Cocktail smoker kits with the SmokeTop™ allow you to infuse drinks with aromatic wood smoke, elevating the flavor and experience. This guide covers everything about using a cocktail smoker kit, from what's included to pro tips.
What is a Cocktail Smoker Kit?
The SmokeTop™ cocktail smoker kit is a set of tools to infuse cocktails with smoke for added flavor and appearance. These kits include a SmokeTop™ that sits on your glass, a small butane torch, and natural wood chips in various flavors. Unlike other knockoff products, SmokeTop™ is built with food-grade materials, manufactured in the USA for a premium addition to your bar.
How to Use a Cocktail Smoker
- Prepare your drink: Make your cocktail in a glass or shaker as usual.
- Place the SmokeTop™: Put the smoker on top of the glass. Add a pinch of wood chips (just enough to cover the screen).
- Ignite the Wood Chips: Using a butane torch 2-5 inches above, ignite the chips. Move the flame in circles to get a steady smolder.
- Infuse and Enjoy: Once the glass is filled with smoke, let it sit covered. Then lift the smoker and enjoy your smoked creation!
Bonus tip: for an even stronger smoky flavor, smoke your glass and ice first, then pour your prepared cocktail overtop the smoked ice.
Cocktail Smoker Kit FAQs
Middleton Mixology kits include a SmokeTop™ cocktail smoker, a refillable butane torch, tins of wood chips, and replaceable metal mesh screens. The SmokeTop™ bundles include everything in the kit plus butane fuel for the torch, where shipping is permitted.
Yes – a small culinary butane torch is used to ignite the wood chips. This produces the smoke that infuses the drink. (Standard lighters don't provide enough sustained heat.)
Not significantly. You only smoke for seconds, so the drink remains cold. If anything, using a smoker adds a touch of water from any condensing smoke, but it's negligible. It's more about aroma than altering the cocktail's makeup.
Yes, in moderation. The amount of smoke is small and dissipates quickly. Always use the torch and smoker in a well-ventilated area and away from flammable materials. The smoke is natural wood smoke – comparable to blowing out a candle – and won't trigger most smoke alarms unless you overdo it.
It's best to use fresh cocktail smoking chips. They're typically single-use, once burned to ash, they won't produce smoke again. Always use food-safe, untreated wood chips (like our Middleton Mixology brand) made for cocktails or culinary use to avoid harmful chemicals.