The Butter & Smoke cocktail really brings together the best of fall. It’s got that cozy, woodsy aroma and a hint of warmth that just feels right when the weather cools off.
There’s pumpkin-butter-infused bourbon in the mix, plus cranberry bitters and a touch of smoked thyme. It’s the kind of drink that feels both inviting and a little fancy, but not in a stuffy way.
This cocktail uses rich, seasonal flavors and a kiss of smoke—so it’s balanced, a bit unexpected, and honestly, perfect for sweater weather.
Zachary Gross, the beverage director behind this drink, really knows how to use smoke to add depth and aroma. Infusing bourbon with pumpkin butter gives it a smooth texture and a gentle sweetness.
Finishing the drink with smoked thyme? That’s what sets it apart—there’s this savory, fragrant note that lingers and makes you want another sip.
If you like tinkering with seasonal cocktails, you can find the recipe on Liquor.com. They walk you through making the pumpkin-butter bourbon and getting that smoky flavor just right.
Whether you’re hosting friends or just winding down at home, this cocktail is a simple way to make bourbon feel new again.
Key Takeaways
- The Butter & Smoke cocktail mixes bourbon, pumpkin butter, and smoked thyme for a rich, aromatic drink.
- Pumpkin butter–infused bourbon brings depth and a smooth finish.
- Smoked herbs give it a unique twist that really fits the season.
What Is the Butter & Smoke Cocktail?
The Butter & Smoke is a whiskey cocktail with seasonal flavors and a smoky aroma. It uses pumpkin butter–infused bourbon and thyme smoke for a drink that’s warm and balanced.
You get sweetness and herbal notes, all tied together with a gentle smokiness.
Origin and Inspiration
Zachary Gross created the Butter & Smoke at Sen Sakana, a Japanese-Peruvian spot in New York City. He wanted to show how smoke and infused spirits can totally change a drink’s vibe.
Smoke is a big deal in cocktails these days. Instead of the usual wood chips, Gross burns thyme for a softer, herbal scent and just a touch of earthiness.
At the heart of the recipe is pumpkin butter–infused bourbon. The infusion combines pumpkin purée, maple syrup, and spices with bourbon, making a smooth, naturally sweet base.
This technique—people call it fat washing—is popular in cocktail bars to add texture and complexity to whiskey drinks.
The drink draws from classic fall flavors and the appeal of smoked cocktails. It’s both comforting and a little bit elevated.
Signature Flavors
Butter & Smoke is all about balance—sweet, bitter, and smoky. Bourbon gives you caramel and vanilla notes.
Pumpkin butter makes it creamy and adds a hint of spice. Gran Classico, a bitter aperitif, brings in herbal depth.
A few dashes of cranberry bitters add tartness, so the drink never gets too sweet. Thyme smoke ties it all together, giving a savory finish.
Here’s a quick look at the main ingredients:
| Ingredient | Role in Flavor |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin butter–infused bourbon | Sweet, smooth base |
| Gran Classico | Bitter herbal balance |
| Cranberry bitters | Tart contrast |
| Thyme smoke | Aromatic finish |
These layers make the cocktail feel both seasonal and a bit sophisticated.
Popularity in Modern Mixology
Smoked cocktails have become pretty popular, mostly for their aroma and presentation. Drinks like Butter & Smoke are fun for bartenders who like to play with scent and texture.
Infusing smoke—herbs or wood—gives the drink more than just flavor; it’s a whole experience.
Butter & Smoke pops up on smoked cocktail recipe lists for both home and pro bartenders. The ingredients aren’t hard to find, which makes it more approachable than some complicated whiskey drinks.
In today’s cocktail world, bourbon and scotch with unique infusions are always in style. Butter & Smoke fits right in, mixing classic whiskey notes with newer techniques like fat washing and smoke.
Essential Ingredients for Butter & Smoke Cocktails
Getting the flavor right depends on the base spirit, the butter, the sweetener, and the bitters. Each one changes the drink’s texture, aroma, and finish.
That’s how you end up with a cocktail that’s smooth and layered.
Choosing the Right Bourbon or Whiskey
A butter-washed bourbon is the backbone of a Butter & Smoke. Bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes work well with the buttery texture, and its natural sweetness supports the maple syrup or bitters.
