As the summer sun sets and the nights grow warm, our cocktail cravings shift from refreshing spirits to rich, complex flavors that evoke the smoky, savory notes of a campfire. To tantalize your taste buds, we’ve curated 18 exquisite smoked cocktail recipes that will transport you to a world of bold flavors and sultry atmospheres.
From classic twists on old favorites like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan, to innovative creations featuring mezcal, whiskey, and rum, these smoky sippers are sure to elevate your mixology game. Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or a curious cocktail enthusiast, get ready to ignite your passion for creative concoctions that will leave your friends in awe.
Stay tuned for the rest of our smoked cocktail recipes, featuring mouthwatering combinations like Smoked Old Fashioned with Bourbon, Smoky Margarita with Mezcal, and many more…
Smoked Old Fashioned with Bourbon
Elevate your classic Old Fashioned cocktail with a hint of smokiness from smoked ice and the rich flavor of bourbon.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon (such as Pappy Van Winkle or Booker’s)
– 1 sugar cube (about 1/2 teaspoon)
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange peel, for garnish
– Smoked ice cubes (see notes)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, place the sugar cube and add a small amount of water to the glass. Use a muddler or spoon to dissolve the sugar.
2. Add the bourbon and bitters to the glass.
3. Fill the glass with smoked ice cubes.
4. Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
5. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with more smoked ice cubes, if desired.
6. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink, then use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None
Notes:
– To make smoked ice cubes, fill an ice cube tray with water and let it freeze. Then, place the ice cubes on a baking sheet and smoke them using your preferred method (e.g., smoking gun or wood chips) until they have a light smoky flavor.
Smoky Margarita with Mezcal
Elevate your margarita game with the smoky depth of mezcal. This twist on the classic cocktail combines the bold flavors of mezcal, lime juice, and agave nectar for a truly unique taste experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces mezcal
– 1 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/2 ounce agave nectar
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add mezcal, lime juice, and agave nectar to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, not a cooked dish.
Smoked Pineapple Mojito
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic mojito, featuring smoky pineapple and minty freshness.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pineapple, chunked
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 cup mint leaves
– 2-3 sprigs of rosemary
– Ice
– Club soda
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the pineapple chunks with the mint leaves and rosemary.
2. Add the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake, strain, and serve.
Smoked Cherry Manhattan
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique take on the classic Manhattan, featuring smoky cherries and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1 oz Cherry liqueur
– 1/2 oz Smoked cherry puree (see note)
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– 1 dash Orange bitters
– Cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine whiskey, cherry liqueur, smoked cherry puree, and both types of bitters.
2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture.
3. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail recipe!)
Note: To make smoked cherry puree, pit 1 cup of cherries and smoke them over low heat for 30 minutes using liquid smoke or a smoker. Blend the smoky cherries with 1/4 cup simple syrup to create the puree.
Smoked Rosemary Gin Fizz
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and refreshing Smoked Rosemary Gin Fizz. The subtle smokiness from the smoked rosemary syrup pairs perfectly with the crisp gin, lemon juice, and soda water.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz smoked rosemary syrup (see note)
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Soda water
– Ice
– Rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, smoked rosemary syrup, and lemon juice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Top with soda water.
6. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To make smoked rosemary syrup, combine 1 cup rosemary leaves with 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, then discard solids. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Smoked Apple Cider Whiskey Sour
Elevate your whiskey sour game with the warm, spicy flavors of smoked apple cider and a hint of complexity from smoky whiskey.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Smoked Bourbon or Whiskey
– 3/4 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz Apple cider syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Orange twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, lemon juice, apple cider syrup, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with an orange twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To make apple cider syrup, combine equal parts apple cider and granulated sugar in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let cool and strain before using.
Smoked Grapefruit Paloma
Experience the sweet and tangy combination of smoked grapefruit and paloma flavors in this refreshing cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– 1/4 oz smoked salt simple syrup (see note)
– 3 oz grapefruit soda
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Grapefruit twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
5. Add smoked salt simple syrup (see note) and stir gently.
6. Top with grapefruit soda.
7. Garnish with a grapefruit twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Smoked Vanilla Bourbon Smash
Elevate your cocktail game with this Smoked Vanilla Bourbon Smash, a unique twist on the classic bourbon smash. The combination of smoky vanilla and sweet bourbon will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1 oz smoked simple syrup (see note)
– 1 oz fresh lemon juice
– 1/2 oz vanilla extract
– 2 sprigs of mint leaves
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, smoked simple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a sprig of mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None ( cocktail preparation only)
Note: To make smoked simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let steep for at least 2 hours with 1-2 smoking wood chips (such as apple or mesquite). Strain the syrup before using.
Smoked Maple Bourbon Sour
A twist on the classic whiskey sour, this recipe combines the smoothness of bourbon with the richness of smoked maple syrup and a tangy lemon twist.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz smoked maple syrup (see note)
– 1 dash Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, lemon juice, and smoked maple syrup.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, not a cooked dish.
Note: To make smoked maple syrup, simply smoke maple syrup over low heat for 30 minutes using your preferred smoking method (e.g., smoker or grill).
Smoked Spiced Rum Punch
Elevate your gatherings with this smoky twist on a classic rum punch. Smoked spices and aromatic flavors come together to create a unique and addictive drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dark rum
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup ginger beer
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (1:1 water and sugar, dissolved)
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Sliced pineapple and orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine rum, pineapple juice, and orange juice.
