If you enjoy cocktails with a touch of drama, a smoked old fashioned kit is the perfect addition to your home bar. This tool doesn’t just add smoke; it transforms your drink into an experience. The aroma, the flavor, and the presentation come together to create a cocktail that feels straight out of a luxury lounge. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know what it is, how to use it, which wood chips to choose, and how to pick the best kit for your needs.
What Is a Smoked Old Fashioned Kit?
A smoked old fashioned kit is a set of tools designed to infuse cocktails with aromatic smoke. While the Old Fashioned is the classic choice, you can use the kit for whiskey, bourbon, tequila, wine, beer, and even foods like cheese or meats.
At its core, the kit usually includes:
A smoke top, dome, or chimney to trap smoke.
A screen or filter to hold wood chips.
A torch lighter to ignite the chips.
Containers of flavored wood chips (oak, cherry, apple, hickory, etc.).
Accessories like cleaning brushes, recipe cards, or replacement screens.
Think of it as a mini mixology lab for your home. Instead of paying $20–$30 for one smoked cocktail at a bar, you can make dozens at home.
Why People Love Smoked Old Fashioneds
The Old Fashioned is already a beloved cocktail. Add smoke, and it becomes something extraordinary. The smoke gives the drink depth, enhances aromas, and turns a simple pour into a performance.
Reasons people love smoked cocktails:
Flavor: Smoke interacts with bourbon or whiskey, adding vanilla, caramel, or nutty notes depending on the wood used.
Aroma: The first whiff of smoke elevates the experience before you even take a sip.
Presentation: A cloud of smoke rising from a crystal glass is pure theater.
Value: You save money by creating high end cocktails at home.
Step by Step Guide: How to Make a Smoked Old Fashioned
Let’s walk through making the classic smoked cocktail.
Ingredients
2 oz premium bourbon or rye whiskey
¼ oz simple syrup
2 dashes aromatic bitters
Orange peel for garnish
Ice cube (large preferred)
Wood chips of your choice (oak is traditional)
Instructions
Prepare your kit. Place the screen inside the smoker base and add a small amount of wood chips. A pile the size of a pencil eraser is enough.
Build your cocktail. In a glass, combine whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters over ice. Stir gently.
Place the smoke top. Position the chimney or dome over the glass.
Light the chips. Hold your torch 1 2 inches above the wood. Ignite until chips glow red and smoke begins to flow.
Infuse. Let the smoke fill the glass for a few seconds. Cover the drink with the dome if your kit includes one.
Finish. Remove the smoker, twist an orange peel over the glass, and serve.
Now you’ve got a bar worthy Smoked Old Fashioned in your living room.
Best Wood Types for Smoked Old Fashioneds
The wood you use makes a huge difference in flavor. Each type creates its own unique experience.
White Oak: The most popular choice for bourbon lovers. Adds vanilla and caramel notes.
Cherry: Lighter smoke with a touch of fruitiness. Works beautifully with brandy or aged tequila too.
Maple: Sweet and mellow. Great for rye whiskey.
Black Walnut: Bold and earthy. Perfect for dark rum or scotch variations.
Apple: Mild, fruity, and smooth. Good for lighter spirits or wine.
Hickory: Strong and smoky. A classic choice for those who like intensity.
Pecan: Rich and nutty. Adds depth without overpowering the drink.
Some kits even offer bourbon-soaked oak chips for an extra layer of complexity.
Beginner vs. Premium Kits: Which One Should You Buy?
Not all smoked old fashioned kits are equal.
Beginner Kits
Usually include a simple smoker top and a small starter pack of chips.
Affordable, compact, and easy to use.
Great for casual drinkers who want to try smoked cocktails at home.
Premium Kits
Often come with a glass cloche or dome for dramatic presentation.
Include multiple wood chip varieties.
Built with higher quality materials like crystal, stainless steel, or handcrafted wood.
Sometimes packaged in elegant cases, making them excellent gifts.
If you’re experimenting, a beginner kit works fine. But if you love entertaining or want a centerpiece for your home bar, a premium kit is worth the investment.
Buying Guide: What to Look For Before Choosing a Kit
When shopping for a smoked old fashioned kit, keep these points in mind:
Build Quality: Look for sturdy smoker tops and durable domes. Avoid cheap plastics.
Wood Purity: Make sure the chips are natural, untreated, and chemical free. Some low end brands use recycled furniture wood that may contain varnish.
Torch Compatibility: Check whether the kit comes with a torch and fuel or if you need to buy one separately.
Wood Variety: Kits with multiple wood options give you more flexibility in flavor.
Accessories: Screens, brushes, recipe cards, and replacement parts make a kit more practical.
Safety Features: Cool touch handles, stable bases, and controlled burn designs add peace of mind.
Maintenance and Safety Tips
To keep your kit in top shape:
Clean the screen. After about 15 drinks, soot will build up. Scrape it gently with a knife tip to restore airflow.
Replace screens. After around 200 cocktails, swap in a new screen. Most kits include spares.
Discard chips safely. Always empty burnt chips into a non flammable container.
Check your torch. Adjust flame levels as needed. Too high, and chips blow out; too low, and smoke production slows.
Store properly. Keep wood chips in airtight containers to preserve freshness.
Creative Uses Beyond Cocktails
A smoked old fashioned kit isn’t limited to whiskey. Here are other fun ways to use it:
Wine: Add subtle smoke to red wine for a unique tasting experience.
Beer: Dark beers like porters or stouts pair beautifully with oak smoke.
Cheese: Smoke soft cheeses like brie or gouda for an easy gourmet touch.
Meats: Use it on charcuterie boards or cooked meats for extra flavor.
Garnishes: Smoke citrus peels, cherries, or herbs before adding them to cocktails.
Think of it as a tool for culinary creativity, not just mixology.
FAQ About Smoked Old Fashioned Kits
Do I need a special torch?
Yes. A blue flame butane torch works best. Regular lighters don’t get hot enough.
How long should I smoke a cocktail?
Usually 5 10 seconds is enough. You want to enhance flavor, not overwhelm it.
Can I reuse burnt chips?
No. Always use fresh chips for the best flavor.
Are smoked cocktails safe?
Yes, as long as you use natural, untreated wood chips. Avoid chips with varnish or chemicals.
Can I make non alcoholic drinks with the kit?
Absolutely. Smoke lemonade, iced tea, or mocktails for a fun twist.
Why a Smoked Old Fashioned Kit Is Worth It
Cocktail trends come and go, but the smoked Old Fashioned has staying power. It combines tradition with innovation. The ritual of lighting the chips, watching the smoke rise, and taking that first sip is something guests never forget.
With the right kit, you can:
Save money compared to buying cocktails at bars.
Customize flavors to your personal taste.
Entertain friends with a unique experience.
Explore mixology and culinary creativity.
It’s more than a gadget it’s an upgrade to your home bar and a conversation starter at every gathering.
Conclusion
A smoked old fashioned kit opens up a world of flavor, aroma, and presentation. From choosing the right wood chips to mastering the perfect pour, the process is simple but rewarding. Whether you’re just starting out with cocktails or already love experimenting, the kit gives you the tools to create drinks that feel elevated and memorable.