If you want something bolder, you could use whiskey or even scotch. Peated scotch adds a smoky undertone that plays off the thyme.
Still, a good bourbon, especially one aged in charred oak, gives a rounder, richer base.
Pick a spirit that’s at least 45% ABV. Lower-proof bourbon can taste thin after fat washing, which isn’t ideal.
Small-batch or single-barrel bourbons are great if you want more flavor.
Butter Selection: Unsalted vs. Salted
Butter matters. Unsalted butter is usually best because you can control the sweetness and seasoning.
It gives a cleaner, creamier mouthfeel and lets the bourbon’s flavors come through.
Salted butter adds a savory note, which can be nice with smoked elements. But too much salt can drown out the herbs and bitters.
Melt the butter and let it cool a bit before mixing it with the spirit. That way, it blends smoothly and separates easily in the freezer.
High-quality, high-fat butter makes for a better texture and a clearer final product.
Sweeteners: Honey, Maple Syrup, and Simple Syrup
Sweeteners help balance the smoky and bitter flavors. Honey brings floral notes and a thicker texture—great for drinks over ice.
Maple syrup adds earthy sweetness and matches well with fall spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Simple syrup is just sugar and water, so it’s neutral and lets the butter and bourbon shine. Plus, it’s easy to measure and mix.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Sweetener | Flavor Profile | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Honey | Floral, rich | Warm, aromatic drinks |
| Maple Syrup | Earthy, deep | Seasonal or spiced cocktails |
| Simple Syrup | Neutral, clean | Classic, balanced recipes |
Bitters and Smoky Accents
Bitters tie everything together. Angostura bitters add spice and warmth, while cardamom bitters bring light citrus and herbal notes.
A few dashes can round out the sweetness from the butter and syrup.
For smoke, thyme or wood works well—like in the Butter & Smoke cocktail. The idea is to boost the aroma, not overpower the drink.
Use a small flame or a smoking gun for consistency. Just enough smoke is perfect; too much and you’ll lose the buttery finish.
How to Make Brown Butter Bourbon
Brown butter bourbon is pretty much what it sounds like—bourbon infused with the deep, nutty flavor of browned butter.
You brown the butter, mix it with bourbon, and then separate the fat. The result is an infused bourbon that’s richer and a bit toasty.
Step-by-Step Brown Butter Infusion
Start with unsalted butter so you can control the flavor. Salted works, but it might make things a little too salty.
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Melt the butter: Use ½ cup of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
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Brown it: Stir until it’s golden and smells nutty—don’t let it burn, or it’ll taste bitter.
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Cool slightly: Take it off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
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Combine with bourbon: Pour the butter into about 750 mL of bourbon. Stir gently.
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Freeze and separate: Freeze the mixture for a few hours. When the butter solidifies on top, scoop it off and strain the bourbon through cheesecloth.
That’s fat washing. You get a smooth, toasty bourbon with a hint of caramel.
For example, the Brown Butter Old Fashioned Cocktail uses this method for a richer base.
Tips for Infusing Butter Flavor
Use fresh butter and pick a bourbon that’s not too spicy. Wheated bourbon usually works well with nutty flavors.
Keep the heat steady when browning—burnt milk solids ruin the taste, but undercooked butter won’t add much depth.
After mixing, let the bourbon sit at room temperature for about an hour before freezing. That gives the flavors time to blend.
If you go with salted butter, cut back on sweeteners or syrups later to keep things balanced.
For a smoky twist, try bitters or a little liquid smoke, like in this Smoky Brown-Butter Old-Fashioned.
Storage and Safety Considerations
Keep the strained brown butter bourbon in a clean, airtight glass bottle. Store it in a cool, dark spot or in the fridge if you want it to last—usually up to two weeks.
Make sure you remove all the fat solids. Any leftover butter can spoil or make the bourbon cloudy.
Label the bottle with the infusion date. If it starts to smell off or looks hazy, it’s time to toss it.
Strain again before using in cocktails, just to be safe. Done right, the bourbon stays smooth and nutty, ready for drinks like the Brown Butter Old Fashioned.
