Addition of smoke to cocktails has become a trend at craft bars for some time now, not as just a gimmick but as an effective method for adding some serious flavor to drinks. While novices might find the technique intimidating at first, once equipped with the appropriate tools it’s actually quite straightforward. Cold smoke from a source other than grill or Bourbon Smokers should be used – hot smoke could actually cook the drink! Most bartenders use gun-style infusers and dome-type devices made of glass (known as cloche) for adding smoke prior to serving drinks; other methods exist such as infusing ingredients directly.
Over two dozen cocktail smokers were tested, considering both experienced cocktail makers and beginners when reviewing them for ease of use, overall performance, cleaning capabilities, value and overall price to determine which were the most ideal ones.
- Breville The Smoking Gun Pro
Breville’s Smoking Gun Pro is an exceptionally versatile piece of equipment designed for chefs of any skill level – but also perfect for playful experimentation! Running on four AA batteries, its massive burn chamber makes loading easy and can accommodate enough material to smoke multiple cocktails at the same time. We found its flexible silicone hose easy for targeting smoke where needed while variable speeds enable home bartenders to add light or increase the intensity level as desired. Both its stainless steel barrel and burn chamber can easily pop out for easy cleanup – perfect!
After testing it both at our official test kitchen and our own home, we were impressed with the Smoking Gun Pro. It proved easy to use, drew quick smoke in, produced rich, robust smoke that lingered, was cost-effective, and easy to clean despite its higher price. We appreciate its overall value despite being costly.
- Mitbak’s Smoking Gun with Dome Lid and Wood Chips
Mitbak offers an affordable cold Home whiskey smoking complete with everything needed to begin smoking cocktails with Whiskey smoking experts immediately. Included are rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that fire the smoking gun; domed cloche, wood chips, detachable hose, charging cable, tweezer to help clear debris out of detachable burn chamber for easier cleanup; three speed infuser fan for efficient output regulation – perfect!
We like how this relatively basic unit came equipped with three variable settings and found the “high” setting to produce quite a lot of smoke. Furthermore, it’s small enough design to fit conveniently in our dishwasher.
Note for home bartenders: while this kit includes a cloche, it cannot accommodate tall glasses. Therefore, if you frequently make cocktails using stemmed glassware, consider investing in a Whiskey smoking kit with more height. Likewise, as this unit does not come equipped with its own base plate (either cutting board or plate), an appropriate piece will need to be found as the dome sits atop of it all.
- Oklahoma Joe’s Cocktail Smoking Box
Constructed of American white oak used in the production of bourbon barrels, Oklahoma Joe’s elegant little box from grill manufacturer Oklahoma Joe’s makes an ideal outdoor bartending tool. You will need your own wood chips (lighter/torch not included), but everything else – sturdy wooden box with sliding tray at bottom for chips storage – is included with your purchase. While its compact size may limit how much can fit inside at once, just take this as another chance to relax and appreciate Mother Nature.
Design of this unit is sleek and unassuming; cleaning it was quick and effortless. Even though only capable of smoking one drink at a time, we found its smokiness level perfect: just enough smoky aroma without overbearing ash flavors; we raise our glasses to that!