When it comes to mixing up a delicious cocktail, many of us tend to stick to what we know and love – classic combinations like gin and tonic or whiskey on the rocks. But why not shake things up (literally!) with some unique and exciting flavor profiles? Smoked cocktails are just that – a twist on the traditional drink that adds a depth of smoky flavor to your favorite libations.
From classic drinks infused with smoked elements, to entirely new concoctions that incorporate smoky flavors, there’s something for everyone in this list of 18 creative smoked cocktail recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just looking to spice up your social gatherings, these recipes are sure to impress.
Smoked Old Fashioned with Bourbon and Cherry
Elevate your old fashioned game with a smoky twist that adds depth and complexity to this classic cocktail. This recipe combines the richness of bourbon with the subtle sweetness of cherry, all wrapped up in a smooth smoke.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1/2 oz cherry liqueur (such as Cherry Heering)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 2 dashes smoked bitters (such as Angostura Smoked Bitters)
– Orange peel, for garnish
– Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, cherry liqueur, and simple syrup.
2. Add 2 dashes of smoked bitters and fill the glass with ice.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink, then use as garnish.
6. Place a cherry on top for added visual appeal.
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail recipe!)
Smoked Mezcal Margarita with Lime and Agave
Elevate your margarita game with the rich flavors of smoked mezcal, fresh lime juice, and sweet agave. This unique twist on a classic cocktail is perfect for adventurous palates.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Smoked Mezcal
– 1 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz Agave syrup
– 1/2 oz Tequila (preferably a high-quality, 100% agave)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine Smoked Mezcal, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Add Tequila and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe.
Smoked Whiskey Sour with Maple Syrup
This twist on the classic whiskey sour adds a rich, velvety texture and a hint of smokiness from a dash of smoked simple syrup. Perfect for sipping on a chilly evening or serving at your next cocktail party.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz maple syrup
– 1/2 oz smoked simple syrup (see note)
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and smoked simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Smoked Pineapple Mojito with Rum and Mint
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic mojito. Smoky pineapple adds a depth of flavor, while rum and mint provide a refreshing spin.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1/2 cup smoked pineapple chunks (see note)
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp simple syrup
– Club soda
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Muddle mint leaves and smoked pineapple in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda.
6. Garnish with additional mint leaves and smoked pineapple chunks (optional).
Cooking Time: None
Note: To smoke pineapple, place chunks on a baking sheet lined with foil and drizzle with liquid smoke. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Smoked Bloody Mary with Chipotle Infusion
Elevate your Bloody Mary game with this bold and smoky twist, featuring chipotle peppers for a spicy kick.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups tomato juice
– 1/4 cup vodka (or to taste)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, for infusion (see instructions below)
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher or jug, combine tomato juice, vodka, lime juice, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir well to combine.
2. Slice chipotle peppers thinly and add them to the mixture. Let it infuse in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove chipotle peppers and adobo sauce.
4. Chill the Bloody Mary mix in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve over ice with a lime wedge, garnished with additional chipotle peppers if desired.
Cooking Time: None (infusion time is approximately 30 minutes)
Smoked Paloma with Grapefruit and Tequila
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Paloma, featuring smoky notes and a burst of citrus flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Grapefruit slice or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Smoked Manhattan with Vermouth and Bitters
Elevate your classic Manhattan cocktail with a smoky twist, perfect for those who appreciate the nuances of bold flavors. This recipe combines the richness of bourbon with the depth of Lapsang souchong tea smoke, balanced by the subtle bitterness of Angostura bitters.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– 1 dash Lapsang souchong tea-smoked simple syrup (see note)
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon, vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry.
Note: To make Lapsang souchong tea-smoked simple syrup, steep 1 tablespoon of loose-leaf Lapsang souchong tea in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes. Let cool, then mix with equal parts water and granulated sugar to create a sweet and smoky syrup.
Smoked Negroni with Gin and Campari
Smoked Negroni with Gin and Campari: A Twist on a Classic Cocktail Recipe
This Smoked Negroni is a creative take on the classic cocktail, adding a smoky element to the traditional combination of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The result is a complex and intriguing drink that’s perfect for adventurous cocktail enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– 1/4 oz smoked simple syrup (see note)
– Orange twist or slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Add the smoked simple syrup and stir for about 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist or slice.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Note: To make smoked simple syrup, combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan, then add 1-2 tablespoons of liquid smoke (adjust to taste). Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool before using.
Smoked Moscow Mule with Ginger Beer and Vodka
Elevate the classic Moscow Mule with a smoky twist that adds depth and complexity to this refreshing cocktail. This recipe combines the spicy warmth of ginger beer with the smoothness of vodka, all wrapped up in a smoked glass.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Juice of 1 lime
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Sprig of fresh mint, for garnish
– Smoked salt, for rimming the glass (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka and ginger beer.
3. Squeeze in lime juice.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Rim the glass with smoked salt, if desired, by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim and then dipping it into a shallow dish of smoked salt.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready when you are!)
