The art of the cocktail is constantly evolving, and one of the most captivating trends for home enthusiasts and professional mixologists alike is smoke infusion. Adding a subtle, aromatic smoke flavor to your drinks can create a multi-sensory experience, enhancing the complexity of spirits like whiskey and rum. A dedicated smoke infuser is the key tool for achieving this bar-quality effect right in your own kitchen.
These handheld devices allow you to cold-smoke your beverages, imparting rich, woody notes without cooking the liquid. From classic Old Fashioneds to innovative new creations, a smoke infuser can add a layer of sophistication. This roundup will guide you through some of the best options available, helping you find the perfect smoker to complement your home bar setup.
Our Top Picks for Cocktail Smoke Infusers
- PolyScience The Smoking Gun Pro Food Smoker
- Cocktail Smoker Kit – Indoor Drink & Food Infuser
- Cocktail Smoker Kit – Whiskey Smoker Universal Kit
- Portable Smoke Infuser Gun with Wood Chips
- Smoky Crafts Old Fashioned Smoker Kit
- Brentwood TS-1320S Electric Multi-Cooker
- Breville Smoking Gun Pro Food & Drink Smoker
- PolyScience Smoking Gun
PolyScience The Smoking Gun Pro Food Smoker
Often considered the industry standard, the PolyScience Smoking Gun Pro is a favorite among professional chefs and serious home users. Its precision engineering allows for exceptional control over the smoking process. The easy-turn dial lets you customize the airflow and smoke intensity, giving you the ability to create anything from a light aromatic haze to a rich, dense smoke.
This model is designed for durability and consistent performance. The kit is comprehensive, including a nozzle extender hose, batteries, replacement smoke screens, and sample wood chips. Its versatility extends beyond cocktails to meats, fish, vegetables, and even desserts, making it a powerful tool for any culinary enthusiast.
Cocktail Smoker Kit – Indoor Drink & Food Infuser
This GKC smoker kit is an excellent choice for those seeking a complete, user-friendly package. It is specifically marketed as a great gift, coming with all the necessary accessories, including wood chips and a cleaning brush, so you have everything you need to start smoking right away. The inclusion of a black velvet storage bag helps keep all components organized and protected.
The device is engineered for simplicity and effective indoor use. It allows you to add a cool smoke flavor to cocktails and food items like charcuterie boards quickly, making it perfect for entertaining guests. Its portability means you can create a smoked cocktail or enhance a meal in just a couple of minutes without any complicated setup.
Cocktail Smoker Kit – Whiskey Smoker Universal Kit
For the user who wants maximum versatility, this 14-piece universal set is a compelling option. It includes a wide array of accessories, such as multiple lids designed for different tasks. The Tall Cocktail Lid is ideal for mixed drinks, while the Wide Lid is perfect for applying smoke to grilled meats, cheese, or other foods.
Operation is straightforward with a one-button control that offers two smoking speeds for either heavy or moderate smoke. The kit comes ready to use out of the box with batteries and seven flavors of wood chips. This extensive collection ensures you have the right tool for any smoking application, from cocktails to full meals.
Portable Smoke Infuser Gun with Wood Chips
This smoke infuser gun provides a complete set at an accessible point. It includes practical accessories like a dome for containing smoke over a glass and a drinking lid, which is a unique feature that allows for a more integrated presentation. The inclusion of wood chips and replacement mesh screens means you can begin using it immediately.
The device features adjustable dual-flow air speeds, giving you control over the intensity of the smoke output. This capability ensures that cold smoke is easily absorbed into your cocktails, ice cream, or cheese, providing a rich flavor and aroma. Its all-purpose design makes it a handy tool for both drinks and a variety of foods.
Smoky Crafts Old Fashioned Smoker Kit
The Smoky Crafts kit stands out with its elegant, hand-crafted whiskey smoker box. This all-in-one set is designed for a dedicated smoking experience, featuring a box that can hold two cocktail glasses at once, making it perfect for parties. The kit is built with ease of use in mind, offering step-by-step instructions for beginners and seasoned users alike.
Beyond cocktails, the included food tray expands its utility to a wide range of foods, including meats, fish, and pizza. You can select from the provided Apple or Cherry wood chips to create different taste profiles. The attention to detail and multi-purpose functionality make this a sophisticated addition to any home bar.
Brentwood TS-1320S Electric Multi-Cooker
It is important to note that the Brentwood TS-1320S is an electric multi-cooker designed for tasks like cooking rice, steaming food, and slow cooking. It is not a handheld smoke infuser for cocktails. With 800 watts of power, it is built to handle large quantities of food, holding up to 10 cups of uncooked rice.
While versatile in its own right for kitchen meal preparation, this appliance does not serve the function of cold-smoking drinks. Users looking for a device to add smoky aroma to their whiskey or cocktails should consider the other dedicated smoke infusers featured in this list.
Breville Smoking Gun Pro Food & Drink Smoker
Breville is known for its high-quality kitchen appliances, and their Smoking Gun Pro continues this tradition. This model is engineered for performance and ease of use, featuring a powerful fan and an adjustable airflow dial to control smoke density. Its design is both ergonomic and durable, built to withstand regular use.