Classic Butter & Smoke Cocktail Recipe
This drink mixes smoky thyme and pumpkin butter–infused bourbon for a warm, aromatic flavor. Bitters and herbal smoke balance things out, making it a great pick for fall or winter.
Ingredient List and Measurements
The Butter & Smoke cocktail keeps it simple, but every ingredient matters for depth and smoothness. Each one helps balance sweetness, spice, and smoke.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin-butter-infused bourbon | 2 oz | Go with a rich bourbon for the best flavor |
| Gran Classico or similar bitter aperitif | ½ oz | Adds herbal and citrus notes |
| Cranberry or cardamom bitters | 5 dashes | For extra spice and aroma |
| Fresh thyme sprig | 1 | For smoking and garnish |
| Ice | As needed | A big cube is best for slower dilution |
You can make pumpkin butter by simmering pumpkin purée with maple syrup, brown sugar, lemon juice, and spices. That mixture infuses the bourbon and gives you a smooth, buttery base—kind of like a fat-washed whiskey.
Detailed Preparation Instructions
Grab a sprig of thyme and light it up with a kitchen torch. Flip a rocks glass upside down over the thyme on a heatproof surface, trapping the smoke inside. That’s how you get that unique smoky aroma—honestly, it’s worth the extra step.
In a mixing glass, pour in the pumpkin-butter-infused bourbon, your bitter aperitif, and bitters. Toss in some ice. Stir for maybe 20 or 30 seconds, just until it’s chilly. Don’t shake it—stirring keeps things silky and smooth.
Now, turn the smoked glass upright. Pop in a big ice cube, then strain your cocktail right in. Give it a gentle swirl to blend the smoke. The end result? A mellow, smoky drink with a soft sweetness and a bit of spice.
If you want to mix things up, try swapping the bourbon for smoky scotch. Or, add a splash of simple syrup or maple syrup for a sweeter vibe—lots of people do, as you’ll see in smoked cocktail recipes.
Recommended Garnishes
A fresh thyme sprig is hands down the best garnish. Sear the tip just a bit before adding it to the glass—the aroma is fantastic.
You could also toss in a few cranberries or a skinny lemon peel twist for some color and a hint of brightness. They really pop against the drink’s rich look and smoky notes.
If you’re feeling festive, try a tiny rim of salted butter or a drop of angostura bitters on top. It adds warmth and looks great, but won’t take over the flavor.
Flavor Variations and Creative Twists
The Butter & Smoke cocktail is kind of a blank canvas for seasonal tweaks. You can swap bitters, sweeteners, or mixers, and the whole vibe shifts—from cozy and spiced to something fresher—without losing that signature smoke.
Apple Cider and Seasonal Additions
Apple cider brings a light sweetness and a little tartness. It balances out the rich pumpkin butter and bourbon. Subbing in cider for some of the bourbon makes a lighter, more fall-friendly drink.
If you want more spice, toss in cardamom or clove—they pair up nicely with thyme smoke. A cinnamon stick as garnish smells great and keeps things looking natural.
Curious about other flavors? Try pear nectar, cranberry juice, or maybe a splash of ginger beer for zing. Each one plays off the smoky, buttery base and gives the drink a festive twist.
| Seasonal Ingredient | Effect on Flavor | Suggested Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Apple cider | Adds tart sweetness | Pumpkin butter |
| Pear nectar | Light and floral | Cinnamon stick |
| Cranberry juice | Sharp and fruity | Thyme smoke |
Experimenting with Different Bitters
Bitters really set the tone here. Swap out cranberry bitters for cardamom bitters and you’ll get a gentle spice. Angostura bitters bring that classic, woodsy bitterness.
A combo of orange and aromatic bitters highlights bourbon’s caramel notes. Want something more herbal? Try chamomile or lavender bitters—they echo the thyme smoke in a subtle way.
Go easy when you change up bitters—just a dash or two can totally shift the balance. Check out a smoked version of the Old Fashioned, like this Smoked Old-Fashioned, to see how smoke and bitters can deepen the drink without making it too sweet.
