What is smoked water (and how to use it)?

Smoked water sounds unusual at first, yet it is one of the simplest, most versatile ingredients in our kitchen. At Halen Môn we have spent close to a decade perfecting a way to capture beautiful, aromatic wood smoke in liquid form, so home cooks and professionals can add deep, smoky flavour with a single splash.

What is smoked water?

Smoked water is exactly what it sounds like: pure water that has been gently infused with wood smoke until it takes on a rich, savoury character. Our Smoked Water is a 100% natural, clean label ingredient, made only from wood smoke and water, with absolutely nothing else added.

We make it in small batches at Halen Môn in Wales, using artisan smokers and sustainable hickory and oak chips. The result is a concentrated liquid that can add anything from a subtle savoury note to a bold, campfire smokiness in both food and drink.

If you visit our Sea Salt Factory Shop on Anglesey, you can discover smoked water alongside many of our other products in person.

How is smoked water made?

Over many years of experimenting in our smokers on site, we have refined a way of suspending water in aromatic wood smoke so it slowly absorbs the flavour. It has taken us close to a decade to perfect the balance of temperature, timing and airflow.

Exactly how we make our Smoked Water is a closely guarded secret, but the principle is straightforward. We burn carefully chosen hickory and oak chips, allow the smoke to infuse the water in our specialist smokers, then filter and bottle it here at Halen Môn.

There are no artificial flavourings, colours, sugars or preservatives involved. Just smoke and water. This is what makes our Smoked Water such a useful clean label ingredient for both home kitchens and food manufacturers.

Smoked water vs liquid smoke

People often ask how smoked water compares to liquid smoke.

Liquid smoke is popular in America and is usually made by capturing smoke from burning wood. Some versions are simply smoke distillate and water, while others may contain added flavourings, sugars, colours or preservatives.

Our Smoked Water is different in two important ways:

• It contains only two ingredients: smoke and water
• It is crafted in small batches in our artisan smokers on site at Halen Môn, using sustainable hickory and oak

The result is a deeply flavoured yet remarkably versatile liquid that gives you great control. Add just a few drops for a gentle, savoury background, or more for that unmistakable smoky character, without any unwanted additives.

How much smoked water should I use?

Because our Smoked Water is concentrated, a little goes a long way. The simple rule is to start small, taste as you go, and build up the flavour.

Used in small amounts, smoked water adds a rounded savoury depth that is hard to put your finger on. Used more generously, it brings a pronounced smoky note that reminds people of barbecues and bonfires.

Here are some basic proportions to help you get started:

• Mashed potatoes made with 500 g potatoes

  • 2 ml for a savoury flavour
  • 5 ml for a smoky flavour
  • 10 ml for a very smoky flavour

• A Bloody Mary made with 600 ml of vodka and tomato juice combined

  • 2 ml for a savoury flavour
  • 5 ml for a smoky flavour
  • 10 ml for a very smoky flavour

• Black beans, 400 g cooked weight

  • 2 ml for a savoury flavour
  • 5 ml for a smoky flavour
  • 10 ml for a very smoky flavour

Once you have a feel for its strength, you can confidently add smoked water by the teaspoon or tablespoon to all sorts of dishes.

Everyday ways to use smoked water

Smoked water has a huge range of culinary applications for home cooks and professionals alike. We supply Michelin starred chefs and ready meal manufacturers, small bakeries and home cooks all over the world, and they continue to surprise us with how they use it.

Here are some ideas to try in your own kitchen.

Vegan and vegetarian cooking

• Add a splash to vegan burgers, bean stews, lentil dishes or chilli to bring a savoury depth that is often associated with cured meats.
• Stir a little through standout black beans, then finish with lime and coriander.

Soups, stews and braises

• Add a teaspoon at a time to tomato soup, vegetable soup or chowder.
• Stir into slow cooked stews or casseroles at the end of cooking to lift the flavour.

Barbecue and grilling

• Use smoked water in marinades for ribs, chicken, vegetables or halloumi.
• Brush a little over food as it comes off the grill for a final hit of smoke.

Dips, sauces and spreads

• Whisk a small amount into hummus, guacamole or bean dips.
• Add a few drops to mayonnaise, ketchup or barbecue sauce.

Baking and bread

• Use smoked water instead of some of the liquid in bread or sourdough recipes for a subtle smokiness.
• Try it in savoury scones or tear and share breads to go with soups and stews.

Cocktails and drinks

• Smoky Bloody Marys and negronis are classics.
• Add a dash to tomato juice, vegetable juices or savoury mocktails.

Once you start experimenting, you will find smoked water is an exciting ingredient that lends itself well to the imagination.

Why use smoked water instead of smoking food directly?

Smoking food from scratch is a wonderful skill, but it is not always practical at home or in a busy kitchen. Smoked water gives you many of the benefits of smoking, without the equipment or time.

Some of the reasons our customers love it:

• No smoker or barbecue required, and no need to step outside in bad weather
• Consistent results every time, whether you are cooking one portion or a large batch
• Very precise control over how smoky a dish is, simply by adjusting the amount
• Easy to add at the beginning of cooking or at the end, depending on the effect you want
• Ideal for dishes that are hard to smoke directly, such as sauces, dressings and drinks

Because it is a liquid, smoked water stirs into recipes effortlessly. It helps manufacturers and professional kitchens create a reliable, clean label smoked flavour, and it gives home cooks an easy way to bring a little restaurant magic into everyday meals.

Is Halen Môn smoked water vegan, gluten free and kosher?

Yes. Our Smoked Water is:

• Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
• Gluten free
• Kosher certified

It contains nothing except smoke and water. There are no allergens added and no animal products involved in the process.

Smoked water recipe inspiration

If you would like more specific ideas, we have plenty of tried and tested smoked water recipes on our site. A few favourites include:

• Ultimate veggie carbonara
• Smoky pork shoulder with hardy herbs
• Bonfire baked beans
• Smoky Welsh ale rarebit
• Hamish's smoky negroni

These recipes are a great starting point if you are new to smoked water, as they show how just a small amount can transform familiar dishes.

Where to buy smoked water

If you are ready to try smoked water in your own kitchen, you can buy our oak smoked water directly from Halen Môn. It sits alongside our full range of sea salts, so you can stock up on everything you need to season and flavour your cooking.

Pick up a bottle of smoked water for your kitchen shelf and you will soon wonder how you cooked without it.