When it comes to smoking drinks, there are a few different options and techniques you can use to infuse your cocktails with that delicious smoky flavor. Let's dive into some of the tools and ingredients you can use to achieve this.
1. Smoking Gun: A smoking gun is a popular device used in bars and restaurants to smoke drinks. It typically consists of a handheld device that generates smoke using wood chips or other smoking materials. To smoke a drink, you would simply place the desired ingredients in a glass or shaker, cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, and insert the smoking gun's hose into the container. Turn on the smoking gun and ignite the wood chips to produce smoke that will infuse your drink. This method allows for precise control over the amount and type of smoke.
2. Cocktail Smoker Box: A cocktail smoker box is a small box designed specifically for smoking drinks. It usually contains a metal grate or mesh where you can place smoking materials such as wood chips or pellets. To smoke a drink using a smoker box, you would fill the box with your chosen smoking material, place it inside a closed container with your cocktail ingredients, and let it sit for a few minutes to infuse the drink with smoke. This method is great for larger batches of cocktails or when you want to smoke multiple drinks at once.
3. Wood Chips/Pellets: Wood chips or pellets are commonly used for smoking meats and other foods, but they can also be used to smoke drinks. They come in various flavors like oak, pecan, hickory, or fruit woods, each imparting a distinct smoky taste. To use wood chips or pellets, you can either ignite them directly using a lighter or torch, or you can place them on a hot surface like a stovetop or grill to produce smoke. Once the smoke is generated, you can capture it in a glass or container and cover it with your drink to infuse it with the smoky flavor.
4. Smoking Glass Method: If you don't have any of the specialized tools mentioned above, you can try the smoking glass method. This involves burning a small piece of wood, such as oak, pecan, hickory, or fruit wood, on a cutting board or flame-resistant surface. Once the wood is smoldering, quickly place a cocktail glass upside-down over the burning ember, allowing it to fill with smoke. Carefully remove the glass from the ember, turn it right-side up, and pour your cocktail into the smoky glass. This method is a bit more hands-on and requires caution, but it can still be effective in adding a touch of smokiness to your drink.
5. Smoked Ice Cubes: Another way to incorporate smoke into your drinks is by using smoked ice cubes. To make smoked ice cubes, you can place wood chips or pellets in a smoker box or wrap them in aluminum foil, then place them in a smoker or grill. Once the wood starts smoking, put a tray of water-filled ice cube molds on the smoker or grill grates and let them absorb the smoke for a period of time. Once the ice cubes are completely frozen, you can use them in your cocktails to impart a subtle smoky flavor as they melt.
It's important to note that when smoking drinks, moderation is key. The smoky flavor should complement and enhance the other ingredients in your cocktail, rather than overpowering them. Start with a small amount of smoke and adjust to your taste preferences.
Experimentation is the key to finding the perfect amount and type of smoke for your drinks. Have fun exploring different wood flavors and techniques to create unique and flavorful smoked cocktails. Cheers!