How to Blow Smoke Rings with a Cigar

You’ve got the cigar. You’ve got the slow burn. Now it’s time for a little fun.

Learning how to blow smoke rings isn’t just a fun party trick; it’s a rite of passage for anyone who wants to master the art of cigar smoking the right way. Careful mouth positioning and precise airflow are key to achieving those perfect smoke rings.

Let’s break it down and get those smoky halos gently rising.

Introduction to Smoke Rings

Smoke rings have captivated cigar enthusiasts for centuries, and really anyone smoking anything, for that matter. With their mesmerizing halos floating effortlessly into the air. It's a timeless tradition that requires a little skill, patience, and practice.

From the classic Toscano cigar to modern hookahs and vapes, the idea remains the same: controlling smoke to create perfect rings. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced aficionado, making smoke rings is one of those simple pleasures worth mastering.

Why Smoke Rings Are the Ultimate Flex

Blowing smoke rings is one of those little skills that every cigar aficionado secretly wants to master. It’s relaxed, it’s cool, and when done right, it looks effortless, like the smoke is just part of your world.

Sure, it takes a little practice, but once you get the feel for it, it becomes second nature. Plus, it’s an easy way to add a little style to your cigar-smoking sessions without feeling like you’re showing off. Mastering this skill is quite a talent, and it’s another way to savor the moment.

Can You Blow Smoke Rings with a Cigar?

Absolutely. Cigars actually make it easier. Their thick, dense smoke is perfect for forming solid rings, far better than cigarettes or electronic cigarettes.

The trick is drawing enough smoke without inhaling. You want a full, rich cloud in your mouth, then gently blow it out with control. Understanding how much smoke to use is key to creating the perfect ring.

Good news: if you’ve mastered basic smoke rings with anything else, cigars will feel even more natural once you adapt your technique.

Choose the Right Cigar

Not all cigars are created equal when it comes to making smoke rings.

Look for a cigar with good construction, a smooth draw, and high-quality tobacco. A properly humidified stogie will produce rich, thick smoke that’s perfect for forming those crisp rings. Dry, over-humidified, or poorly made cigars (like machine-made cigars) will make the process harder.

Medium-bodied cigars with a natural wrapper tend to produce thicker, creamier smoke, perfect for making smoke rings, this is what you're after. 

Master the Basic Puff

Before you even think about forming a ring, you need to master the basic puff.

Take a slow, steady draw to pull enough smoke into your mouth, a single puff is all you need. Let the smoke settle without inhaling, keeping it cool at the bottom of your mouth.

Learning how much smoke to use and how much pressure to apply takes a bit of trial and error along with some practice, but this is the foundation for making rings.

Mouth Shape for Smoke Rings

Now for the mechanics. The key to blowing smoke rings lies in the shape of your lips and the control of your mouth.

Form your lips into a small “O” shape, about the size of a nickel. Keep your mouth relaxed but firm, lips slightly curled. The tighter and more consistent your "O," the better your rings will form.

Pro Tip: Gently position your tongue toward the bottom of your mouth to help control airflow.

Push Smoke Out Gently

Here's where it happens. Push the smoke out with a very light cough from the back of your throat. Think of it as a quick, tiny pulse of air, not a hard blow. You're not blasting the smoke out; you're nudging it forward.

A gentle, short burst will give the ring shape without scattering the smoke. If you want to get fancy later, you can add a little backspin by flicking your tongue or jaw just as you release the smoke to help the rings travel faster and farther.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Everyone misses a few rings at first; that's part of the fun. But here’s what to watch out for:

• Too much pressure: Blowing too hard just creates a smoky mess.

• Bad mouth shape: Keep your O tight and consistent.

• Not enough smoke: Thin smoke won’t create solid rings.

• Tensing up: Relax. Stage fright kills good rings faster than anything.

• Poor cigar choice: Dry cigars won’t cooperate when it comes to smoke control.

If you're missing a few? Good. It means you're learning.

Pro Tips for Perfect Smoke Rings

• Use a quality cigar for thicker, creamier smoke (keep it fresh in a good humidor).

• Practice blowing smoke gently, almost like flicking the air with your mouth.

• Sit in still air, breezes, and fans will ruin your rings.

• Focus on control, not quantity. Better one good ring than ten sloppy ones.

• Experiment with different tongue positions and smoke densities to find what works for you.

• Practice in front of a mirror to see your form and adjust as needed.

It doesn’t take magic, just a little practice and patience.

Advanced Techniques for Making Rings

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to have a little more fun. Advanced smoke rings with more distance and increased sharpness will require a large amount of control and precision.

Try using a very short, soft burst from the back of your throat to push out the smoke with a little more shape and distance. You can also lightly tap your cheeks with your fingers to help expel the smoke cleanly, creating sharper, more precise rings.

Experiment with moving your tongue slightly forward right as you release the smoke or fine-tuning the amount of pressure in your throat to find that sweet spot. Some cigar smokers even challenge themselves by switching to a hookah or pipe to test their skills against different smoke densities.

No matter how far you push it, the goal is the same: stay relaxed, stay steady, and enjoy the process. The best tricks feel effortless, and nothing about a good cigar should ever feel rushed.

The After Action Way

At After Action Cigars, we believe cigar smoking isn’t just about tradition, it’s about enjoying the moment to its fullest and being incredibly present. A mindset that’s getting harder to come by these days.

Relax. Puff slowly. And if you mess up a few smoke rings? Good. That means you're doing it right. You're having fun. You're living it.

Want to Master the Full Cigar Experience?

Blowing smoke rings is just one way to enjoy the moment, but smoking a cigar the right way is an art all its own.

Check out How to Smoke a Cigar: The Beginner’s Guide to Doing It Right and learn everything from holding your cigar properly to pacing your puff like a seasoned aficionado.