Ever had a cocktail that made you stop and say, "Whoa, what is that?" In some cases, it's mezcal or liquid smoke, and if it's mild, maybe the result of a smoking gun, but in other cases, mixologists use smoked ice cubes to infuse flavor into drinks. Smoked ice adds a rich, woodsy depth that pairs perfectly with bourbon, vodka, and tequila. And infusing water with smoke is surprisingly easy if you have the right tools.
We tested our recipe after receiving the new Ninja FlexFlame, a fantastic grill that extends beyond the capabilities of a conventional grill thanks to its wood fire smokebox, digital controls, and continuous airflow. Its woodfire BBQ smoker is determined to compete against other smokers, but truly in its own category.
Whether you're looking to impress guests or just want to experiment with flavors, this simple technique will leave your friends amazed at your creativity.
How to Smoke Water for Ice
- Set up your water tray. I added water from one water bottle into a disposable foil pan. A thin layer of water is more effective at capturing rich flavors. The tray is placed inside the grill on the grates.
- Add pellets. We used two cups of pellets from Ninja's all-purpose blend. Keep in mind that the flavor of your pellets or wood chips will influence the final flavor of your ice cubes.
- Cold-smoke the water. With the roasting pan placed on the grill grates, ignite the pellets and allow the fan to circulate the smoke particles inside the grill. Unlike a traditional grill or pellet smoker, the FlexFlame simulates the convection experience, and it doesn't need to heat the interior to infuse water (read: evaporation is limited, and the fan circulates the wood smoke flavor quickly). For what it's worth, a cold smoker is also a great solution for fruits and vegetables. The experts at SharkNinja's Test Kitchen even explained how they smoke whole tomatoes for extra flavor in Bloody Marys.
- Pour the smoked water into ice cube trays, and freeze. Let the water cool completely, then pour it into an ice tray and freeze overnight. Store your smoky ice cubes in a sealed container so the flavor doesn't transfer to other items in your freezer.
Best Drinks for Smoked Ice
Not every cocktail benefits from a smoke flavor, but for the right taste buds, it's an interesting upgrade to try:
- Old Fashioned – The smoking process adds a deeper, richer complexity.
- Whiskey Sour – Balances the tart lemon with a smooth, smoky finish.
- Mezcal Margarita – Enhances the natural smokiness of mezcal.
- Rum & Cola – Gives a classic a surprising, campfire-like twist.
- Bloody Mary – Takes the classic brunch drink to another level. And, as mentioned, you can smoke the tomatoes at the same time as the water and double-down on flavor.
No ice cubes in your cocktail? Consider smoking simple syrup instead. And put your rocks glass in the FlexFlame to get a smoky rim. You're welcome.
Pro Tips for Perfect Smoked Ice
- Use a shallow dish – More surface area helps the water absorb more smoke. It shouldn't be a deep layer of water.
- Don't overdo it – Yeah, there's a thing as "too smoky," especially for those who don't like a campfire taste; a half-hour or 45 minutes is usually enough.
- Store properly – Keep smoked ice in a sealed container to prevent it from absorbing other freezer odors.
Does smoked ice change the texture of your favorite drink?
Not the texture, but certainly the flavor. Unlike a regular ice cube, as it melts, the smoked flavor subtly infuses the drink, making each sip a little different from the last.
