When it comes to smoking drinks, there are various methods and tools you can use to infuse your cocktails with a delicious smoky flavor. Let's explore some of the options available:
1. Smoking Gun: A smoking gun is a popular tool used by bartenders and mixologists to add smoke to drinks. It consists of a chamber where you can place wood chips or herbs and a hose to direct the smoke. By igniting the wood chips and pumping the smoke into a glass or shaker, you can easily infuse your cocktail with smoky aromas. This method allows for precise control over the amount and type of smoke you want to use.
2. Wood Chips: Wood chips are commonly used for smoking cocktails. Oak, pecan, hickory, and fruit woods like applewood or cherrywood are popular choices. To use wood chips, you can simply place a small amount in a cocktail glass or a smoking box and ignite them using a lighter or a torch. Once the chips start producing smoke, cover the glass or the box with a lid to capture the smoke and let it infuse into the drink. This method is great for adding a subtle smokiness to your cocktails.
3. Tea Smokes: Another interesting way to add smoke to your drinks is by using tea leaves. Lapsang Souchong, a Chinese black tea, is known for its smoky flavor and can be used to create a unique smoky cocktail experience. You can place a small amount of the tea leaves in a cocktail glass and ignite it to produce smoke. Then, cover the glass with a lid and let the smoke infuse into the drink. This method works well for adding a distinct smoky aroma without overpowering the flavors of the cocktail.
4. Smoked Ice Cubes: If you want to add a touch of smoke to your drinks without directly infusing the liquid, smoked ice cubes are a great option. You can use a smoking gun or place wood chips in a smoking box to smoke the ice cubes before freezing them. When the ice cubes melt, they will release a subtle smoky flavor into the drink. This method is particularly effective for cocktails that are served on the rocks or for whiskey-based drinks.
5. Smoked Glass: Smoking the glass itself can also impart a smoky aroma to your cocktails. As mentioned earlier, you can burn a small piece of wood on a cutting board and then place an upside-down cocktail glass over the burning ember. The glass will capture the smoke, and when you turn it over and pour in your cocktail, the drink will be subtly infused with smoky notes. However, it's important to note that this method may not provide as much control over the intensity of the smoke compared to using a smoking gun or wood chips directly in the drink.
Experimenting with different smoking methods and ingredients allows you to create unique and flavorful cocktails. Remember to start with small amounts of smoke and adjust according to your taste preferences. Cheers to smoky sipping experiences!