Alternative Sweeteners and Syrups
Switching up sweeteners changes both the texture and flavor. Maple syrup adds depth and works with bourbon’s vanilla notes. Honey brings a gentle sweetness and a hint of floral, while simple syrup lets the smoky and spicy flavors stand out.
Darker syrups like demerara or brown sugar syrup give the drink a richer, buttery feel. Want something lighter? Mix maple and simple syrup half-and-half for a nice balance.
Play around with ratios—maybe ¼ ounce maple syrup to ½ ounce simple syrup. It’s a good way to find just the right level of sweetness without covering up that smoky thyme. Each tweak keeps the drink fun and easy to customize.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Butter & Smoke is all about bourbon, pumpkin butter, and that amazing smoked thyme. It’s warm, a little sweet, and perfect for chilly nights or autumn get-togethers. How you serve it makes a difference, too.
Best Glassware and Presentation
A rocks glass is really the way to go. The wide opening lets the thyme smoke linger, so you get a whiff before you sip. A big, clear ice cube keeps it cold but doesn’t water things down too fast.
For a cool presentation, bartenders like to invert the glass over a smoking thyme sprig before serving. It’s a neat trick—check it out in the Butter & Smoke recipe on Liquor.com. The smoke looks good and smells even better.
Top with a fresh thyme sprig and a few cranberries for a splash of color. The red and green look great with the amber bourbon. Serve it on a dark wood tray or slate coaster for a rustic, seasonal vibe.
Food Pairings for Butter & Smoke Cocktails
This cocktail’s sweet, smoky flavors work well with savory and roasted foods. Think grilled pork tenderloin, roasted root veggies, or maple-glazed chicken—they all balance the drink’s warmth and spice.
For snacks, smoked nuts, aged cheese, or charcuterie bring out the bourbon’s caramel notes. The salty and umami flavors make a nice contrast.
Desserts like pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or brown butter cookies go hand in hand with the drink’s fall ingredients. The combo of smoke and spice ties everything together for a cozy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Butter & Smoke mixes pumpkin butter–infused bourbon with herbal smoke for a balanced, autumn-inspired cocktail. It uses basic bar tools and techniques like fat-washing and smoke infusion to layer in rich flavor and aroma.
How do you make a simple Butter & Smoke cocktail?
It’s easy—combine pumpkin butter–infused bourbon, a bitter aperitif, and cranberry bitters over ice. Stir to chill, then smoke the glass with thyme before pouring. The thyme smoke adds an earthy twist that pairs perfectly with the sweet, spiced bourbon.
What are the ingredients for an Old Fashioned Butter & Smoke cocktail?
For an Old Fashioned spin, use bourbon, bitters, and a little sweetener like maple syrup or brown sugar. Adding pumpkin butter or brown butter makes it creamy and a bit nutty. Finish with a smoked thyme garnish for extra depth, just like in the Butter & Smoke recipe.
What techniques are used to create a butter-washed whiskey cocktail?
Butter-washing (or fat-washing) means mixing melted butter or another fat with whiskey. Chill the mix, strain off the fat after it solidifies, and you’re left with a smooth, buttery spirit. This trick is popular for cocktails using brown butter or pumpkin butter.
How can you infuse smoke flavor into a cocktail?
You can add smoke by burning herbs, wood chips, or spices and catching the smoke in a glass. Whisky Advocate says a quick smoke rinse gives a light flavor, while direct smoking makes the aroma stronger. Thyme or rosemary are both great for this.
What is the recipe for a Mr. Brown cocktail?
The Mr. Brown cocktail usually blends bourbon, coffee liqueur, and cream or syrup for a dessert-like drink. Sometimes you’ll see a smoky touch or butter-washed whiskey for more depth—kind of like other whiskey cocktails with a rich, smooth finish.
Which types of alcohol are commonly used to achieve a smoky flavor in cocktails?
Bartenders usually reach for peated Scotch, mezcal, or smoked whiskey when they want that smoky kick. Spirits like Laphroaig or even Maker’s Mark show up in a lot of smoky drink recipes, as mentioned in Creating Smoky Cocktails: Mezcal, Whiskey, and More.
These spirits have a bold, earthy vibe that really stands out in mixed drinks. Honestly, if you’re after a natural smoke flavor, it’s tough to beat them.