until the ice has completely dissolved before drinking!  

Follow this recipe to make one of the most visually appealing smoking cocktails. Dragon’s Breath combines bourbon and Cointreau with a pleasantly complex herbal liqueur. Pour the cocktail into a smoke-filled brandy snifter and serve as the smoke billows up dramatically. This drink makes a strong first impression in terms of flavor and impact! 

This spin on a Whiskey Sour uses fresh ingredients to enhance the flavors of the traditional cocktail. Blackberries add fruity sweetness and give the drink its dark color. The smoking aspect of this drink is the rosemary garnish placed in the center of the glass and torched! The simple recipe and smoking process make this an excellent option for making large batches.

Another take on the traditional Old Fashioned, this recipe calls for real maple syrup to create the best combination of flavors. A double-smoking process adds robust, savory notes to the otherwise sweet cocktail. First, you’ll smoke bourbon into a decanter. Before serving, you’ll add another layer of smoke for flavor and a smoky look. 

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. 

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.

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.