As the art of mixology continues to evolve, adventurous bartenders are looking for ways to add a new level of complexity and depth to their craft. One way to do this is by incorporating the bold flavors of smoked ingredients into your cocktails. From the smoky sweetness of smoked cherries to the charred earthiness of hickory-smoked bacon, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we’ll explore 18 bold smoked drink recipes that will take your mixology skills to the next level.
From classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan to refreshing spritzers and fruity margaritas, these recipes will show you how to add a smoky twist to any drink. Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or just starting out, these bold smoked drinks are sure to impress your friends and family.
Smoked Old Fashioned with Bourbon
Transform your Old Fashioned into a smoky masterpiece by infusing it with the rich flavors of bourbon and smoked ice.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 sugar cube (about 1/4 tsp)
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange peel, for garnish
– Smoked ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, sugar cube, and bitters.
2. Fill the mixing glass with smoked ice cubes.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with additional smoked ice cubes.
5. Express a thin strip of orange peel over the drink and use as garnish.
Cooking Time:
– None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Mezcal Smoked Paloma
This recipe puts a smoky spin on the traditional Paloma cocktail, substituting mezcal for tequila and adding a hint of smoke from wood chips. The result is a complex and intriguing drink that’s perfect for adventurous palates.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz mezcal
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Smoked salt, for rimming glass (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with smoked salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add mezcal, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Add wood chips to the shaker and muddle gently to release the smoke flavor.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
6. Top with water and garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Smoked Cherry Manhattan
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique take on the classic Manhattan. Smoky cherry flavor adds depth and complexity to this velvety-smooth drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Cherry liqueur
– 1/2 oz Smoked Cherry syrup (see note)
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, cherry liqueur, and smoked cherry syrup.
3. Add bitters and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To make Smoked Cherry Syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup smoked cherries (such as Cherry Heering) in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until syrupy.
Applewood-Smoked Whiskey Sour
Elevate your whiskey sour game with the smoky essence of applewood, adding a complex depth to this classic cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Smoked Whiskey (infused with applewood chips)
– 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
– 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
– 1 dash Angostura Bitters
– Ice
– Lemon Twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the smoked whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing its oils over the drink.
Cooking Time: N/A (cocktail preparation only)
Enjoy your Applewood-Smoked Whiskey Sour!
Smoked Pineapple Margarita
Elevate your margarita game with this unique twist that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the smoky depth of whiskey barrel-smoked ice.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/2 ounce agave syrup
– 1/2 ounce smoked simple syrup (see note)
– 1/4 cup smoked pineapple chunks (see note)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and smoked simple syrup.
3. Add smoked pineapple chunks to the shaker and muddle gently to release flavors.
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
5. Strain into prepared glass filled with whiskey barrel-smoked ice (see note).
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Note: To make smoked simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons liquid smoke in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool before using. For whiskey barrel-smoked ice, chill water and whiskey in the same container for at least 24 hours before freezing.
Hickory-Smoked Bloody Mary
Elevate your brunch game with this savory twist on the classic cocktail. Hickory-smoked flavors add a rich, complex depth to the tangy tomato juice and spicy horseradish.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz hickory-smoked Worcestershire sauce
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 oz tomato juice
– 1/4 oz prepared horseradish
– Salt, to taste
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, smoked Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, tomato juice, and horseradish.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in minutes.
Smoked Rosemary Gin Fizz
This refreshing twist on the classic gin fizz combines the earthy flavor of rosemary with a hint of smokiness, perfect for sipping on a warm evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 cup club soda
– 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon smoked salt (such as Lapsang souchong)
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a sprig of rosemary to the shaker for infusion (5 minutes).
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with another rosemary sprig.
6. Sprinkle smoked salt around the rim of the glass for added depth.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (infusion time)
Charred Orange Smoked Negroni
Elevate your Negroni game with this unique and tantalizing twist, featuring charred orange and smoked botanicals. Perfect for adventurous palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Gin
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– Charred Orange Peel (see note)
– Smoked Ice Cubes (see note)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
2. Add charred orange peel to the mixture and muddle gently to release its oils and flavors.
3. Fill the mixing glass with Smoked Ice Cubes (see note).
4. Stir for 20-30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Notes:
– To char orange peel, place slices on a baking sheet under the broiler for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant and slightly blackened.
– To make Smoked Ice Cubes, add wood chips (e.g., applewood or cherry) to your ice tray before freezing. Alternatively, use smoked salt or flavorings in your simple syrup.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve in 5 minutes or less.
Smoked Maple Bourbon Smash
Smoked Maple Bourbon Smash Recipe
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique blend of smoky flavors, rich bourbon, and sweet maple syrup. This Smoked Maple Bourbon Smash is perfect for a warm evening or as a special treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1/2 oz smoked simple syrup (see note)
– 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 cup crushed ice
– Handful of mint leaves and sprig of rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or spoon to release oils and flavor.
2. Add bourbon, smoked simple syrup, and lime juice to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with crushed ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a few mint leaves.
Note: To make smoked simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and add 2-3 tablespoons liquid smoke (adjust to taste). Let it cool before using.
Cooking Time: None (just shake and serve!)
Pecan-Smoked Mint Julep
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic mint julep, featuring the rich flavors of pecans and smoked mint.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 sprigs fresh mint leaves
– 1 tablespoon pecan-smoked salt
– Ice
– Club soda
– Pecans, toasted and chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint sprigs with a muddler or spoon to release the oils and flavor.
