For a long time, the rules were simple: brown liquid in a glass, burning stick in the hand. But the cocktail world has gotten fancy. Bartenders are now “smoking” glasses with cedar planks and adding tobacco-infused bitters to drinks. We’ve reached peak sophistication—or peak pretentiousness, depending on how much you like suspenders and waxed mustaches.

The Old Fashioned is the undisputed heavyweight champion of tobacco pairings. The orange zest brings out the citrus notes in the leaf, the bitters add depth, and the sugar tames the nicotine kick. It’s a balanced ecosystem. If the Old Fashioned were a person, it would have a very deep voice and own many leather-bound books.

Sometimes, you don’t want a heavy, brooding experience. Sometimes you’re on a patio and it’s 90 degrees. This is where the “Highball” or the Mojito comes in. Mint and lime provide a sharp contrast to the warmth of tobacco. It’s a “hot and cold” sensation that keeps your palate awake. It’s the pairing equivalent of a cold shower—refreshing, slightly shocking, and surprisingly addictive.

Many bars are now creating “tobacco-infused” cocktails where the leaf is actually steeped in the alcohol. Some say it’s the ultimate pairing; others say it’s a great way to get nicotine poisoning if you aren’t careful.

Discussion Point: Does infusing tobacco into the drink itself enhance the culture, or does it take away tobacconbeverage.com from the ritual of having two separate elements (the sip and the smoke) interacting naturally?