Smoky Cocktail Recipes: How to Use Liquid Smoke for Unique Drinks

How to Make Smoky Cocktails Using Liquid Smoke

Smoky cocktails bring a new layer of depth to your drink, adding a rich, campfire-like flavor that elevates the experience. Whether you’re sipping an Old Fashioned or experimenting with a creative smoked cocktail, learning how to infuse smoke into your drink can transform any cocktail into something memorable.

What does Liquid Smoke Taste Like?

Adding liquid smoke to your cocktail recipe is a quick way to get that deep, smoky flavor without the need for complex tools like a smoke gun. A few drops of liquid smoke will infuse your drink with the aroma and taste of a campfire, making it perfect for drinks like an Old Fashioned or even a modern twist on a whiskey sour.

You might ask, why not just infuse smoke directly? While that’s a great method, liquid smoke offers convenience and control. You get the smoky flavor without needing to set up a full smoking process. It’s also more accessible for home bartenders who want to try their hand at a smoked cocktail.

How to Make a Smoky Old Fashioned

• 2 oz whiskey
• 2-3 drops of liquid smoke
• A squeeze of honey
• 2 dashes of bitter
• Ice cubes
• Orange peel for garnish

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Rinse your glass with a few drops of liquid smoke.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, honey, bitters, and 2-3 drops of liquid smoke.
3. Add ice and stir for about 30 seconds to chill the drink.
4. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange peel and enjoy your smoked Old Fashioned.

Best Cocktails to Infuse with Smoke

Some drinks work better than others when you’re adding smoke to the mix. Here are a few of the best cocktails to try:

1. Glampfire Cocktail

The Glampfire is a modern take on a campfire cocktail, using liquid smoke to recreate that outdoorsy vibe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1.5 oz whiskey
• 1 oz ginger simple syrup
• A squeeze of lemon juice
• 2-3 drops of liquid smoke
• Ice cubes

2. Smoky Whiskey Sour

A twist on the classic whiskey sour, this liquid smoke cocktail adds a campfire-like essence with a hint of bitter and liquid smoke. It’s a great choice for your next happy hour. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz whiskey
• 0.75 oz lemon juice
• 0.75 oz simple syrup
• 1-2 drops of liquid smoke
• 1 dash bitter
• Ice cubes
• Lemon peel (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. 1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, bitter, and 1-2 drops of liquid smoke.
   2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 15 seconds until chilled.
   3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
   4. Garnish with a lemon peel.

3. Smoked Amaro Spritz

Amaro brings a herbal bitterness that pairs well with smoky flavors. Add a couple of drops of liquid smoke to this cocktail for an extra layer of depth. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Amaro
• 3 oz prosecco
• 1 oz club soda
• 1-2 drops of liquid smoke
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. 1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
   2. Pour in the Amaro, prosecco, and club soda.
   3. Add 1-2 drops of liquid smoke and stir gently.
   4. Garnish with an orange slice.

How to Infuse Smoke into Ice Cubes

If you want to take your drinks up a notch, try infused ice cubes. This technique slowly releases the smoky flavor as the ice melts, keeping the aroma present throughout your drink. Here’s how:

1. Fill an ice cube tray and place it into a shallow pan.
2. Fire up your charcoal grill and place the pan inside.
3. Let the water absorb the smoke for 10 minutes before freezing.

Tips for Using Liquid Smoke in Cocktails

When using liquid smoke, less is more. A few drops can go a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. 

• Always use edible liquid smoke. It’s safe for consumption and enhances the flavor without overpowering your drink.
• Try adding liquid smoke to your bitter for a more complex flavor profile.
• Rinse your glass with a drop of liquid smoke before pouring your cocktail. This adds a gentle aroma without overwhelming the palate.

Smoky Cocktails for Your Next Event

Whether you’re celebrating a husband’s birthday or just want to throw a great happy hour, smoky cocktails are a great way to elevate the experience. They’re simple to make, and using liquid smoke makes it even easier to add that campfire aroma to any drink.