Smoked Espresso Martini with Coffee Liqueur
Transform your martini game with this rich and decadent cocktail, perfect for coffee lovers.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz Smoked Espresso Syrup (see below)
– 1/2 oz coffee liqueur
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1/4 oz simple syrup
– Coffee beans or grinds for garnish
Smoked Espresso Syrup:
– 1 cup strong brewed espresso
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp liquid smoke
Combine ingredients in a saucepan and stir until sugar dissolves. Let cool, then refrigerate until ready to use.
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, Smoked Espresso Syrup, coffee liqueur, heavy cream, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a sprinkle of coffee beans or grinds.
Cooking Time: None required! Just shake and serve.
Smoked Sangria with Red Wine and Citrus
This recipe combines the bold flavors of smoked wood with the classic Spanish drink, sangria. The result is a unique and refreshing cocktail perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 cup sliced citrus (orange, lemon, lime)
– 1/4 cup smoked wood chips (apple or cherry work well)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine red wine, orange juice, grapefruit juice, brown sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add sliced citrus to the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Preheat your grill or smoker to medium-low heat. Place smoked wood chips on the grill or in the smoker, according to manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Once the wood is smoking, add ice cubes to the sangria pitcher to chill it slightly. Stir gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of citrus zest if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Smoked Mint Julep with Bourbon and Fresh Mint
Elevate the classic mint julep with a smoky twist, combining the boldness of bourbon with the freshness of mint.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 oz smoked simple syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/4 cup crushed ice
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a silver julep cup or highball glass, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils and flavor.
2. Add the bourbon, smoked simple syrup, and lime juice. Fill the cup with crushed ice.
3. Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Garnish with additional fresh 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 reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1-2 tablespoons liquid smoke (depending on desired smokiness). Let cool before using.
Cooking Time: None required – just mix and serve!
Smoked Blueberry Lemonade with Vodka
Elevate your summer sipping game with this unique and refreshing twist on classic lemonade. Smoky blueberries and vodka add depth and complexity to this sweet and tangy drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup smoked salt (such as Lapsang souchong)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup vodka
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine blueberries and sugar. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the berries to release their juices.
2. Add water and smoked salt to the pitcher. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another pitcher or container. Discard the solids.
4. Add lemon juice and vodka to the pitcher. Stir well to combine.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
6. Serve over ice and garnish with additional blueberries, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (simply chill and serve)
Smoked Rosemary Gin Fizz with Egg White
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and refreshing drink, featuring the subtle flavors of smoked rosemary and the richness of egg white.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 cup smoked rosemary sprigs (smoked to your liking)
– 2 large egg whites
– Club soda
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add the smoked rosemary sprigs to the shaker and muddle gently to release the flavors.
3. Crack in the egg whites and shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds, or until the mixture becomes frothy and doubled in volume.
4. Fill a glass with ice and strain the cocktail into it.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with a sprig of smoked rosemary.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Smoked Peach Bellini with Prosecco
Elevate your brunch game with this unique twist on the classic Bellini cocktail. Sweet and smoky, it’s a perfect blend of flavors for a warm summer morning.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe peach, smoked (see note)
– 2 cups Prosecco
– 1 tablespoon honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the smoked peach to release its juices.
2. Add the honey syrup and shake until well combined.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
4. Top with Prosecco and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To smoke a peach, place it on a foil-lined baking sheet and cook at 225°F (110°C) for 2-3 hours, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Smoked Spiced Rum Punch with Cinnamon
This Smoked Spiced Rum Punch is a delightful twist on the classic rum punch, infused with the warm and comforting flavors of cinnamon. Perfect for cold winter nights or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dark rum
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup ginger beer
– 1 cinnamon stick (6-8 inches)
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Ice cubes
– Sliced orange or lemon for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine dark rum, apple cider, pineapple juice, and ginger beer.
2. Add the cinnamon stick, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon to the pitcher. Stir well to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir the punch again and add ice cubes as needed.
5. Garnish with sliced orange or lemon, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Smoked Coconut Daiquiri with Lime
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and refreshing twist on the classic daiquiri. The addition of smoked coconut and lime juice adds depth and complexity to this tropical treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz coconut cream
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/4 oz smoked simple syrup (see note)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the rum, coconut cream, lime juice, and smoked simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To make smoked simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add 2-3 drops of liquid smoke (such as Lapsang souchong) and stir to combine.
Smoked Pear Martini with Vanilla Infusion
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and flavorful martini, featuring smoked pear puree and a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears, peeled and cored
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 3/4 ounce triple sec
– 1/2 ounce vanilla-flavored simple syrup (see note)
– Lemon twist or pear slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F (or use liquid smoke as a substitute).
2. Smoke the pears for 30 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
3. Puree the smoked pears with sugar, water, and liquid smoke in a blender until smooth.
4. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, triple sec, and vanilla-flavored simple syrup.
5. Add the pear puree and fill the shaker with ice.
6. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
7. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
8. Garnish with a lemon twist or pear slice.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes (including smoking time)
Summary
Get ready to elevate your cocktail game with these 18 creative smoked recipes! From classics like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan, to unique twists on margaritas and mojitos, there’s something for everyone. Infuse your drinks with smoky flavors using techniques like chipotle infusion and smoked ice cubes. Try a Smoked Old Fashioned with bourbon and cherry, or a Smoked Mezcal Margarita with lime and agave. Whether you’re a fan of whiskey, gin, or rum, these recipes will take your cocktail party to the next level.
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