You can definitely smoke a whiskey sour! In fact, it’s a fantastic way to add a unique and complex flavor to this classic cocktail. Smoking the whiskey sour takes it to a whole new level, adding a subtle smokiness that enhances the rich flavors of the whiskey and complements the tartness of the citrus.
To smoke a whiskey sour, you’ll need a few key ingredients and tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect smoked whiskey sour:
1. Gather your ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (choose a high-quality whiskey that you enjoy)
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 oz smoked simple syrup (recipe below)
– Ice cubes
– Lemon twist or cherry (for garnish)
2. Make the smoked simple syrup:
– In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar.
– Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved.
– Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
– While the simple syrup is still warm, add a few wood chips or a small piece of wood (such as oak or maple) to the saucepan.
– Let the wood chips steep in the simple syrup for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the smoke to infuse into the syrup.
– Strain the syrup to remove any wood particles, and let it cool completely before using.
3. Prepare your glass:
– Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes to chill it while you prepare the cocktail.
4. Mix the cocktail:
– In a cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, lemon juice, and smoked simple syrup.
– Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to chill the ingredients and combine the flavors.
5. Smoke the glass:
– Empty the ice cubes from the rocks glass.
– Using a handheld smoking gun or a smoking dome, fill the glass with smoke.
– Allow the smoke to fill the glass for a few seconds, then cover the glass with a coaster or a small plate to trap the smoke inside.
6. Serve and garnish:
– Remove the coaster or plate from the glass, releasing the smoke and revealing the smoky aroma.
– Strain the cocktail from the shaker into the smoked glass, using a Hawthorne strainer or a fine-mesh strainer to catch any ice or pulp.
– Garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry, and serve immediately.
The result is a beautifully balanced whiskey sour with a delightful smoky twist. The smoked simple syrup adds depth and complexity to the cocktail, enhancing the flavors of the whiskey while maintaining the refreshing tartness of the lemon juice.
Feel free to experiment with different types of wood chips to find your preferred level of smokiness. Oak and maple are popular choices, but you can also try cherry, apple, or even mesquite for more intense flavors.
So go ahead and give it a try! Smoking a whiskey sour is a fun and creative way to elevate this classic cocktail and impress your guests with a unique twist. Cheers!