10 mistakes people make with a cocktail smoker
Guide
Small adjustments make a better smoked drink. Start with a prepared glass, a small pinch of chips and a short infusion.
23 August 2026
10 details to get right
Using a household lighter
Use the included butane torch. Its focused flame is suited to lighting the chips on the screen.
Filling the well with chips
A small pinch is enough. Spread it loosely across the screen so air can pass through.
Setting up before the drink is ready
Mix the drink and add the ice first. Then place the disc and barrel on the glass.
Leaving the smoke too long
Start with about 30 seconds. Taste the drink and adjust the infusion on your next pour.
Blowing on hot chips
Leave hot chips undisturbed. Set the smoker on a heatproof surface and let it cool completely before emptying the well.
Changing too much at once
Keep the drink the same when comparing woods. You will notice the difference more clearly.
Soaking the wooden parts
Brush away cooled ash and wipe the wood with a dry or barely damp cloth. Let every part dry fully before storage.
Starting with a complicated cocktail
Begin with a whiskey you know or a familiar Old Fashioned. It is easier to appreciate what the wood adds.
Saving the kit only for guests
A quiet pour after dinner is a good occasion too. Keep the smoker near the bottles you reach for most.
Forgetting the torch setup
Your free torch ships separately from the kit. Have the specified butane fuel ready and read its instructions before your first use.