Courtesy Bryan Schneider, beverage director, Quality Meats, New York City
Channel the outdoorsy spirit of a fall camping trip with a smoke-tinged cocktail that’s playfully presented in a thermos. Bryan Schneider, beverage director at Quality Meats in New York City, layers two elements to capture the effect of a smoldering campfire: Lapsang Souchong tea, which adds a mildly smoky and earthy component, and a smoky whiskey. Use a non-smoked whiskey for a subtler effect, or choose from our list to amp up the embers.
Recommended Bottles
These bottles have a pleasing, smoky effect. Sip them straight or mix into your Campfire Cocktail for maximum smolder.
- Big Peat Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky: Look for a huge rush of peat smoke and a bitter chocolate finish in this Scotch blended from “a shovelful” of Islay single malts, including Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore and Port Ellen.
- Connemara Peated Single Malt Original Irish Whiskey: One of the most intense, peaty Irish single malts, this sipper leads with smooth vanilla sweetness and an elongated, smoldering exit.
- Laphroaig 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky: Islay’s Laphroaig is famed for its intense, peaty profile. There’s plenty of peat on the nose and palate, backed by olive brine, espresso and peppery spice.
- Ranger Creek Rimfire Mesquite Smoked Texas Single Malt Whiskey: This Texas-made single malt is Schneider’s choice. It’s smoked with mesquite instead of Scottish peat, and adds an almost bacon-and-barbecue effect.
- Swift Single Malt Texas Whiskey: Made in Texas from Scottish malted barley, expect a lightly charred, smoky note mingled with cocoa and toasty vanilla.
Last Updated: May 22, 2023
Ingredients
Directions
In camping thermos or cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine first four ingredients. Shake well, then pour into thermos mug. If desired, garnish with orange peel.
