Why Smoking Your Drinks Makes Them Taste Better

Did you know smoke isn’t just for grilling food?

Have you ever tried making your drinks on the grill? As we head into summer, we want to introduce you to smoked drinks. They’re our new favorite, whether with alcohol or without!

In this article, we look at why smoking your drinks makes them taste better.

What is a Smoked Drink?

Smoked cocktails have been around a long time, but they have become more popular in recent years.

A smoked cocktail is one that you prepare all or part of on your grill. By infusing smoke into your cocktail, you add extra flavor, ambiance, and experience.

Smoking your drinks leaves a distinct flavor behind. Now let’s look at a few ways to impart that smoky flavor to your favorite beverages.

Add Grilled Citrus

One of our favorite ways to add extra flavor is with grilled citrus. This can be lemons, limes, grapefruit, or oranges. Cut them up, dip them in a bit of sugar, and then grill them. As the sugar and fruit caramelize on the grill, your fruit will add delicious flavor to any drink you might include citrus with.

You’ll love the smoke infused juice and the extra flavor it brings.

Be sure and check out our Smoked Lemonade recipe!

Smoke Your Ice

While this may seem counterintuitive, it actually works.

Once your Big Green Egg is hot and ready, add a pan of water to your smoker. The water will absorb the smoke flavor as it sits there for a few hours. If you’re having a party, do this in advance of your guests’ arrival.

If any particles fall into the water, you can strain them out. Then, you can use this water to make smoked ice cubes. Simply pour the water into ice cube molds, freeze, and then use them in your favorite whiskey drinks.

Feel free to add herbs to your water before the ice cubes melt for added visual affect.

Smoke Some Simple Syrup

If you want to have smoked cocktails more often, you can make some smoked simply syrup. This is very simple:

• Add two cups of sugar and two cups of water to a pan. Set it on your Big Green Egg at 225 degrees for about two hours. You want the sugar to dissolve.
• You can add herbs like rosemary or mint. Or you can even add citrus, poblano peppers, or jalapeno peppers for an extra kick.

Use this simple syrup to mix your favorite drinks!

Use Cleveland Whiskey Smoker BRICX

Want to add even more flavor to your mixed drinks? Try these amazing Bricx!

Final Thoughts

According to Norton Christopher, bar chef at Sac-a-Lait in New Orleans, “The aroma excites the palate and adds depth to the flavor of the cocktail.”

Smoking isn’t just for meat and vegetables. It is delightful when used to flavor your cocktails. So, what are you waiting for? Try smoking your drinks this weekend!