Updated Oct. 01, 2024
A cocktail smoker is a specialty tool that does so much more than its name suggests! Discover our hand-picked favorites at all price points.
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One of the most luxurious parts of dining out is the fancy first-course cocktail. Whether it’s an airy-yet-creamy egg white, a specially infused liquor or just straight-up smoke, the ingredients found in bar and restaurant drinks are almost always going to outshine whatever mixers you’d stir together yourself.
Until now, that is. In the comfort of your home, these cocktail smokers impart signature smoky flavor into drinks, as well as other favorite foods.
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This wood smoke infuser, which has amassed more than 3,100 reviews and an impressive 4.6 stars on Amazon, has all the bells and whistles you could ever want. Unlike some of the others on the list, this cocktail smoker comes with a complete set—and then some. The modest $90 purchase will score you a smoking gun, smoking ball, smoking lid, smoking disk lid, batteries, selection of flavored wood chips, cleaning implement, recipe book and more. And with all these supplies, you can get to smoking ASAP. (Toss one of these cocktail bombs into a glass to get started even quicker!)
One of the less-universal supplies, the smoking disk lid, lays over the rim of any-sized cocktail glass and allows a steady stream of smoke to flow directly into the drink via the rubber hose. Moreover, the smoking ball is a super-fun spherical drinking vessel (with a glass straw included) designed to retain the smoke as you sip—as opposed to others glasses from which the smoke would escape.
Between the fair price, number of items included and plethora of wood chip flavors, this cocktail smoker balances professional-level functionality with anyone-can-do-it ease.
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Breville is a household name marked by its high-quality, innovative kitchen products. And the Smoking Gun pro is certainly no exception. (Although this smoker isn’t the most expensive on the list, it’s important to note that the cloche is sold separately, so if you want to contain the smoke, this add-on will further increase the price.)Â The Smoking Gun Pro, an upgrade from the original Smoking Gun, is meant to be more durable and stable than its counterpart as well as easier to clean and with better airflow.
This item comes with an attachable rubber hose, replacement mesh filters, batteries and two wood chip samples. But where the true remarkability lies is within the smoke production and control itself. This cocktail smoker outputs cold smoke, which is gentler on foods and imparts a more delicate flavor. Additionally, there are multiple fan speeds, so smoke can emit faster to fill large volumes or slower to service multiple individual servings.
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This one’s for the beginner bartenders or mixologists on the go. As its name suggests, the portable smoker gun, which costs only $35 and comes in gold and silver, is easy to transport. Weighing just over half a pound, the small wood-burning contraption churns out cold smoke in mere seconds. This then travels through the rubber hose to successfully infuse cheeses, meats, vegetables, cocktails and more with smoky flavor. Note: Because there is no cloche included, it’s recommended for outdoor use or use near a ventilation fan.
But don’t just take our word for it! Verified purchaser, Debbie Hansen, who gave the cocktail smoker five stars, shares, “I bought this for my son-in-law, who is a chef in a high-end restaurant, so I was a little worried he would be underwhelmed by this, but he absolutely loved it. He called me up, thanked me again and told me it did a fantastic job on a cheese dish he was preparing.”
If you’re looking for an affordable, straightforward cocktail smoker that delivers, this is the product for you.
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The cocktail smoker with dome lid boasts many of the other models’ features, including a cold smoke system, wood chip samples and variable speed settings, but with some perks of its own, too. The rechargeable battery spares you from continually replacing disposable batteries, and the squat-shaped lid fits nicely over plates and platters of all sizes, making this our pick for smoking food in addition to cocktails.
So, yes, this cocktail smoker has some serious chops—even literally. Amazon reviewer and restaurateur, Melody V., says, “We have been wanting this for our restaurant for months. Finally bought it, and all I can say is ‘WOW!’ We serve a double-cut tomahawk pork chop that is 3-4 in. thick, and this is the final touch that was needed for it.” She tops off her endorsement by saying it’s suitable for both work and home settings. What more could you ask for?
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You’ll want to make room on your bar cart, countertop or tablescape for the classic smoking cloche. The gorgeous Acacia wood base and tempered glass cloche make for a worthy display, especially as the smoke swirls about inside. And the silicone ring rimming the wood base ensures the smoke stays put, so guests can watch up close as you infuse their appetizers and sippers. Moreover, the hose connects to a plug in the base, rather than a plug in the cloche (as is the case with the other smokers), so the smoke slowly wafts upward from the bottom of the contraption, making for a particularly alluring viewing experience.
Although this smoker-cloche duo is more expensive than the rest, the stunning presentation makes it worth the splurge, especially for expert bartenders or anyone looking to take their home bar to the next level.
 Here are some important things to keep in mind as you shop for cocktail smokers:
Most cocktail smokers are made from three primary materials: plastic for the housing, metal for the bowl and connections and rubber for the hose. Budget-friendly models might use aluminum and plastic hoses, while higher-end smokers favor stainless steel for durability and quality.
Cocktail smokers are generally compact and easy to transport. However, transporting a cloche, if used, can be challenging due to its size and fragility. Smoking without a cloche may diminish the smoke’s impact on drinks.
Cocktail smokers range from $20 to over $200. Budget models often compromise material quality, while premium models provide professional-level performance. For home use, expect to find durable, quality options in the $50-$100 range.
Though most cocktail smokers have a standard design, higher-end models tend to feature refined aesthetics. While this doesn’t affect functionality, design can play a role in enhancing the experience.
Annamarie Higley oversees Taste of Home‘s product testing team and daily operations in our testing lab. She is also a former Taste of Home shopping editor, having reviewed hundreds of products, from meal kit subscriptions to wine delivery and everything in between. Her work has also appeared in Reader’s Digest, Family Handyman, MSN, Yahoo and numerous others.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
We began by familiarizing ourselves with various cocktail smoker models used in homes and professional settings. We prioritized reputable brands and highly reviewed models, considering their build quality, durability and ease of use. Through this process, we identified the top five cocktail smokers available today.
Yes, if you enjoy the flavor profile smoke adds to cocktails. Smoking imparts a depth that enhances the drink, similar to how standing near a fire can make your clothes smell like smoke. The flavor and aroma permeate the cocktail in the same way.
Whiskey-based cocktails—particularly rye and bourbon drinks like Old Fashioneds or Manhattans—are popular. Mezcal and spiced rum cocktails can also benefit from smoking, but experimentation will help you discover what works best for your taste.
Rye whiskey pairs exceptionally well with smoke due to its spiciness, followed by bourbon, which balances smoke with sweetness. Scotch, already smoky from the use of peat, can become overpowering if additional smoke is added.
Originally Published: March 03, 2023
