I’ve always been that friend who brings the fun to gatherings, you know? So, why not take it up a notch and create my very own smoke infused cocktail kit? I mean, have you ever sipped a drink that just envelops you in a cloud of warmth and nostalgia? It’s like having your favorite campfire memory captured in a glass! I remember the last barbecue night; my friends were raving about how that smoky depth in my homemade cocktails just made everything feel so cozy and connected. It got me thinking—what if I could turn this passion into something special? What if I could craft those moments with an artful twist? Who wouldn’t want to impress their pals with a drink that not only tastes amazing but also tells a story? Yeah, I think I’m onto something here!
Items You’ll Need
- Smoke infuser
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger (measuring tool)
- Cocktail bitters
- Smoking chips (wood for smoking)
- Ice mold (for large ice cubes)
- Cocktail glassware
- Garnish tools (zester, peeler)
- Bar mats
- Smoky cocktail mixer or fogger gun
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Supplies
First, I head to my kitchen and gather all my equipment. I take stock of my smoke infuser, cocktail shaker, strainer, mixing glass, bar spoon, jigger, cocktail bitters, smoking chips, ice mold, cocktail glassware, garnish tools, bar mats, and my trusty smoky cocktail mixer.
Step 2: Select Your Smoking Chips
Next, I pick out some smoking chips. I have a variety of flavors like hickory, applewood, and cherry. Today, I feel like going for applewood. The sweet scent really complements cocktails beautifully.
Step 3: Prep the Ice
I grab my ice mold and fill it with water to make some large ice cubes. Perfect for keeping the cocktails cold without diluting them too quickly. I set it in the freezer to chill while I prepare everything else.
Step 4: Set the Scene
I lay out my bar mats on the counter to keep things tidy and set the vibe. I arrange my glassware, jigger, and garnish tools so that everything is within arm's reach. It feels like I’m about to put on a magic show!
Step 5: Choose a Cocktail Recipe
I flip through my cocktail recipe book. Today, I decide on a classic smoked old fashioned. The perfect balance of smoky and sweet. I gather my ingredients: bourbon, sugar, bitters, and orange for garnish.
Step 6: Mix the Ingredients
I measure out two ounces of bourbon with my jigger, half a sugar cube, and a couple dashes of bitters. I place it into my mixing glass and add ice from the freezer. I don’t want to forget the large ice cubes I prepared!
Step 7: Stir It Up
Using my bar spoon, I stir the mixture for about 30 seconds. I want it nice and chilled. There’s something satisfying about watching the ice slowly melt and transform the drink.
Step 8: Strain and Serve
Now, I grab my strainer and pour the cocktail into my chosen cocktail glass over one of those large ice cubes. It's looking gorgeous already!
Step 9: Infuse with Smoke
Here comes the fun part! I take my smoke infuser and fill it with the applewood chips. I ignite it and direct the smoke into the cocktail glass, watching it billow and swirl around. Just like magic, the cocktail transforms.
Step 10: Garnish the Cocktail
I grab my zester and peel an orange twist. I express the oils over the drink and drop it in as a garnish. It adds a lovely aromatic touch. Cheers to a beautifully crafted cocktail!
Step 11: Enjoy Your Creation
Lastly, I take a moment to admire my work. It’s time to sip my smoky old fashioned. I take a slow sip and revel in the unique flavor combination. This smoke-infused cocktail kit is truly a joy to use!