What Are the Best Smoky Cocktails?

The best smoked cocktails can be made in various ways, with a smoky whiskey or mezcal instead of a non-smoky spirit or by using a universal cocktail smoking kit.

Any answer to the question of what are the best smoky cocktails will focus on whiskey-based recipes. While many have a natural smokiness, switching to a peaty Islay Scotch or a smoky mezcal can ramp up the aroma. Other classics, like the Smoky Margarita, also benefit from the smoky treatment—either by using mezcal or a professional smoking kit.

What Are the Best Smoky Cocktails?

The best smoky cocktails are undoubtedly the classics: the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan, the Whiskey Sour, the Sazerac, and the Mint Julep. While you can substitute spirits, using a Cocktail Smoking Kit is usually the better option. It allows you to keep the traditional recipe intact while simply infusing the alluring essence of smoke.

How to Make a Smoky Martini

Infusing a Gin Martini with smoke is a game-changer. Rather than hunting for rare smoked gins, investing in a smoking kit allows you to use your favorite London Dry Gin with specialized Vermouth Oak Roast Smoking Fuel or Old Towne Gin Smoking Fuel. Both are designed specifically with botanical cocktails in mind.

How to Make a Smoky Negroni

To make a Smoky Negroni, follow the same principles as the Martini. Because the Negroni already has bold flavors from vermouth and Campari, a simpler fuel like Whiskey Barrel Oak Smoking Fuel is the perfect choice to complement the drink without overcomplicating the palate.

by Mike Gerrard

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