Smoky Cocktails
10 cocktails with a smoky flavor profile.
Benton's Old Fashioned
whiskey · Medium
A pioneering modern classic from New York's PDT that revolutionized the 'fat-washing' technique. It combines the savory, smoky essence of premium bacon with the rich sweetness of maple syrup and the robust character of bourbon.
Blood and Sand
whiskey · Medium
Named after the 1922 bullfighter film starring Rudolph Valentino, this is one of the rare classic cocktails that successfully employs Scotch whisky. The equal-parts recipe creates a surprisingly balanced drink where the smokiness of the scotch cuts through the sweetness of the cherry and vermouth, rounded out by the brightness of orange juice.
Bobby Burns
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated and spirit-forward classic that elevates the Scotch-based Rob Roy with a touch of herbal complexity. It offers a rich, velvety texture with a perfect balance between smoky whisky, botanical vermouth, and honeyed herbs.
Highball
whiskey · Easy
The Highball is the ultimate expression of simplicity, designed to elongate the spirit and highlight its subtle nuances with carbonation. This refreshing classic has seen a massive resurgence through Japanese bar culture, where the quality of ice and water is paramount.
Mezcal Negroni
mezcal · Easy
A sophisticated and smoky variation of the classic Negroni. By replacing gin with Mezcal, the drink gains an earthy depth that perfectly complements the botanical bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of the vermouth.
Naked and Famous
mezcal · Easy
Created in 2011 by Joaquín Simó at New York's Death & Co, this modern classic is an equal-parts masterpiece. It delivers a vibrant, complex balance of smoky agave, herbal sweetness, and sharp citrus that has earned it a spot on the IBA official list.
Oaxacan Old Fashioned
tequila · Medium
A modern classic that bridges the gap between the familiar whiskey Old Fashioned and the smoky complexity of agave spirits. Created at Death & Co, it balances the vanilla notes of aged tequila with the earthy smoke of mezcal.
Penicillin
whiskey · Medium
A modern classic created by Sam Ross at Milk & Honey in New York. The Penicillin masterfully balances the spicy bite of ginger and honey with the sharp citrus of lemon, all topped with a signature smoky Islay Scotch aroma.
Rob Roy
whiskey · Easy
Often called a Scotch Manhattan, the Rob Roy was created in 1894 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York. It swaps rye whiskey for Scotch, offering a smokier, more complex profile while retaining the elegant balance of vermouth and bitters.
Rusty Nail
whiskey · Easy
A sophisticated and potent classic that combines the smoky depth of Scotch whisky with the honeyed, herbal sweetness of Drambuie. Known as a signature drink of the 1960s Rat Pack, it offers a smooth yet powerful sipping experience perfect for slow contemplation.