Is It Possible To 'Smoke' Ice Cubes?
Though some may view the 2010s as an homage to planking and the resurgence of 1980s neon athletic wear, this colorful decade was also a massive step in technological advancements. From nostalgic handheld gaming devices to AI and self-driving electric vehicles, our relationship with technology expanded tremendously during this period. Some of these new-found phenomena grew more subtle than others, but their existence has changed how we drink and indulge in food.
The New York Times describes molecular mixology as a scientific approach to crafting mixed drinks. It equally prioritizes the "show" as much as the "tell," where palatable sensations are enhanced by visual effects. (It precedes molecular gastronomy, which infuses food with art and chemistry.) According to The Spruce Eats, molecular mixology often uses various systematic techniques to toy with a beverage's structure and taste. One of the most recognized methods is cocktail smoking, a strategy that has been perfected by Eben Freeman.
Tales of the Cocktail reports that in 2007, Freeman created a bourbon and Coca-Cola cocktail titled the Waylon. Though Coke and whiskey isn't an Earth-shattering revelation (it actually began in 1907, per Garden & Gun), Freeman's version infused cherrywood smoke with classic Coca-Cola syrup. The drink skyrocketed in popularity, and since then, Freeman has experimented with martinis in popping pearl-like form and jellied spirits. However, you don't have to be a professional to partake in molecular mixology. All you need is a bowl, water, and fire to get started.
The science behind smoked ice
Smoked ice, much like the pyrotechnic art of cocktail smoking, is a way to introduce earthy undertones and woody sensations into your favorite dark liquor beverages. As the drink progresses, the dissolved ice releases smoldering flavors that add to the cocktail's slow burn. But it may seem counter-intuitive (or at least challenging to make). If smoke requires fire, and fire melts ice, how exactly can we obtain this desirable dichotomy without wasting our ice away?
You're already halfway there if you have an outdoor grill or smoker. But if you're feeling more adventurous, build a steady campfire. Next, place a bowl of water on the grates. As Fatherly recommends, you'll need to source fuel made from authentic wood. Whether achieved through pellets, smoking chips, or firewood, this element will allow the water to absorb the smell of slow-burning wood. On the contrary, if you were to use propane or other chemically saturated fuels, this could lead to an unappealing burnt taste that wouldn't pair well with your Old Fashioned.
As the water soaks up the smoke's fragrances, feel free to dine on a grilled pizza while you wait or roast some marshmallows if you've chosen to use a good ol' campfire. Then, carefully remove the heated bowl and pour the smoke-infused water into an ice molding tray. Enjoy with your choice spirit, though we recommend sticking to darker liquors, such as bourbon and whiskey.
Classic contraptions for smoking cocktails
Cocktail smoking can also be achieved through various methods of trapping and infusing. The most popular is the traditional smoking gun, mainly recognized for the bubble it creates on top of artistically crafted beverages. Serious Eats describes this device as a portable wood-fueled tool that gives the drink its hickory taste and a hazy aura. It's reminiscent of a cozy night by the fire, brimming with flavor and nostalgia.
Then there's the chimney smoker, which can be identified by its wooden hat-like lid and accompanying torch, per Food & Wine. Here, the mixologist adds a small amount of flavored wood chips, such as oak, cherry, or maple, before covering the glass and firing up the device. The lid works as a reverse chimney, containing the fumes inside rather than allowing them to escape. It's effective in creating a potent layer of smoke that remains at the top before sinking to the bottom.
However, if you really want a good show, use a domed cocktail smoker. This "Beauty and the Beast" device works as a glass cage set around the drink, trapping and swirling the smoke as it is introduced. But instead of a mystical rose, all of the magic is contained inside the beverage. Despite being fun in theory, these contraptions can exceed hundreds of dollars and risk appearing gimmicky. So, before you spending a dime on these gizmos and gadgets, try the smoked ice method first. Who knew science could be so fun?