Cocktail Smoker Kits: How They Work, Wood Chips and Torch Safety

A cocktail smoker burns a pinch of wood chips and traps the smoke against the drink for about 20 to 30 seconds. Kits come in four kinds: a top that sits on the glass, a dome, a handheld smoking gun and a flameless electric smoker. All of them make real smoke, so ventilation and fire rules apply.

How do cocktail smokers work?

The method for a smoker top, from Manly Man Co.’s instructions: pour the drink and leave room at the top, set the smoker on the glass, add a small amount of chips, and light them until they smolder. Let the smoke sit for about 20 to 30 seconds, then lift the smoker.

Which cocktail smoker should you buy?

Cocktail smoker	Premium pickBreville Smoking Gun (BSM600)	Accessible alternativeViski Alchemi Single Serve Smoked Cocktail Kit
How it smokes	Battery fan drives smoke through a silicone hose	Smoker sits on the glass
Lit with	Match or lighter; the manual forbids torches	Handheld butane torch, fuel not included
In the box	Smoker, hose, removable burn chamber and mesh filter	14 oz lowball glass, smoker, fine mesh strainer, torch, oak chips
Also smokes	Food under a lid or cover, a shaker, an upturned glass	One drink at a time
Cleaning	Burn chamber by hand or in a dishwasher	Dishwasher-safe glass; wipe the smoker with a cloth

Pay more if

you want to smoke drinks, glasses and food, and would rather not own a butane torch.

Save if

you want everything for one smoked drink in a single box, glass included.

If the torch is what puts you off, an electric smoker removes it. Viski describes its Cold Smoke kit as flame free, with no torch or butane, and says to let the metal sieve cool for 30 to 60 seconds after use.

Cocktail smoker kits, tops, domes and wood chips

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What are the fire and ventilation rules?

Breville’s manual also carries a California Proposition 65 warning that burning wood can produce chemicals known to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Breville adds that continuous smoking is not required. Manly Man Co. gives the same advice: use the smoker in a well ventilated area to avoid lingering smoke.

Two more points:

• Torches and children. A butane torch is a lighter. The Consumer Product Safety Commission requires multi-purpose lighters to resist operation by children under 5, but child resistant does not mean childproof. Store the torch and fuel out of reach, and keep children away while smoking a drink.
• The right flame. Use what the manual names. Breville forbids a kitchen torch on its Smoking Gun because the heat can damage it. Smoker tops are built for a torch.

Which wood chips should you use?

Use chips sold for smoking. Breville’s manual explains why: they are dried to the correct level and produce less resin.

• Oak: the chips supplied with Viski’s kits.
• Hickory: Breville describes it as pungent and smoky.
• Applewood: slightly sweet and fruity, per the same manual.
• Cherry and pecan: included in some kits alongside hickory and apple.

Use a small amount. Breville says the chips should cover the mesh in a thin layer, and that the burn chamber must not be overfilled. Viski warns against burning spices, herbs or paper in its electric smoker.

What else do you need for a smoked drink?

A rocks glass and a large cube. Leave room above the drink for the smoke, as the maker instructions say. Our crystal whiskey glasses comparison covers tumblers, and the clear ice guide covers the cube.

A smoker is an upgrade, not an essential. Buy the basic bar tools first. It also makes a good present, and the gift guide suggests who it suits. The home bar setup overview shows the order to buy things in.