How to Make a Cocktail Smoker Top

Adding a smoky touch to your cocktails can elevate your mixology game, creating a unique sensory experience for your guests. One way to achieve this is by making a cocktail smoker top. This device infuses your drink with a subtle, aromatic smoke, reminiscent of a campfire or a fine cigar. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a cocktail smoker top at home.

Before we dive into the DIY process, let's understand the science behind the smoker top. When you light the spirit-soaked wood chips, the heat vaporizes the volatile compounds in the wood, creating smoke. This smoke then infuses into your cocktail, imparting its unique flavor and aroma. The key is to use high-proof spirits and quality wood chips to achieve the best results.

Gather Your Materials

To create your cocktail smoker top, you'll need the following materials:

• High-proof spirit (like rum, whiskey, or vodka)
• Wood chips (such as oak, hickory, or cherry)
• Small, heat-resistant glass or metal dish
• Lighter or matches
• Stainless steel strainer or slotted spoon
• Cocktail glass
• Cocktail ingredients (like juice, syrup, or liqueur)

Choose Your Wood Chips

Selecting the right wood chips is crucial as they significantly impact the flavor of your cocktail. Different woods impart unique flavors:

• Oak: Provides a subtle, vanilla-like flavor
• Hickory: Offers a bold, bacon-like smokiness
• Cherry: Imparts a sweet, fruity aroma

Prepare Your Spirit and Wood Chips

Pour a small amount of high-proof spirit into the glass or metal dish. The amount depends on the size of your dish and the intensity of smoke you desire. Add a pinch of wood chips to the spirit. Ensure the chips are not too large, as they can cause the spirit to flame up too quickly.

Stir the mixture gently to ensure the wood chips are well-coated with the spirit. Be careful not to overfill the dish, as this can cause the spirit to overflow when lit.

Create Your Cocktail

While your smoker top is preparing, mix your cocktail ingredients in a separate glass. This allows the smoke to infuse into the cocktail without overpowering it. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Smoky Old Fashioned

• 2 oz bourbon
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes of aromatic bitters
• Orange peel

Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.

Infuse the Smoke

Carefully light the spirit-soaked wood chips using a lighter or match. As the spirit ignites, it will create a small flame that quickly burns off, leaving behind smoke. Place the dish on a heat-resistant surface or trivet to protect your countertop.

Hold the cocktail glass over the smoker top, ensuring the smoke flows into the glass. You can use a stainless steel strainer or slotted spoon to hold the glass in place if needed. Allow the smoke to infuse into the cocktail for about 15-30 seconds, or until you achieve your desired level of smokiness.

Serve and Enjoy

After infusing the smoke, carefully remove the dish from the glass. Gently stir the cocktail to distribute the smoke evenly. If desired, garnish with an orange peel or cherry. Serve immediately and enjoy the unique, smoky flavor of your homemade cocktail.

Creating a cocktail smoker top at home is a fun and rewarding way to experiment with flavors and impress your guests. With practice, you'll develop a feel for the perfect balance of smoke and cocktail, elevating your mixology skills to new heights. So, gather your materials and start exploring the world of smoked cocktails today!