As the winter season rolls in, bringing with it the festive cheer of the holidays, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a warm, inviting cocktail.
As the winter season rolls in, bringing with it the festive cheer of the holidays, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a warm, inviting cocktail. But this year, why not elevate your holiday spirits and home bar with a smoky twist? Smoked cocktails are not just a trend; they are an experience, offering a sensory journey that combines the comfort of traditional holiday flavors with the rich, earthy notes of smoke. Here are some delicious smoked holiday cocktails that you simply must try this winter.
1. Smoked Cinnamon Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
- Smoke from burning cinnamon stick
Method: This twist on the classic Old Fashioned starts by smoking a glass with a burning cinnamon stick. In the smoked glass, muddle the sugar cube and bitters, add bourbon, and stir. Garnish with an orange peel and a cinnamon stick for a festive touch. The smoky cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night.
2. Applewood Smoked Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- Applewood chips for smoking
- Apple slice for garnish
Method: For a smoky yet crisp experience, try the Applewood Smoked Martini. Smoke your martini glass with applewood chips using a smoking gun or a similar device. Mix vodka and dry vermouth in a shaker with ice, then strain into the smoked glass. Garnish with a fresh apple slice to enhance the fruity notes.
3. Smoked Maple Bourbon Eggnog
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 4 oz eggnog
- 1 oz maple syrup
- Nutmeg for garnish
- Oak wood chips for smoking
Method: A holiday favorite with a smoky twist, the Smoked Maple Bourbon Eggnog is a must-try. Smoke your serving glass with oak wood chips using one of the many cocktail smokers of your choice. In a shaker, combine bourbon, eggnog, and maple syrup with ice, and shake well. Strain into the smoked glass and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg. The smokiness complements the richness of the eggnog, creating a truly indulgent holiday treat.
4. Hickory Smoked Pomegranate Sour
Ingredients:
- 2 oz whiskey
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Egg white (optional)
- Hickory chips for smoking
- Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Method: For a tangy and smoky cocktail, try the Hickory Smoked Pomegranate Sour. Smoke your cocktail glass with hickory chips. In a shaker, combine whiskey, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using). Shake vigorously and strain into the smoked glass. Garnish with pomegranate seeds for a festive and flavorful finish.
5. Cherrywood Smoked Chocolate Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz chocolate liqueur
- 1 oz cream
- Cherrywood chips for smoking
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Method: For a dessert cocktail, the Cherrywood Smoked Chocolate Martini is a luxurious choice. Smoke your martini glass with cherrywood chips. In a shaker, combine vodka, chocolate liqueur, and cream with ice. Shake well and strain into the smoked glass. Garnish with chocolate shavings for an extra decadent touch.
6. Smoked Cranberry Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Salt for rimming
- Lime wedge and fresh cranberries for garnish
- Mesquite wood chips for smoking
Method: The Smoked Cranberry Margarita is a festive take on a classic. Begin by smoking your margarita glass with mesquite wood chips, giving it a distinct southwestern flair. Rim the glass with salt. In a shaker, mix tequila, triple sec, lime juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup with ice. Shake well and strain into the smoked glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh cranberries. The tartness of the cranberry and the smoky mesquite create a memorable holiday cocktail.
7. Smoked Ginger Pear Bellini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz pear nectar
- 1 oz ginger liqueur
- Prosecco or sparkling wine
- Pear slice for garnish
- Ginger and applewood chips for smoking
Method: For a lighter, bubbly option, the Smoked Ginger Pear Bellini is an exquisite choice. Smoke a champagne flute with a blend of ginger and applewood chips, adding a unique spicy and fruity aroma. Pour pear nectar and ginger liqueur into the smoked flute. Top with chilled Prosecco or any sparkling wine of your choice. Garnish with a thin slice of pear. This cocktail is perfect for toasting during holiday celebrations, combining the effervescence of bubbly with the warm, spicy notes of smoked ginger and the sweetness of pear.
Conclusion
These smoked holiday cocktails are not just drinks; they are a celebration of the season’s flavors and aromas. The addition of smoke to these classic cocktails adds depth and complexity, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. So light the fire, gather your friends and family, and raise a glass to the magic of the season with these delightful smoked cocktails. Cheers to a smoky, festive winter!
