Are you ready to ignite your mixology skills and take your cocktail game to new heights? Look no further! In this article, we’re excited to share 20 bold smoked drink recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. From classic cocktails with a smoky twist to innovative concoctions that blend the flavors of fire and ice, these recipes are sure to challenge even the most adventurous mixologists.
In this collection, you’ll find everything from whiskey-based sours to mezcal-infused palomas, each one showcasing the unique characteristics of smoked flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these recipes are designed to inspire your creativity and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of mixology.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the first 10 bold smoked drink recipes that will get your creative juices flowing…
Smoked Old Fashioned with Bourbon and Cherry
Elevate your classic Old Fashioned with a smoky twist. This recipe combines the rich flavors of bourbon, cherry, and smoked wood to create a complex and intriguing cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Bourbon
– 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
– 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
– 1 Cherry, preferably Luxardo or similar
– 1 Smoked Wood Chip (such as applewood or cherrywood)
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters.
2. Add the smoked wood chip to the mixture and let it infuse for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a cherry, preferably a Luxardo or similar.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (infusion time)
Mezcal Smoked Paloma with Grapefruit and Lime
Elevate your cocktail game with this bold and refreshing twist on the classic Paloma, featuring smoky Mezcal and tangy grapefruit.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Mezcal
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Salt for rimming glass
– Grapefruit slice or wheel, for garnish
– Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine Mezcal, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and agave syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or wheel and a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None
Smoked Rosemary Gin Fizz
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and refreshing Smoked Rosemary Gin Fizz, featuring the subtle smokiness of smoked rosemary and the crispness of gin.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
• 3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary leaves
• 1/4 cup club soda
• Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add 3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary leaves to the shaker and muddle (gently press) them with the ingredients to release their oils and flavors.
3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with an additional sprig of rosemary, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Enjoy your Smoked Rosemary Gin Fizz!
Hickory-Smoked Whiskey Sour
Elevate your whiskey sour game with the addition of smoky hickory flavor, perfect for those who appreciate a bold twist on tradition.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 3/4 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1 dash of Angostura bitters
– Hickory wood chips (enough to cover the surface of your glass)
– Ice
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Place hickory wood chips on top of the drink, allowing the smoky aroma to infuse.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None required! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Applewood-Smoked Maple Bourbon Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique blend of applewood-smoked flavors, rich maple syrup, and smooth bourbon. This Applewood-Smoked Maple Bourbon Cocktail is perfect for a chilly evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 oz applewood-smoked simple syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz pure Canadian maple syrup
– 3 oz apple cider
– 1 dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, applewood-smoked simple syrup, maple syrup, and apple cider.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a pre-chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
6. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, if desired.
Note: To make applewood-smoked simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add 2-3 wood chips (such as applewood) to the mixture and let it steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain and store in an airtight container.
Smoked Cedar Plank Margarita
Elevate your margarita game with this unique recipe that combines the flavors of smoked cedar and citrus. The smoky notes from the plank add a depth to the drink, while the citrus and agave provide a refreshing contrast.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– 1/4 cup triple sec
– 1 smoked cedar plank (see notes)
– Ice
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
2. Place a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil on a baking sheet and sprinkle with wood chips or chunks. Smoke the plank for at least 30 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of smokiness.
3. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and triple sec.
4. Strain the mixture into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
5. Place the smoked cedar plank on top of the drink as garnish.
Cooking Time: None (smoking time)
Chipotle-Smoked Pineapple Rum Punch
This bold and refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of pineapple with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers, perfect for a summer gathering or holiday party.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pineapple juice
– 1 cup dark rum
– 1/2 cup triple sec
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, smoked
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice, dark rum, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir until well combined.
2. Add the smoked chipotle peppers to the pitcher and stir gently.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve over ice in tall glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None
Cherrywood-Smoked Negroni
Take your classic Negroni to new heights with the rich, velvety notes of cherrywood smoke. This unique twist on a timeless cocktail is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
– Cherrywood chips (enough for 4-6 cocktails)
– Orange twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet or smoker box, add cherrywood chips and heat over medium-high heat until fragrant and smoking.
