Your go-to resource for the perfect hookah session at Up In Smoke.
1. What is a Hookah?
A hookah (also called shisha or water-pipe) is a device designed to smoke flavored tobacco (or non-tobacco herbal blends) by passing the smoke through water, cooling and filtering it before inhalation.
The experience has a deep social tradition and is increasingly popular in lounges and home setups worldwide.
Why hookah?
- The water filtration means smoother smoke (for many users).
- There is a wide variety of flavor profiles and accessories.
- It’s inherently social — sharing a hookah often creates a relaxed, communal vibe (perfect for a lounge).
- For a venue like Up In Smoke — which combines cigars, hookah, sports, and atmosphere — it’s a natural fit.
2. The Anatomy of a Hookah
Understanding the parts helps you get the best session and maintain your setup properly.
Here are the key components:
- Bowl (head): Holds the shisha (flavored tobacco or herbal blend) and is where the charcoal sits on top (above foil or heat‐management device).
- Stem/Shaft & Downstem: The metal tube that connects the bowl to the base and submerges into the water inside the base.
- Base (water container): Often glass, it holds water (or other liquids) which smoke must bubble through. The water cools the smoke.
- Hose & Mouthpiece: The pathway for inhalation of the cooled and filtered smoke.
- Tray: Catches ash/embers from charcoal, sits between bowl and stem in many setups.
- Grommets/seals: Rubber or silicone pieces ensuring airtight connections. Good seals = optimal performance.
- Charcoal / Heat Source: Charcoal (preferably natural) placed on top of foil or a heat‐management device to heat the shisha.
3. Choosing Your Hookah Setup & Accessories
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hookah enthusiast, choosing the right equipment matters.
Key considerations:
- Materials & build quality: Look for food-safe materials, good finishes, durable hoses and hoses that are washable (if reusable).
- Size of hookah: Larger hookahs often produce bigger clouds and are better for multiple people, but smaller ones offer portability and easier cleaning.
- Accessories to invest in:
- Natural coconut charcoals (instead of quick‐light). Better flavor, less chemical odd aftertaste.
- Quality foil or heat‐management device (HMD) for controlling heat.
- Quality bowl (e.g., phunnel or vortex design) improves flavor retention and longer sessions.
- Budget vs premium: For beginners, a good small/medium sized hookah + quality accessories is sufficient.
4. Preparing & Packing Your Hookah — Step by Step
To elevate your session, try pairing your favorite shisha flavor with the perfect drink:
Step by step:
- Clean your hookah — Fresh water, washed base, clean hose, no leftover ash/tobacco. A clean setup = better taste.
- Fill the base with water — The downstem should be submerged about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in water. Too deep = hard draw; too shallow = harsh smoke.
- Attach stem firmly — Ensure grommets are tight and stable, no air leaks.
- Pack the bowl:
- Fluff the shisha and place it loosely in the bowl; don’t over‐pack (restricts airflow).
- Leave about 2-3 mm below bowl rim so foil/HMD doesn’t touch the shisha
- Cover with foil (double layer if needed) or place a heat‐management device; poke holes in foil evenly.
- Light charcoals — Use natural charcoal, allow it to turn fully red before placing on bowl. Avoid quick‐lights if you can.
- Start slow and regulate heat — Take gentle puffs initially. If it gets harsh/hot, reduce charcoals or move them slightly off the bowl. If weak smoke, add a bit more heat.
Enjoy & monitor — Sessions typically last 30-45 minutes depending on setup, number of charcoals, and flavor.
5. Flavor & Tobacco (Shisha) Essentials
A big part of the hookah experience is the shisha flavor — picking the right one and treating it properly can make all the difference.
What to know:
- Shisha is a flavored tobacco (or sometimes a tobacco‐free herbal blend) often mixed with honey/molasses and glycerin to produce thick smoke clouds.
- Flavor variety: From classics like mint, grape, apple to exotic blends like watermelon kiwi, pina colada, or candy‐inspired mixes.
- Nicotine strength & experience: Some shishas are lighter and smoother (good for beginners); others are stronger, aimed at experienced smokers.
Tips for picking flavors:
- Start with milder, popular flavors if you’re new.
- For more advanced sessions, experiment with mixing flavors (e.g., mint + berry) or try the trending profiles.
- Make sure to store shisha properly in sealed containers — flavor and moisture matter.
- At your lounge, you can rotate flavors and offer seasonal specials (summer: watermelon/mint; winter: berry/warm spice) to keep interest high.
6. Hookah Etiquette & Social Tips
Since hookah is often enjoyed socially (especially in a lounge like Up In Smoke), a bit of etiquette ensures everyone has a good time.
- Use a personal mouthpiece if possible when sharing hoses — hygiene matters.
- Respect volume and smoking habits of others in the lounge — some prefer light draws, others heavier.
- Clean hoses or replace tips between patrons to maintain cleanliness.
- If you’re in a group session: rotate draws fairly; don’t hog the bowl.
- Create a welcoming setting: comfortable seating, good lighting, maybe sports on screen (matching your sports bar vibe), music at appropriate volume — hookah + sports + lounge = experience.
7. Maintenance & Safety — What You Must Know
Proper maintenance enhances the experience and extends equipment life; safety ensures your guests stay comfortable and safe.
Maintenance tips:
- Clean glass base after each session (wash with warm soapy water, rinse, dry).
- Rinse hose if washable; otherwise, replace periodically.
- Remove ash/chars from tray and stem; scrub stem every few sessions.
- Check grommet seals for wear; replace if they’re cracked or loose.
Safety & health notes:
- Use natural charcoal for best results and fewer chemical off‐flavors. Quick‐light charcoal can carry extra chemicals.
- Keep the lounge well ventilated — even though hookah uses water, it still produces smoke and carbon-monoxide risk if poorly ventilated.
- Educate staff and patrons: although hookah is often perceived as safer, it still carries risks like any tobacco product.
- No smoking under legal age, consistent with local laws and regulations (tobacco/hookah age compliance).
- Ensure charcoals are handled safely (tongs, non‐flammable tray, no flammable materials nearby).
8. Why Up In Smoke is the Perfect Lounge for Hookah
At Up In Smoke of Florida, we’ve crafted a space where premium cigar and hookah experiences meet sports and relaxation. Whether you’re unwinding post‐work, catching the big game on the screens, or gathering with friends, our hookah offerings elevate the vibe.
- We carry high‐quality hookah setups and a rotating variety of premium shisha flavors.
- Our lounge has comfortable seating zones, good ventilation, and a dedicated hookah station for service and experience.
- Staff are trained to help you with hookah setup, flavor recommendations, and safe use.
- Pair your hookah with your favorite drink (non‐alcohol or if permitted) or even a cigar — our dual offering makes your evening flexible.
9. Final Thoughts & Get Started
Whether you’re brand new to hookah or a seasoned enthusiast, with the right equipment, quality shisha, and a comfortable environment, you’re in for a standout session. We invite you to visit Up In Smoke, explore our hookah menu, and let our team guide you to your next favorite flavor.
Have questions about a particular flavor, hookah setup, or accessory? Ask one of our staff on your next visit — we’re here to elevate your lounge experience.
