The Best Cocktail Smoker Kits in 2023
The Best Cocktail SmokerKits in 2023
Looking for the best cocktail smoker kit ever? We've got you covered with this well-informed list. It will run you through our top picks and considerations to keep in mind when shopping. It will also fill you in on cocktail smokers themselves - what are they, and how do they work? Despite originating in 2007, the history is as rich as the drinks these kits are made to craft. Keep reading to learn more about this fun way to make cocktails at home and how you can start exploring it for yourself.
What is a Cocktail Smoker?
A cocktail smoker kit is a device designed to infuse drinks with hints of smoke. It's an essential tool for any aspiring bartender or home entertainer. The kit itself usually includes a smoker head, fuel chamber, and hose that can be attached to any bottle containing the desired spirit or flavor of smoke. People love the theatrical flair and aroma of drinks from cocktail smokers, notably whiskey, gin, and tequila. Such a device can elevate any beverage to make it more interesting, flavorful, and rich.
What Does a Cocktail Smoker Do?
Cocktail smokers work by releasing smoke flavors, aromas, and textures into a drink. This can be done in several ways:
- Partial smoke-rinsing - A small amount of smoke is released into the glass to give it an aromatic and flavor infusion.
- Full smoke-rinsing - Here, a larger quantity of smoke is used to infuse the entire drink.
- Double-boiling - This method involves adding smoke to boiling liquor and then straining it into glasses for serving.
There are also multiple types of cocktail smokers:Smoke top - This is a lid with slots that releases smoke when placed on top of the glass.Smoking gun - This is a specialized tool that uses an adjustable fan to direct and control the amount of smoke released into the drink.Smoke box - A box filled with wood chips or herbs which produces large amounts of smoke when heated.Smoke cloche - A dome-shaped glass vessel that collects and then releases smoke when heated.Smoke boards - Boards with slots that are filled with wood chips or herbs and then lit to release smoke into the glass.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cocktail Smoker
Finding the best cocktail smoker kit for your needs starts with considering these factors:
- Size and portability: It's important to consider size and portability. If you plan on entertaining guests, it should be easy to transport from one place to another.
- Durability: Quality cocktail smokers are made of durable materials and guarantee long-term use.
- Ease of use: Look for a smoker that is easy to assemble, use and maintain. It should also be suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Smoking method: Different smokers utilize different smoking methods - choose one that suits your preferences.
- Versatility: A good cocktail smoker should be able to smoke a wide variety of drinks, from cocktails to mocktails and more.
- Safety Features: Look for a smoker that has built-in safety features such as an auto shut-off and temperature control.
- Price: Although the price shouldn’t be your only consideration, it should certainly factor into your decision when choosing a smoker.
The Best Smoker Tops
A cocktail smoker top device will infuse your whiskey with fresh, tannic wood flavor. Read below to see the options and find the best whiskey smoker kit for your needs.
SmokeTop Cocktail Smoker Kit
This cocktail smoking kit is ideal for those that want a quality, smoky drink while on the go. Made by trademark brand SmokeTop, it's arguably the best you can get.
The Crafty Cocktail’s Cocktail Chimney Kit
The Crafty Cocktail is an aptly named company. It specializes in creating unique products like this whiskey smoker kit, which literally burns itself to infuse beverages with smoke. Do things get any more authentic than that?
Lanccona Cocktail Smoker Kit
The Lanccona Cocktail Smoker Kit consists of several glass toppers that can be burned to infuse drinks with apple wood aroma. Simple, affordable, and easy to use, this is by far the best drink smoker for beginners.
The Best Smoke Guns
Pew! Pew!Ready to experience the potent smoke flavor in your favorite whiskey? These are the best cocktail smoker kits for the job. Stick them in your beverage and infuse the flavor directly!
TMKEFFC Portable Smoking Gun
This smoking gun for drinks on the go is made by industry-renowned brand TMKEFFC. The kit comes complete with a smoker, filter grids and wood chips, all ready to go straight out of the box!
Homia Smoking Gun Smoke Infuser
The Homia cocktail smoking gun is capable of invigorating drinks with a total of seven different wood chip flavors. A purchase of the kit affords you absolutely everything you need to get started, from mesh filter screens and batteries to a cleaning brush and smoking cocktail ball for professional-level presentation.
MITBAK Cold Smoking Gun
Our next drink smoker kit is as stylish as it is powerful. MITBAK's Cold Smoking Gun embodies a sleek, modern look that blends perfectly with conventional kitchen appliances. It's also incredibly easy to use - simply place the hose in the cup, light the wood chips and hit start.The rechargeable lithium-ion battery will ensure you have reliable smoky flavor for years.
The Best Smoker Boxes
Old fashioned smoker boxes are like saunas for drinks. Put them in that chamber for a few minutes, and they'll come out with a whole new beverage. Here's a look at our top picks:
Crafthouse by Fortessa Smoking Box
This cocktail smoker box is made of gorgeous glass and shiny stainless steel - the perfect setup to watch the smoke work its magic through. It comes with smoking chips and a handheld smoker gun, plus the product quality you can trust to receive from Crafthouse by Fortessa.
Oklahoma Joe’s Cocktail Smoking Box
Oklahoma Joe sure knows how to smoke a cocktail! Case in point this smoke box for drinks. It's outfitted with a small tray for wood that slides beneath the main chamber to release a potent, steamy aroma. The box itself is super high-quality, ensuring that smoke isn't going anywhere but in the drink.