2. In a mixing glass, combine gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Place the mixing glass inside the smoking skillet or smoker box, ensuring the liquid mixture is exposed to the smoke.
4. Let the mixture infuse for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to distribute the smoke evenly.
5. Strain the Negroni into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with an orange twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Smoked Vanilla Cold Brew Martini
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and refreshing Smoked Vanilla Cold Brew Martini. The combination of smoky vanilla, cold brew coffee, and creamy vodka is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz smoked vanilla-flavored vodka
– 1/2 oz cold brew coffee liqueur
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice
– Whipped cream and a sprinkle of smoked sea salt for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, cold brew coffee liqueur, heavy cream, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of smoked sea salt, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Oak-Smoked Bloody Mary with Spiced Rim
Elevate your brunch game with this unique twist on the classic Bloody Mary, infused with the rich flavor of oak-smoked vodka and a spicy kick.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz oak-smoked vodka
– 1 oz tomato juice
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Spiced rim ingredients: 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with the spiced mixture (smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper).
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add the oak-smoked vodka, tomato juice, lime juice, and hot sauce to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None
Smoked Blackberry Bramble with Gin
This Smoked Blackberry Bramble recipe combines the sweetness of blackberries, the tanginess of lemon, and the smokiness of bourbon barrel-aged simple syrup to create a unique and refreshing cocktail. The addition of gin adds a botanical depth that complements the fruit flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon barrel-aged simple syrup
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 oz blackberry puree
– 1/2 oz gin
– 3-4 dashes blackberry bitters
– Ice
– Fresh blackberries and sprigs of rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the bourbon barrel-aged simple syrup, lemon juice, blackberry puree, and gin.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Add 3-4 dashes of blackberry bitters.
6. Garnish with fresh blackberries and rosemary sprigs.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Pecan-Smoked Mint Julep
Escape the ordinary with this unique take on the iconic mint julep, where the smoothness of bourbon is elevated by the rich flavors of pecans and smoked mint.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups crushed ice
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon
– 1/4 cup simple syrup
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon pecan liqueur (such as Frangelic)
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked mint extract (or 1/8 teaspoon dried smoked mint leaves)
– Fresh mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine crushed ice and bourbon. Stir until the mixture is well-combined.
2. Add simple syrup, lime juice, pecan liqueur, and smoked mint extract (or dried leaves). Stir until the mixture is smooth.
3. Pour the Pecan-Smoked Mint Julep into a silver cup or highball glass filled with crushed ice.
4. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing cocktail is ready to be enjoyed in just minutes.
Smoked Pear and Ginger Bourbon Smash
Elevate your summer sipping game with this unique and flavorful bourbon smash. A blend of smoky pears, spicy ginger, and rich bourbon creates a complex and refreshing cocktail perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears, smoked according to package instructions
– 1/4 cup fresh ginger juice
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 water and sugar)
– Ice
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Muddle the smoked pears in a cocktail shaker to release their flavors.
2. Add the ginger juice, bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None
Mesquite-Smoked Tequila Sunrise
Elevate your brunch game with this bold twist on the classic tequila sunrise. The smoky flavor of mesquite adds a rich, complex depth to this refreshing cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 oz grenadine syrup
– Splash of sparkling water
– Mesquite-smoked ice (see note)
– Orange wheel and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with mesquite-smoked ice.
2. Pour in the tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
5. Garnish with an orange wheel and cherry.
Note: To make mesquite-smoked ice, simply place cubed ice in a smoker set to 225°F for at least 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can use regular ice and add a few drops of liquid smoke to the drink before serving.
Cooking Time: None (simply assemble the cocktail)
Smoked Apple Cider Hot Toddy
As the weather cools down, warm up with this unique twist on a classic hot toddy. Smoky apple cider adds depth and complexity to the traditional mix of whiskey, honey, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz smoked bourbon or whiskey
– 4 oz apple cider
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 6-8 whole cloves
– Ice cubes
– Lemon slice or wheel (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider and honey. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the honey dissolves.
