The demand for smoked cocktails has surged over time due to the thrilling visual display and unique taste they offer to drinkers. However, these concoctions tend to be nightmarish for bartenders when it comes to convenience.

 

Typical methods used to make them occupy far too much space and time behind the bar, and even pose a fire hazard when not executed properly.

 

But luckily for every establishment struggling to keep up with the trend, an innovative fireman turned mixologist named James Middleton has derived ways and tools to drastically optimize the process.

 

Chilled had the opportunity to chat with Middleton about his revolutionary invention, along with what key advice he could offer to those looking to refine their smoked cocktail procedure.

 

What should bartenders know about the Middleton Mixology SmokeTop?

It takes 10 seconds to smoke a drink with the SmokeTop and you can even use two SmokeTops at the same time, smoking multiple drinks at once. Due to the richness of the smoke created, it should be treated as an ingredient instead of just a show.

 

 

Tell us a few reasons every bar/bartender should own a Middleton Mixology SmokeTop.

The SmokeTop really has that wow factor given most people have not seen it yet!

If you were to use the SmokeTop and all our accessories, (woodchips, lighter, butane) your all-in cost would be approximately 10 cents per cocktail. With an up charge of even just one dollar, you are looking at a 90% profit margin.

We offer wholesale and resale discounts for bars and restaurants, as well as free engraving of your logo onto the SmokeTops.

 

Give us 4-5 tips for smoking drinks in front of customers. What should bartenders know?

1. Less wood chips gives you more smoke! You should be able to see parts of the mesh screen underneath the wood chips because you use such a small amount.
2. Light the torch away from the SmokeTop first to ensure the butane is ignited or else you will taste the unburnt butane.
3. Smoke the ice inside the glass or mixing container before pouring in the liquid for that bold consistent flavor throughout the cocktail.
4. Always use fresh wood chips! Do not reburn!

 

Any precautions or tricks that bartenders might be surprised to learn?

Sparks will fly! With the SmokeTop you will see some pieces of ash that will come out of the top. Using less wood chips and being conscious of how closely you are holding the flame to the wood chips will help to mitigate most of the ash falling. Also, be aware of your well’s location so ash doesn’t fall into your ice!

 

Give bartenders tips/tricks on pairing smoky flavors with spirits.

Learn the variations of smoke flavors by smoking a glass with only ice, then adding water. This allows you to taste the different smoke flavors by themselves which will give you a better understanding of how the smoke is going to affect the cocktail.

Wood from the fruit trees such as apple or cherry have a medium smoke flavor with a hint of fruity sweetness, and they can be used in almost any cocktail!