We’ve already touched on one of the five essential elements of a good whiskey: smoke. But why stop there? Smoke can transform other cocktails too, enhancing both the flavour and the aesthetic of your drinks. It’s that little touch of je ne sais quoi that elevates your beverage from ordinary to extraordinary.
And have I got the perfect find for you!
Discovering Spirits with Smoke
While exploring the Vancouver Circle Craft Market, I stumbled upon a booth that immediately caught my attention. From afar, I saw smoke curling through the air—was something on fire? As I got closer, I watched a mesmerizing performance: hands moving with precision, a blow torch lighting up the scene, and the faint, heady aroma of charred wood.
I’d found Spirits with Smoke.
Purveyors of at-home smoking kits, they describe their products as:
“The perfect match for your at-home bar set-up, adding dazzling sizzle to your cocktail game. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a smoking newbie, these kits will ignite your hosting skills and help you master the art of smoking cocktails right at home.”
They’re not wrong!
Smoky Sophistication
Using their smoking kits, you can recreate the atmosphere of those swanky 1960s bars—dimly lit, impossibly stylish, oozing with sass and sex appeal. Think James Bond in a smoky basement booze can lounge, surrounded by crisp suits and body-con dresses and kitten heels. It’s all about the ambiance, darling, and Spirits with Smoke delivers it in spades.
What makes these kits irresistible is their versatility and craftsmanship. Each kit includes everything you need to infuse your cocktails or mocktails with that perfect smoky touch:
The Smoking Saucer Set Includes:
• Maple Wood Smoking Saucer
• Three flavours of spirit-infused wood chips:
• Cognac & Cherry (4oz)
• Rum & Maple (4oz)
• Bourbon & Oak (4oz)
• Replacement metal screens for the saucer
• Recipe and instruction booklet
• SwS branded cloth storage bag
• Four SwS branded coasters
• Garnish orange slices (4-pack)
The 4” saucer fits most cocktail glasses, from rocks glasses to coupes and Glencairns. Cleaning is simple: just pop out the brass screen, brush off the ash, rinse lightly, and let it air dry.
New Flavours and Sustainability
Since purchasing my kit, Spirits with Smoke has added three new flavours of wood chips that I can’t wait to try:
• Bourbon Barrel
• Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel
• Spicy Hickory
Even better, these products are locally made, compostable, and recyclable. Spirits with Smoke is committed to sustainability, partnering with TreeEra to offset their carbon footprint by planting trees.
My Experience
I couldn’t resist buying the Smoking Saucer Set as a gift (shhh—don’t spoil the surprise!). This kit can smoke over 300 drinks, making it a perfect introduction to the world of smoked cocktails.
The best part of my encounter at the booth? A serendipitous run-in with one of my favourite bartenders, who was expertly demonstrating the art of cocktail smoking. Between witty banter about Negronis and a few laughs, he showed me how to master the technique. Needless to say, I left feeling inspired—and a little nostalgic for those dimly lit nights at the Red Accordion after our tête-à-tête.
My Final Thoughts
Spirits with Smoke has everything you need to transform your cocktail game, from smoking kits and bitters to glassware and recipes. Their motto, #neverdrinkordinary, says it all—and we’re absolutely here for it.
So why not give the gift of smoke this holiday season? Whether for yourself or a fellow cocktail enthusiast, it’s a surefire way to bring a little swanky sophistication to any gathering.
Time to get smoking!
