There is no wrong time to smoke water. I mean, I usually do it around Thanksgiving because I have always felt that smoked cocktails are a fun “pre-funk” to the Turkey day celebration but the truth is, smoked water, then ice, is perfect for ANY TIME you are the man running the grill.
Sazeracs, Old Fashioned’s, French 75s and so many more can turn into new cocktails for friends and family alike simply by taking a little more time, upfront, to smoke some water. You DID read that right.
Here is how it works.
Take your brownie or cake pan and fill half way up with water. Place on your smoker on the “smoke” setting trying not to get above 180 (it won’t hurt if higher but you aren’t trying to cook the water rather have the smoke “stick” to the water – chemistry was tough in high school, I get it, but it works). Smoke for about 2 hours but if you go a little longer it is all good. Remove, let cool a bit and pour into ice cube trays and let freeze. I like the big balls or squares for old fashioned’s but it doesn’t matter. Just turn into cubes.
I personally feel it plays best with whiskey based drinks but if you want a smoked daiquiri or something else, go for it. You will be pleasantly surprised as to how delicious it is and how well it plays with food, especially on the grill or the smoker…ANY TIME of the year!
