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Eggnog. Bloody Mary. Mezcalini. Three of the greatest cocktails ever devised by human ingenuity. They’re iconic and full-flavored. And easy to prepare in large batches, which makes them perfect holiday cocktail parties.
There’s only one thing that can make a great drink even better. Drum roll, please … wood smoke.
Smoked Cocktails
Smoke has been called “the umami of barbecue” (the legendary chef Mark Miller said that). Smoke has the unique ability to make just about any food taste more like itself, only better. There’s certainly something about the soulful scent of wood smoke that lends character and depth to any cocktail.
So how do you smoke a cocktail? There are two basic methods.
The easiest way is to procure a handheld smoker, like a Cocktail Smoking Kit.
So, what’s a handheld smoker? Imagine a bong that shoots out would smoke instead of … well, you know what I’m talking about. 😉
You simply place your cocktail in a bowl or pitcher, cover the top with plastic wrap, leaving just enough room at the edge for the rubber smoke tube. Insert said tube, fire up the handheld smoker and fill the bowl with smoke. Let stand for 4 minutes and repeat 2 or 3 times, or until your cocktail has that wonderful, haunting smoke flavor.
The other way is to use your smoker or grill. Set it up for smoking or indirect grilling and heat it to 250 degrees. Fill a metal bowl or roasting pan with ice and place the cocktail in another metal bowl on top of it. (The ice keeps the drink cold.) Smoke the cocktail for 20 to 30 minutes, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Yes, this works great in a pellet grill too. And yes, you can do it ahead.
As for which wood to use? I’m partial to oak or hickory, but apple and cherry give you great flavored cocktails, too.
Here are three of our favorite smoked cocktails. You’ll want to make them again and again—long after the holidays are over. Cheers!
1. Smoked Eggnog
If you’ve never tasted smoked, made-from-scratch eggnog, you’re in for a revelation. We’re talking real eggnog, made with eggs, heavy cream, and spirits.
Get The Recipe »
2. Smoky Mary
The Raichlen twist on the traditional Bloody Mary burns it up with fresh horseradish and sriracha. You’ll smell smoke—literally—thanks to a flavorful blast of hickory from a handheld smoker. I know it sounds like heresy, but to reinforce the smoke flavor, use mezcal (a smoky cactus spirit from Mexico) in place of the usual vodka.
Get The Recipe »
3. Mezcalini
Cross a margarita with a mojito and you get a Mezcalini. Add smoke and you achieve nirvana, not to mention notoriety—especially if you brandish the handheld smoker in front of your guests.
Get The Recipe »
Check out our 1000+ Recipes section here on Barbecue Bible.Com
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