We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

While it might seem unnecessary when you see a bartender smoking a cocktail glass, there’s actually a method to this intriguing practice. Smoking a glass doesn’t merely serve an aesthetic purpose; it enhances the drink’s flavor in profound ways.

Bartenders heat a piece of wood, chosen for its specific flavor profile (like hickory or maple), using a torch until it ignites. They then place a glass upside-down over the smoke. This method suffocates the flame, and the smoke molecules adhere to the cooler surface of the glass. The reason the smoke can be tasted, rather than just smelled, is due to the Maillard reaction that occurs between sugars and amino acids in the toasted wood, producing complex flavor compounds. When you pour a drink into the smoked glass, it absorbs these flavors. It’s easy to understand why this technique is popular, especially considering that chefs smoke pounds of brisket; it makes complete sense to bring these smoky methods into the world of cocktails.

Discover more: 13 Types Of Beer Glasses And When To Use Them

If your mother ever advised you against playing with fire, now is the moment to challenge that guidance. You don’t need to be a skilled bartender (or chemist) to whip up your own smoky concoctions. All it takes is a wooden plank and a torch to get going. You can purchase an inexpensive board at your nearby hardware store, but ensure it’s not pine, as it can produce an overwhelming smell, and steer clear of those treated with preservatives. The ideal woods for infusing cocktails with smoke are oak, maple, cherry, hickory, and apple due to their rich smokiness or sweetness. A butane kitchen torch or one that delivers a narrow, steady flame is the preferred choice for charring the wood plank. If you want to avoid making frequent trips to the hardware store for wood, consider purchasing the Smokeshow cocktail smoker starter bundle on Amazon.

It’s also crucial to note that not every cocktail is suitable for smoking. The best candidates for a smoky infusion are typically those made with darker liquors like bourbon, whiskey, rum, and añejo mezcal. Classic cocktails like the Manhattan, old-fashioned, and smoke on the water are excellent choices to experiment with. You can even add a smoky twist to your pineapple margarita. For an additional layer of flavor, fire up the grill for your cocktails by charring slices of fruit like peaches and pineapples. Regardless of how you choose to smoke your cocktails, remember to prioritize safety while doing it stylishly.

For further insights, check out the original article on Chowhound.