So, you’re curious about blowing smoke rings?

Well, somewhere around 1995, I decided that I wanted to be able to blow smoke rings with my cigar.

I didn’t have a particular reason. I saw something in a movie or was bored that day. So, packed with a handful of cigars and mindful of determination, I headed out to the garage.

Why the garage?

Well, for starters, I knew I needed a place that was not windy. Secondly, I needed a place that was not 6 degrees (It was snowing in Washington state).

The phrase “blowing a smoke ring” is as misleading as a five-star Yelp review for a gas station taco. Most rookies assume you must exhale your way to glory, but nope! That’s where dreams (and excellent cigars) go to die.

The secret lies not in blowing out, but in a gentle nudge from your tongue. Trust me, it’s all about finesse—not a hurricane-force puff.

Whether blowing smoke rings to impress yourself or a friend, or you are just plain bored like I was, here are some tips and ONE BIG warning that will help.

Step 1: The Smoke

First things first, grab a cigar that always seems to generate a lot of smoke. A light, wispy smoke may look artsy, but it’s the lousy haircut of smoke rings—it’ll unravel before it gets anywhere. Thick smoke is what you’re after. Something with presence or weight.

Step 2: Location, Location, Location

You’ll need a calm environment—not for your zen, but for the smoke. A gentle breeze will shred your smoke ring faster than a cat on a toilet paper roll. A still room, however, gives your masterpiece a fighting chance to hang in the air like the smug work of art it is.

Step 3: The Right Attitude (Because Buc-ee’s* Wasn’t Built in a Day)

*There is zero need for a Buc-ee’s reference here. I’m just hungry and name-dropping. 

Cigar mastery isn’t an exact science, neither is learning to blow smoke rings —it’s part practice, part patience, and part making a fool of yourself in front of your friends.

1. Hold a deep puff of smoke in your mouth.
   Imagine yourself as a smoke-powered chipmunk—but without actually puffing your cheeks. This isn’t a Disney audition.
2. Place your tongue flat on the bottom of your mouth and gently pull it back.
   Think of your tongue as a gatekeeper, ensuring no unruly smoke escapes down the wrong way. It’s like holding the door open for someone important.
3. Open your mouth slowly, forming an “O” shape.
   No puckering here—this isn’t date night. You’re going for “relaxed opera singer” vibes, not “goldfish gasping for water.” Let your jaw drop a bit, too. Big rings need space to live their best lives.
4. Push the smoke out with your tongue.
   Here comes the magic! Use your tongue like a piston—short, gentle bursts with just a bit of recoil. Not too aggressive, though. Think more “tap-tap” than “rocket launch”. If done right, that puff of smoke will spiral out smoothly.
5. Practice Makes Perfect

Don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts look more like squiggly snakes than majestic rings. Keep at it, and soon you’ll launch rings so beautiful they’ll Saturn jealous.

I want to say practicing is half the fun…but it really isn’t.

At some point, you will get it, look around the room, and realize no one saw it.

Which brings me to that VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE when it comes to blowing smoke rings…

Don’t be THAT Guy.

PLEASE.

Just because you CAN blow smoke rings doesn’t mean you always should.

Don’t be that guy (or gal) who sits in the smoking lounge ONLY blowing smoke rings. You are not rehearsing for a black-and-white French Noir Film. You are there to enjoy a cigar…not show off.

You wouldn’t sit in the corner making a bunch of balloon animals…nor should you sit there churning out smoke rings looking like a pretentious #@%!.

If, and only if, the moment is right, go ahead and take a smooth draw and let the smoke ring fly.

Never start the process with, “Hey, watch this.” If you do, you are already ‘that guy.’

Side Note: I asked AI to make me a ‘Don’t Be That Guy’ picture. I think AI nailed it. :)