Start Smoking Cocktails Like A Pro With This Complete Guide
Smoked cocktails instantly become showstoppers at any party or gathering because of the theatrical element they bring into cocktails. Yet, what the smoky element also manages to do is bring a lot of depth and flavourful layers into these blends. As a home mixologist, mastering the smoking technique can become a way to introduce more depth and a layered flavour profile into the cocktails you blend at your bar.
And even though it sounds complicated, smoking cocktails at your home bar is actually quite straightforward, as long as you follow some simple hacks. In fact, for an amateur mixologist, just a few basic techniques and a rudimentary understanding of ingredient pairings is enough to craft smoky cocktails that have a bar quality look and taste.
Read on below for your ultimate guide to start smoking cocktails like a pro right at your home bar:
Wood And Plant Choices
One of the first hacks involved in preparing smoked cocktails like a pro is identifying the ingredients you would need to make the smoky element. This can be anything from hickory to cherry wood to oak or applewood — all of which bring their own aroma into the blend.
Determining which wood chips to use for smoking ingredients can in turn be decided by the other ingredients that are used to blend the cocktail itself. Wood chip smoke is well-suited for deeply smoky drinks, whereas herbal and tea leaves smoke works well with lighter or citrus-based cocktails. For their part, smoked spices like cinnamon or peppercorn can be excellent infusions in winter time cocktails which require this aromatic yet earthy depth.
Also Read: The Science Of Smoke: How Peat In Scotch Whisky Influences Food Pairings
Smoking Methods
The next essential element in smoking cocktails is the different methods that can be used right at home to prepare the aromatic and layered blends.
— One of the easiest smoking techniques is to use a blowtorch and wood chips or herbs in order to release fragrant smoke from these ingredients that can be trapped under a cloche with the cocktail already resting inside.
— Another interesting hack could be to roast ingredients by wrapping them in foil over a cast iron pan until they begin to emit smoke. The rocks glass or serving glass that will be used for serving the cocktail can then be held above the aromatised herbs or spices to catch their smoke inside before transferring the cocktail into it.
— Another budget-friendly way to add a smoky effect into cocktails is to char fruits or herbs on an open flame before muddling them into the drinks or using them as garnishes. This infuses subtle smoky notes into blends like a pro, without the need to trap smoke.
Pro tip: While adding smoke to cocktails using the cloche method or the roasting method, ensure that smoke is trapped in the serving glass for at least 30 seconds before serving.
As well, while charring citrus peels for garnishing, make them slightly golden so they continue to smoulder lightly without burning. With this, it is possible to infuse their smoky touch complete with an acidic quality into cocktails without making the whole adornment appear burnt or blackened.
Pre-Smoked Ingredients
And for those cocktails which simply require the subtle addition of smoke without the need to actually torch elements, the best alternative is to use pre-smoked ingredients in creative ways.
— An interesting hack is to rims cocktail glasses with a smoked paprika and sea salt mix. With this, a smoky effect slowly seeps into the cocktail without overpowering the blend.
— Smoked syrup or smoked liqueurs are also among some other ingredient options which introduce a textural depth into drinks. With this, it becomes possible to lend drinks a smoky depth that introduces complexity without fuss.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