2. Add ginger beer and simple syrup; stir to combine.
3. Add smoked paprika, cinnamon, and nutmeg; stir well.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice with sliced pineapple and orange garnishes.
Cooking Time: None required!
Smoked Peach Bellini
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique Smoked Peach Bellini recipe, featuring the sweet and tangy flavors of peaches and champagne.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe peaches, smoked using liquid smoke or peach wood chips
– 1 cup peach puree
– 1 cup Prosecco or champagne
– 1 tablespoon honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– Splash of lemon juice
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine smoked peaches, peach puree, and honey syrup. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the peach mixture into a champagne flute or glass.
3. Top with Prosecco or champagne.
4. Add a splash of lemon juice for balance.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Smoked Blueberry Mint Julep
This refreshing summer cocktail combines the sweetness of blueberries with the coolness of mint, all wrapped up in a smoky package.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Smoked Bourbon Whiskey (see note)
– 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
– 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
– 1/4 oz Blueberry Puree
– 1/4 oz Mint-Infused Simple Syrup (see note)
– Club Soda
– Ice
– Fresh Mint Leaves and Blueberries for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the Smoked Bourbon Whiskey, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Blueberry Puree, and Mint-Infused Simple Syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Top with Club Soda.
6. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a few blueberries.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Smoked Lavender Lemonade Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and refreshing drink, perfect for warm weather gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups lemon-lime soda
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup lavender syrup (see note)
– 1/2 cup vodka
– 1/4 cup smoked simple syrup (see note)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh lavender sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the lemon juice, lavender syrup, and vodka.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Top with lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
6. Drizzle smoked simple syrup on top (optional).
7. Garnish with a fresh lavender sprig.
Notes:
– To make 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 10 minutes. Strain and let cool.
– To make smoked simple syrup, combine 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and add 1/4 cup liquid smoke (adjust to taste). Let steep for at least 30 minutes before straining and letting cool.
Cooking Time: None
Smoked Bloody Mary with a Twist
Elevate your brunch game with this creative twist on the classic Bloody Mary. Smoky flavors and a hint of spice add depth to this refreshing cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz tomato juice
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz smoked paprika-infused simple syrup (see note)
– 1/4 oz hot sauce (such as sriracha)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, tomato juice, lime juice, smoked paprika simple syrup, and hot sauce.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None!
Note: To make smoked paprika-infused simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 tbsp smoked paprika in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool before using.
Smoked Cucumber Gin Tonic
Elevate your gin game with this refreshing twist on a classic tonic. Smoky flavors from the cucumber and smoked salt mingle with the crispness of gin, creating a unique and invigorating cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 3 oz tonic water
– 1/4 cup thinly sliced cucumber
– 1 tsp smoked salt (or regular salt)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large glass filled with ice, combine gin and lime juice.
2. Muddle the cucumber slices in a separate bowl to release their flavors and oils.
3. Add the muddled cucumber to the glass with the gin mixture.
4. Top with tonic water and stir gently.
5. Sprinkle smoked salt around the rim of the glass (optional).
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None!
Smoked Honey Ginger Whiskey
Smoked Honey Ginger Whiskey Recipe
This recipe combines the warmth of whiskey with the sweetness of honey and the spicy kick of ginger, all infused with a smoky flavor from smoked wood chips. Perfect for sipping on a cold winter’s night.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of whiskey (bourbon or scotch work well)
– 1 cup of honey
– 2 inches of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
– 4-6 smoked wood chips (such as applewood or mesquite)
Instructions:
1. In a large glass jar or container, combine the whiskey and honey. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
2. Add the sliced ginger to the mixture and stir gently.
3. Place the smoked wood chips on top of the mixture, allowing them to infuse their flavor into the liquid.
4. Store the mixture in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks, shaking the jar every few days to combine the flavors.
5. After 2 weeks, strain the whiskey through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle.
Cooking Time:
– Infusion time: 2-3 weeks
– Preparation time: 10 minutes
Smoked Pomegranate Martini
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and flavorful Smoked Pomegranate Martini, perfect for a sophisticated evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz pomegranate liqueur
– 1/2 oz smoked simple syrup (see below)
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Fresh pomegranate seeds and sprigs of rosemary, for garnish
Smoked Simple Syrup:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp liquid smoke (available at most barbecue stores or online)
Instructions:
1. Rim a chilled martini glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, pomegranate liqueur, smoked simple syrup, and lime juice.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
5. Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and sprigs of rosemary.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation only)
Smoked Coconut Rum Colada
Smoked Coconut Rum Colada Recipe
Escape to a tropical paradise with this unique twist on the classic Piña Colada, infused with the rich flavors of smoked coconut and rum.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz coconut cream
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz smoked coconut syrup (see note)
– Splash of club soda
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the dark rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Note: To make smoked coconut syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup shredded coconut in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and the coconut is toasted. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve before using.
Cooking Time: None required!
Summary
Get ready to elevate your cocktail game with these 18 exquisite smoked recipes! From classic twists like the Smoked Old Fashioned and Smoky Margarita, to fruity fusions like the Smoked Pineapple Mojito and Smoked Peach Bellini, there’s something for every taste. Discover innovative uses of smoky flavors in cocktails like the Smoked Cherry Manhattan and Smoked Rosemary Gin Fizz. Perfect for special occasions or just a night in, these recipes are sure to impress. So why wait? Dive into this collection of mouth-watering smoked cocktail recipes and start mixing!
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