2. Add the cinnamon stick and whole cloves to the pot. Remove from heat and let steep for 5-7 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture into a mug or heat-proof glass.
4. Add the smoked bourbon or whiskey. Stir gently to combine.
5. Serve hot, garnished with a lemon slice or wheel if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Alderwood-Smoked Dark and Stormy
Experience the bold flavors of a classic Dark ‘N’ Stormy cocktail with the added depth of Alderwood-smoked whiskey. This unique twist is perfect for adventurous drinkers looking to elevate their mixology game.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Alderwood-smoked bourbon or whiskey
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1/2 oz)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Alderwood-smoked whiskey and add the juice of one lime.
3. Top with ginger beer, stirring gently to combine.
4. Squeeze a sliver of lime onto the surface of the drink and drop it in.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (prepare in seconds!)
Smoked Lavender Lemonade Vodka Spritz
Elevate your summer gatherings with this unique and tantalizing Smoked Lavender Lemonade Vodka Spritz. The subtle smokiness of the lavender and lemonade perfectly balance the crisp, refreshing taste of vodka.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup smoked lavender syrup (see note)
– Splash of sparkling water
– Ice
– Lemon twist or sprig of rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, lemonade, and smoked lavender syrup.
3. Shake gently to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or sprig of rosemary.
Cooking Time: None needed! Simply assemble and serve.
Note: To make smoked lavender syrup, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 1/4 cup dried lavender buds in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain and let cool before using.
Hickory-Smoked Espresso Martini
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and bold creation, combining the rich flavors of hickory-smoked syrup with the richness of espresso.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 oz vodka
– 0.5 oz Kahlúa
– 0.5 oz freshly brewed espresso
– 0.25 oz hickory-smoked simple syrup (see note)
– 0.5 oz heavy cream
– 1 dash of cinnamon powder (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, Kahlúa, espresso, and hickory-smoked simple syrup.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
4. Top with heavy cream and sprinkle with cinnamon powder if desired.
Cooking Time: None needed! Just mix and serve.
Note: To make hickory-smoked simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and 2 tbsp hickory liquid smoke in a saucepan. Heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool before using.
Smoked Blood Orange Aperol Spritz
Elevate your aperitif game with this unique twist on the classic Italian Spritz. The addition of smoked blood orange juice adds a bold, savory flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the bitter notes of Aperol.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Aperol
– 1 oz Prosecco
– 1/2 oz Smoked Blood Orange Juice (see note)
– Splash of Soda Water
– Slice of orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Aperol and Prosecco.
3. Add the smoked blood orange juice and stir gently.
4. Top with soda water and stir again.
5. Garnish with an orange slice.
Note: To make smoked blood orange juice, combine 1 cup of blood orange juice with 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke (available at most grocery stores). Stir well and let it infuse in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before using.
Walnut-Smoked Fig and Rum Sour
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique fusion of flavors: sweet figs, smoky walnuts, and the warmth of rum. This recipe combines the complexities of a traditional sour with the added depth of walnut-smoked syrup.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz fresh lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 oz walnut-smoked syrup (see note)
– 1/4 cup fig jam
– Ice
– Walnut praline or crushed walnuts for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add rum, lemon juice, simple syrup, and walnut-smoked syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Drizzle fig jam along the inside of the glass.
6. Garnish with a sprinkle of walnut praline or crushed walnuts.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To make walnut-smoked syrup, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup brown sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts and let steep for at least 2 hours. Strain the syrup before using.
Summary
Get ready to elevate your mixology game with these 20 bold smoked drink recipes! From classic cocktails like Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour, to innovative creations like Smoked Rosemary Gin Fizz and Chipotle-Smoked Pineapple Rum Punch, this collection has something for every adventurous bartender. With a range of smoky flavors from bourbon to tequila, and even some surprising twists like smoked lavender lemonade, there’s never been a better time to experiment with the art of smoking in cocktails.
