Parlor Ember Journal

Cocktail smoking,
step by step.

Practical notes on wood, flame, cocktails, and keeping the set ready for the next glass.

How to7 min read

How to Use a Cocktail Smoker: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to use a cocktail smoker in six simple steps, from preparing the glass and lighting wood chips to controlling smoke, serving, and cleanup.

Wood series6 min read

Hickory is stronger than oak and works well with robust bourbon, rye, and dark sweeteners. Learn how much to use and when to stop the burn.

Wood series6 min read

Oak is an easy wood to start with because its aroma is already familiar in bourbon and rye. Learn how much to use and how long to smoke the glass.

Method5 min read

A practical method for adding clean wood smoke to an Old Fashioned without burying the bourbon, bitters, or orange.

Wood guide6 min read

Compare six natural wood-chip profiles and choose the right smoke for bourbon, rye, an Old Fashioned, or a Manhattan.

Safety6 min read

A straightforward checklist for filling, lighting, using, cooling, and storing a refillable culinary torch.

Care5 min read

Keep the smoker screen, Sapele wood top, natural wood chips, torch, and whiskey stones ready for the next pour.