5 Ways Bartenders Add Smoke Their Cocktails

Smoky cocktails add drama and depth, and mixologists have found ways to infuse smoke into drinks that go beyond the classic “smoke the glass” trick.

Here are five techniques to try, each paired with a cocktail that showcases the method.

1. Smoked Glass / Vessel

You’ll need:

A glass
Wood chips (apple, cherry, or oak)
A lighter or match
A small plate or coaster

Steps:

Light a small pinch of wood chips so they start to smoke.
Hold the glass upside down over the smoke to fill it.
Cover the glass with a coaster or plate to trap the smoke for 10–20 seconds.
Remove the cover and pour in your cocktail—the smoky aroma will rise as you serve.

Cocktail: Smoked Chocolate Pecan Old Fashioned — A twist on the classic Old Fashioned with chocolate-infused rye and pecan syrup for a rich, smoky flavor.

2. Flamed or Torched Garnish

You’ll need:

Your garnish (citrus peel, sugar crust, cinnamon stick, etc.)
A lighter, match, or kitchen torch

Steps:

Prepare your garnish.
Hold it over the cocktail or place it on top if it’s a crust or sugar layer.
Ignite briefly to release aromatic oils or caramelize sugars, then blow out.
Serve immediately.

Cocktail: Flaming Mexican Coffee — Features a torched cinnamon and sugar crust that releases warm, fragrant aromas with every sip.

3. Smoke-Infused Spirit or Ingredient

You’ll need:

The spirit or ingredient to smoke (whiskey, mezcal, milk, etc.)
A smoking gun or small smoker setup
Wood chips (apple, cherry, oak, or palo santo)
A sealed container (jar or cocktail shaker)

Steps:

Pour the spirit or ingredient into a jar, shaker, or glass.
Fill the container with smoke and seal immediately.
Let it sit 1–3 minutes to absorb the smoky aroma.
Use in your cocktail.

Cocktail: Soul On Fire — Chocolate milk-washed Santo Mezquila smoked with Palo Santo for a velvety, aromatic drink with depth.

4. Smoked or Charred Ingredient

You’ll need:

Ingredients to smoke or char (fruit, herbs, or spices)
A grill, torch, or smoker

Steps:

Prepare the ingredient (slice fruit, trim herbs, etc.).
Smoke or char until it develops color and aroma.
Let it cool slightly.
Add to your cocktail.

Cocktail: Smokin’ Piña — Smoked pineapple and mint give this tropical-inspired cocktail a playful smoky twist.

5. Smoked Syrup or Infused Ingredient

You’ll need:

Syrup or ingredient to infuse (simple syrup, honey, juice, etc.)
Wood chips (apple, cherry, oak)
A smoking gun or small smoker
A sealed container or jar

Steps:

Pour the syrup or ingredient into a container.
Fill with smoke and seal.
Let it sit 5–10 minutes (longer for stronger flavor).
Use in your cocktail.

Cocktail: Father’s Fireside — Bourbon smoked with applewood and layered with smoky salted caramel syrup for a cozy, fireside-inspired sip.

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