The device is intended for cold smoking a wide variety of items, from cocktails and cheeses to meats and desserts. While specific details of the included accessories are best confirmed at the source, Breville’s reputation suggests a focus on a premium user experience and reliable results for the home chef.
PolyScience Smoking Gun
The original PolyScience Smoking Gun is the device that popularized handheld cold smoking for both professional and home kitchens. Renowned for its reliability and precise smoke control, it allows users to infuse a natural smoke flavor into beverages and food without applying heat. This preserves the integrity of delicate ingredients like spirits and fresh cheeses.
Its straightforward design and effective performance have made it a classic tool for culinary experimentation. For those interested in the heritage brand that started the trend, exploring the various models and kits available under the PolyScience name is recommended to find the one that best fits your needs.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Smoke Infuser for Cocktails
When I first started looking at smoke infusers for my home bar, I was overwhelmed by the options. They all promise to add that rich, aromatic touch to your drinks, but they don’t all work the same way. After testing quite a few, I’ve figured out what really matters when you’re trying to pick the best one for your needs. The goal is to find a tool that gives you control and consistency, turning a good cocktail into a great one with a layer of complex flavor.
The first thing I consider is the method of smoking. You have two main types: handheld guns and enclosed domes or cloches. Handheld smoke infusers are like little guns; you load wood chips into a chamber, and they use a fan to blow smoke directly onto or into your glass. I find these are fantastic for speed and direct control. The other style is a dome or cloche, where you place a smoldering chip on a lid or tray, invert a glass over it to trap the smoke, and then lift the dome to release it over your drink. This method is more theatrical and great for presentation at the table, but it can be a bit slower.
Next, think about power and fuel. If you go with a handheld electric infuser, check how it’s powered. Most are rechargeable via USB, which is super convenient. I prefer models with a good battery life so I’m not scrambling for a charger mid-party. For fuel, you’ll be using wood chips, herbs, or teas. Make sure the infuser you choose has a chamber that’s easy to load and clean. Some have magnetic lids or simple slide-out trays, which are much less fussy than ones with tiny screws.
Finally, don’t forget about build quality and extras. A smoke infuser might not look like a heavy-duty tool, but you want something that feels solid in your hand, not cheap and plasticky. Look for food-grade materials, especially in parts that get hot or come near your drink. Some kits come with a great selection of different wood chips—like apple, hickory, or cherry—which is a nice bonus to get you started experimenting right away. The best smoke infusers for cocktails are the ones that feel intuitive to use and become a natural part of your bartending workflow, letting you add that signature smoky flavor with confidence.
FAQ
What kind of wood chips should I use in my smoke infuser?
This is where the real fun begins. I like to start with classic woods like applewood for a sweet, mild smoke or hickory for a stronger, bacon-like flavor that works well in spirit-forward drinks like an Old Fashioned. Cherry wood is another favorite for a slightly fruity note. Beyond traditional wood chips, don’t be afraid to experiment with dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even loose-leaf teas like Lapsang Souchong, which is naturally smoky. Always make sure whatever you use is dry, untreated, and meant for culinary use to avoid any nasty chemicals in your drink.
Can I use a smoke infuser for anything other than cocktails?
Absolutely. While I primarily use mine for cocktails, a smoke infuser is a versatile kitchen tool. I’ve used it to add a smoky aroma to cheeses on a board, to give a quick grill-like flavor to seafood or steak before searing, and even to rim a glass for a Bloody Mary. Any food that would benefit from a touch of smokiness is a good candidate. Just remember to clean the infuser thoroughly if you switch between food and drink applications to avoid flavor crossover.
Is it difficult to clean a smoke infuser?
Not at all, and this was a big concern for me before I bought one. For most handheld models, the main chamber where the chips burn is the only part that really needs attention. I let it cool down completely, then simply tap out the ash or use a small brush to clean it. Many parts are also detachable and dishwasher safe, which is a huge plus. The key is to avoid getting the electronic components or the fan wet. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed for the exterior.
How long does the smoky flavor last in the drink?
The smoky aroma is most potent right after you infuse the drink, which is a big part of the experience as you bring the glass to your nose. In terms of taste, the flavor integrates into the cocktail and will last as long as you’re drinking it. However, the visible smoke and the most intense aromatic notes will dissipate after a minute or two. For the best experience, I serve the drink immediately after smoking it so the person enjoying it gets the full effect of the aroma and flavor from the first sip to the last.
Do I need any special safety equipment?
You don’t need a full firefighter’s kit, but a little caution goes a long way. I always keep my smoke infuser on a stable, heat-resistant surface. The chamber where the chips smolder can get very hot, so I use tweezers or a small spoon to handle spent chips, never my fingers. It’s also a good idea to use the infuser in a well-ventilated area. While you’re not producing a huge amount of smoke, it’s still combustion, and good airflow is just a smart practice. Following these simple steps will make using your new tool both safe and enjoyable.