Velep Cocktail Smoker Box
The Velep cocktail smoking box is both affordable and classy. It's built with a classic hinged frame that looks like something out of the early twentieth century. But that authenticity doesn't come at the expense of performance - a high-powered smoke infuser and hose will get your drink fumed up in no time.
The Best Smoking Cloches
If you're in search of not only the best cocktail smoker kit, but something that will impress guests, look no further than smoking cloches. A gorgeous glass setup like this is something that a bartender could only dream of.
Foghat Cocktail Smoking Cloche Set
The Foghat Cocktail Smoking Cloche Set is a great all-around smoked cocktail kit, offering all of the basics you need to get started with this discipline in beverage-making. From a handy kitchen torch to genuine wood charcuterie board and towering glass cloche, it's all ready to use in a single package.
The Gourmet’s Smoking Cloche
The Gourmet’s Smoking Cloche looks like something you'd find a cake in. But there isn't a cake in this cocktail smoking cloche, rather something much better. Give your drink a moment to steam in this for a sip better than any iced dessert. The kit itself comes with a powerful smoking gun, corresponding hose attachment, and applewood chips.
The Smoking Gun® Cloche
If you like your drinks smoked old fashioned, this kit is for you. Breville's Smoking Gun® cloche is made from high-quality glass that ensures an authentic taste. The kit's applewood smoked hickory flavor is one of things that you need to experience first hand to believe.
The Best Smoking Boards
Smoking boards are a unique take on the process of drink smoking, using thick wood slabs and requiring direct surface ignition to work. If you're looking for the best cocktail smoker kit and experience possible, we have a few suggestions:
Home Bar Cocktail Smoking Board
A whiskey smoker kit that gives you multiple wood aroma options? Yes please! The Home Bar Cocktail Smoking Board gives you unprecedented versatility and control over how you smoke your drink. Whether you choose walnut, oak, maple, hickory, or cherry, the final product is sure to be fabulous.
Smoke Board Smoked Cocktail Kit
Contrary to popular belief, drink smokers do not need to be complicated. This Smoke Board Smoked Cocktail Kit proves it. Consisting of a single square wood slab and three varieties of smoking chips, it delivers versatility and value in one easy to use bundle.
Busy Bee Cocktail Smoker Kit
The Busy Bee Cocktail Smoker Kit is a great bourbon smoker kit with five flavors to choose from - walnut, oak, maple, hickory and cherry. Light your favorite up and enjoy the rich, deep aroma that you can only get from real wood. The best thing about this specific board is that it has been designed to last for up to 750 glasses, guaranteeing plenty of great drinks over a long life span.
How to Use a Cocktail Smoker for Nitro Cold Brew Beverages
There are lots of other tools you can use to enhance a beverage in addition to a cocktail smokers kit - like nitro cold brewing. BROOD's line of products require little to no setup - no nitro tank required!Here's how the process works:
Nitrogenized Drinks
- Set up Your Cold Brew Machine
We've got several options to choose from, including DRNX, DRNX DUO, and DRNX BRW.DRNX: Complete with a tank, tubes, and high-powered processor, DRNX comes with the core elements you need to make great nitrogenized beverages at home.DRNX DUO: DRNX DUO takes the versatility and value of its aforementioned counterpart and kicks it up a notch. With this machine, you'll be able to brew not one, but two nitrogenized beverages simultaneously.DRNX BRW: Our last option, DRNX BRW, is a must have for serious drink makers. It's the only model in the entire series with a built-in reservoir, meaning no beverage containers are needed to enjoy great nitrogenized beverages on-demand.
- Pour Your Drink Into The Reservoir
Simply fill the reservoir with your favorite beverage—cold brew, tea, nitro coffee, matcha shakes. You name it!
- Start The Nitrogenation Process
BROOD machines use a patented nitrogenation process to infuse your drink with a creamy, frothy texture and an extra kick of flavor. They're not only high-performance, but also super easy to use. Just hit start!
Smoke Your Drink
So, you've made a nitro cold brew at home. Great! Now comes the next part - adding a touch of smoke.Smokers for cocktails are the perfect way to complete a nitro cold brew with class. They're easy to use, and require no setup or special equipment - just insert some wood chips, and add a hint of smoke to any drink. Smokers greatly enhance the flavor of cocktails in general, but are specifically great for nitro cold brews. Add an extra layer of complexity and taste to an already-amazing beverage!
The Art of Cocktail Smoking: Techniques and Tips
Don't just buy a smoker for drinks and expect excellent results; any product, no matter how expensive, will need to be used properly in order to deliver full value.These techniques and tips will have you cocktail smoking like a pro in no time:
- Select good wood chips - Different types of woods impart different flavors, so pick one that will best suit your beverage.
- Prepare ingredients - Make sure that all of the necessary components are in place, and you have enough to last for the entire session.
- Control the smoke - Start with low settings and adjust accordingly. Too much smoke or the wrong type of smoke can easily ruin your drink.
- Use a flavorful base - This could be either liquid (such as juice, tea, etc.) or solid ingredients like fruit, herbs and spices. This will help bring out the flavor of your wood chips.
- Allow enough time for the flavors to meld - Give yourself ample time to allow the smoke and ingredients to fully combine.
- Be safe - Use protective equipment and follow product usage instructions at all times.
Your Takeaway
Now that you know about the best cocktail smokers for homemade drinks, you’re ready to start trying them for yourself! Coffee is a great place to start with smoking, and it’s made even better with nitrogen. Brood machines offer an easy and quick way to enhance your beverages, opening the door to countless opportunities and even more recipes to explore. So why put it off any longer? A world of brew discovery awaits - start shopping today!