Smoke No Fire Recipe

Combine ingredients

Add Buffalo Trace bourbon (2 oz), cinnamon agave syrup (0.75 oz), fresh apple cider (1.5 oz), fresh lemon juice (0.5 oz), and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters into a cocktail shaker.

Add ice and shake

Fill the shaker with ice (about 1 cup), secure the lid, and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is nicely chilled and slightly frosted.

Prepare glass

Place a large ice cube or sphere into a rocks or Old Fashioned glass.

Double strain

Double strain the shaken cocktail over the large ice cube into the prepared glass to remove small ice shards and apple pulp for a clean presentation.

Prep apple slice and smoking tools

Cut a 1/4" thick apple slice and set it on a clean non-flammable surface or small metal tray. If using, rest the cinnamon stick nearby. Have a small spoon and a lighter or torch ready. Place the toasted wood chips in a heatproof spoon or small smoking vessel; add a few drops (about 0.25 tsp) of neutral oil or a few drops of a high-proof spirit to help ignition.

Ignite wood chips

Using a lighter or small torch, carefully ignite the wood chips in the spoon or smoking vessel until they begin to smolder and produce smoke (they should not flare into sustained flame). If they flare, gently blow to encourage smoldering.

Smoke the apple slice tableside

Immediately and carefully invert a cloche, small overturned bowl, or glass cover over the smoldering chips and the apple slice to capture the smoke for 15–25 seconds. If serving tableside without a cover, hold the apple slice over the smoldering chips at a safe distance to capture smoke for 10–15 seconds, rotating once to lightly coat both sides.

Finish and present

Remove the cover and place the smoked apple slice onto the rim or floated atop the cocktail. Add the cinnamon stick alongside or rest it on the glass. Serve immediately so the guest experiences the aroma of the fresh tableside smoke while sipping.

Safety note

Ensure all smoldering materials are fully extinguished after use. Use heatproof tools and perform the smoking on a stable, non-flammable surface away from flammable decor.