Being able to make a proper cocktail is a badass skill. You know what’s even more badass? Taking your cocktail skills up a notch by using a blowtorch. What’s that? You don’t think flammable booze and blowtorches go together? Don’t be such a negative nilly. Bernzomatic (they make blowtorches) partnered with Eric Trousdale, the head mixologist from Arbella Chicago to whip up some light instruction and blowtorch inspiration for you.
Check out the videos and recipes for two cocktails that use blowtorches to create a smoky element in the beverages.
Laguna Salada
Ingredients
1.5 oz. Silver tequila
.5 oz. Cynar
.5 oz. Simple syrup
.5 oz. Fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
You’ll also need a cedar plank and a Bernzomatic TS4000 High Heat Torch
Directions: Light a spot on a cedar plank using the torch until the wood is smoking. Capture the smoke with an upturned Nick & Nora martini glass on the plank. Build all ingredients over ice, shake well. Turn over the smoked glass and strain the cocktail into the glass. The glass should maintain a hint of the smoke flavor and scent.
Chicago Fire Extinguisher
Ingredients
2 oz. Scotch
.5 oz. Luxardo Abano
.5 oz. Fugit Crème de Noyaux
2 Dashes Angostura bitters
You’ll also need a bartender’s “smoking gun,” some cherry wood chips and a Bernzomatic ST2200 Detail Torch
Directions: Build all ingredients over ice, stir, and strain into a small circular globe or mason jar. Place cherry wood chips into the compartment of the smoke gun and light with the torch. Place the end of the smoke gun’s tube into the circular globe vessel (or mason jar), fill with smoke and top with a cork or lid to capture the smoke inside. On the side, place a big ice cube into a double rocks glass, uncork the globe and pour over ice.