2. Add bourbon, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled silver cup filled with crushed ice.
5. Sprinkle pecan-smoked salt over the top of the julep.
6. Top with club soda and garnish with toasted pecans, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 seconds (shaking time)
Smoked Grapefruit Spritz
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Smoked Grapefruit Spritz, featuring the sweet and tangy flavors of grapefruit, paired with a hint of smokiness. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups sparkling water
– 1 cup grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
– 1/4 cup Grand Marnier liqueur
– 1/4 cup triple sec
– 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
– Ice cubes
– Fresh rosemary leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pitcher with ice.
2. Add grapefruit juice, Grand Marnier, and triple sec.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Add liquid smoke and stir gently.
5. Top with sparkling water.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. Serve over ice in glasses and garnish with rosemary leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, so no cooking time is required.
Campfire-Smoked Hot Toddy
Elevate your hot toddy game by infusing the flavors of a campfire into this warm, comforting drink. This recipe combines the richness of bourbon with the subtle smokiness of wood smoke for a unique and delicious treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 tbsp apple cider
– 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
– Wood chips or chunks for smoking (preferably apple or cherry wood)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine bourbon, water, honey, and lemon juice. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey dissolves.
2. Add the apple cider and cinnamon stick to the mixture. Continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
3. Meanwhile, prepare your campfire by adding wood chips or chunks to the flames. Once the smoke is thick and fragrant, place a metal strainer over the saucepan and carefully pour the hot toddy mixture into the strainer.
4. Allow the smoky flavors to infuse into the drink for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Smoked Vanilla Rum Punch
Escape to a tropical paradise with this creamy and refreshing Smoked Vanilla Rum Punch. A perfect blend of sweet and savory, this cocktail is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz smoked vanilla rum
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– 1 oz coconut cream
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– Splash of club soda
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add the smoked vanilla rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None (just shake and serve!)
Oak-Smoked Dark & Stormy
Combine the bold flavors of oak-smoked bourbon with the spicy kick of ginger beer and a squeeze of lime for a twist on the classic Dark ‘N’ Stormy cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 oz Oak-Smoked Bourbon
– 4 oz Ginger Beer
– Juice of 1 Lime
– Slice of Lime, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the oak-smoked bourbon.
3. Top with ginger beer.
4. Squeeze in the lime juice.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a slice of lime.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Smoked Blackberry Mojito
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique blend of smoky flavors and sweet blackberries. This Smoked Blackberry Mojito is perfect for those looking to add a little complexity to their drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup smoked blackberries (see note)
– 1/2 cup club soda
– Handful of ice
– Sprig of mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the lime juice and simple syrup together to combine.
2. Add the rum and smoked blackberries to the shaker. Muddle the mixture with a spoon or muddler until the blackberries are well-crushed.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with a sprig of mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None
Cedar-Smoked Sazerac
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic Sazerac, infused with the rich flavor of cedar smoke.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz rye whiskey
– 1/2 oz absinthe
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
– 1 lemon twist
– Smoked salt (optional)
– Cedar wood chips or chunks for smoking
Instructions:
1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
2. Add the rye whiskey, absinthe, and simple syrup.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Express a lemon twist over the drink and use as garnish.
5. If desired, sprinkle smoked salt around the rim of the glass for added complexity.
Smoking Instructions:
1. Soak cedar wood chips or chunks in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Place the soaked cedar wood near the ice while stirring the cocktail (step 3).
3. Let the aroma of the cedar smoke infuse the drink for about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the cedar wood and discard.
Cooking Time: None required. Simply let the flavors meld together.
Smoked Chili Chocolate Martini
Elevate your cocktail game with this bold and rich Smoked Chili Chocolate Martini. A perfect blend of spicy, smoky, and sweet flavors will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark chocolate liqueur
– 1 oz smoked chili-infused vodka
– 1 oz heavy cream
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 teaspoon chipotle pepper powder (smoked and dried jalapeño peppers)
– Ice
– Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the dark chocolate liqueur, smoked chili-infused vodka, heavy cream, simple syrup, and chipotle pepper powder to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Mesquite-Smoked Sangria
Elevate your sangria game with a unique blend of smoky mesquite flavor and juicy fruit. This recipe combines the bold, sweet notes of ripe peaches and plums with the subtle, savory undertones of mesquite smoke.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1 peach, diced
– 1 plum, diced
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons mesquite wood chips (smoked to perfection!)
– Sparkling water
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 200°F.
2. Add mesquite wood chips and let them smoke for at least 30 minutes.
3. In a large pitcher, combine wine, mixed berries, peach, plum, and honey. Stir well.
4. Once the smoking process is complete, add the smoked mixture to the pitcher.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Serve over ice with a splash of sparkling water and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (smoking time) + chilling time
Summary
Get ready to elevate your mixology game with these bold smoked drink recipes! From classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Negroni, to fruity twists on margaritas and spritzers, there’s something for every adventurous bartender. Try smoking bourbon for a rich Smoked Old Fashioned, or infuse mezcal into a smoky Paloma. For a sweet treat, blend smoked vanilla rum with fresh fruit for a tantalizing Punch. And if you’re feeling bold, try your hand at campfire-smoked Hot Toddy or hickory-smoked Bloody Mary – the perfect drinks to spice up your next gathering!
