How to Make a Smoked Cocktail Indoors
Liquid smoke can be used to give cocktails a woody, charred aroma, but it’s a subtle note. Smoky wood is a great scent, but why stop there when you can add smoky tea, smoky cinnamon or smoky star anise to your cocktail?
If you don’t have a smokehouse or grill, this may seem a little out of reach, but I assure you, it is quite achievable. In fact, anyone, even an apartment dweller like me, can enjoy smoked cocktails without a smoker, grill or even firewood. According to smoking / grill / barbecue expert Meathead Goldwyn of AmazingRibs.com, all you need is a glass, a fire source, and something aromatic to set on fire. I tried star anise and cinnamon, and while I liked both, star anise was a winner. This obviously added smoke, but there were caramelized, almost burnt candies in the aroma and taste, which I found quite pleasant. (I tried it with water to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating; it actually works!)
It’s also very simple, which I always appreciate. First you need to wet and cool the glass. Smoke sticks to cold objects, so add some water in there, pour it out and place the glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. Then stir the drink. Put this aside. Take an uncoated skillet (or oak board) and place your fragrant offering to the gods of fun in the center. Light it up. You can use a match, but the flashlight is faster (and more fun). When it starts to smoke, turn the chilled glass over it. When the glass is full of thick, billowing smoke, gently turn it right side up and pour in the cocktail. Add some ice, garnish with a smoky star anise pod and enjoy.