- Dry ice is safe to use in cocktails, it will not alter the flavor in any way. ...
- You'll need a hammer, screwdriver, and goggles to chisel your block of dry ice into 'cubes'. ...
- Drop the cubes (using tongs) into the bottom of your cocktail or punch bowl and it will immediately start to smoke.
Technique and Equipment
There’s more than one way to smoke a cocktail, depending on how much you want to invest and how much smoke you want to add, says Potts, who often experiments with smoked cocktails and includes them on the menu at Beaker & Grey.
Safety
You don’t need to be told that fire and alcohol can be a dangerous combination. Use common sense if you decide to make smoked cocktails. Don’t wear loose clothing, and tie back long hair. Consider smoking your drinks outside if you use a smoking gun.
Ingredients
There are many ingredients you can use to create smoked cocktails, and Potts encourages experimentation. “You don’t know what something will smell like when smoked unless you get the matchbook out,” he says.
Top Smoke and Whisky Combinations
If you’re a little shy about playing Mad Scientist with your cocktails, try these flavor pairings, which tend to work well together. Keep in mind that smoking works best for stirred cocktails.
Presentation
Part of the fun of smoking cocktails is the presentation. Bring the glass out on a plank or heat-proof tray with the ingredients already burning, so your guests can watch the smoke swirl. Then flip the glass and pour in the drink.
What is dry ice?
Dry ice looks like regular ice, but is actually solid carbon dioxide, and it’s a super cold -192F. In other words, it’s seriously cold stuff.
Where can I buy dry ice?
Many large supermarkets carry it, including Walmart and Costco. Call ahead to check.
How do I store dry ice?
Keep dry ice in a styrofoam or insulated cooler with the lid ajar to allow air flow.
How to handle dry ice
Do not touch dry ice with bare hands, it’s way too cold and will cause frostbite, use sturdy gloves. Use tongs to put cubes into drinks.
How to dispose of dry ice
Let the dry ice evaporate in a well ventilated area. Do not flush it down the toilet (it can burst your pipes!) put it in the trash, or leave it on the lawn where unsuspecting animals can come in contact with it.
How to use dry ice in cocktails
Dry ice is safe to use in cocktails, it will not alter the flavor in any way. The ice will sink to the bottom of your glass, but take extra precaution not to ingest it or touch it in any way.
Other ways to create a smokey cocktail
Don’t want to mess with dry ice? There are other ways to get a smokey effect in your cocktails. It’s not only super cool, the flavor is amazing. Here are three different ways to get that wonderful element of smoke into your drinks…
Technique and Equipment
Safety
Ingredients
- There are many ingredients you can use to create smoked cocktails, and Potts encourages experimentation. “You don’t know what something will smell like when smoked unless you get the matchbook out,” he says. While developing one particular cocktail, he smoked 10 or 15 different ingredients until he found the one with the aromatic qualities that were perfect for that drink. “Li…
Top Smoke and Whisky Combinations
- If you’re a little shy about playing Mad Scientist with your cocktails, try these flavor pairings, which tend to work well together. Keep in mind that smoking works best for stirred cocktails. Rye with any wood:“The spiced nature of rye works really nicely with oak, cherry, or hickory,” says Potts, adding that a smoked Manhattan is a good starter smoked cocktail. Bourbon with corn husks:“T…
Presentation
- Part of the fun of smoking cocktails is the presentation. Bring the glass out on a plank or heat-proof tray with the ingredients already burning, so your guests can watch the smoke swirl. Then flip the glass and pour in the drink. You can also use the smoked ingredients, such as cinnamon sticks and herbs, as garnishes. “At Sac-a-Lait, we serve a co...
Smoked Whisky Cocktail Recipes to Try
- Ready to give it a whirl? Try these smoked variations of classics. For Beginners: Smoked Sazerac The Solstice Sazerac uses high-rye bourbon rather than rye whiskey, which dampens the spice flavors of the traditional Sazerac. “The cinnamon syrup adds back a baking spice element, and the cinnamon smoke mixed with orange zest adds an interesting dimension to a well-known cocktai…