Brisket Spritzing (Spraying) vs. Mopping

You probably already know that there are many ways to prepare brisket. Two popular methods for keeping your brisket moist and flavorful while it cooks are spritzing and mopping. Both of these techniques involve applying liquid to the brisket while it cooks. However both methods do differ in their approach and their effectiveness.

In this article we’ll take a closer look at brisket spritzing vs. mopping and also explore the pros and cons of each method.

What is Brisket Spritzing?

Spritzing is a technique that involves spraying a liquid onto the surface of the brisket during the cooking process. Spritzing involves using a spray bottle filled with a mixture of liquid and spices which is then misted over the meat every hour or so. This technique is often used to keep the brisket moist and add flavor to the meat as it cooks.

Some of the more delicious sprays to use are beer, beef broth and apple cider vinegar. 

How to Spritz a Brisket

First, you will need a spray bottle and a spritzing mixture. The spritzing mixture can be any combination of liquids and spices that you like but my favorites are beer, beef broth and apple cider vinegar.

Fill the spray bottle with the mixture and mist it over the surface of the brisket every hour or so while it cooks. (Simple process here, don’t overthink it. Just spray the mix onto your brisket.)

Pros of Brisket Spritzing

One of the main benefits of brisket spritzing is that it helps to keep the meat moist while it cooks.

The misting liquid helps to prevent the meat from drying out which can be a problem when cooking low and slow.

And of course… spritzing adds flavor to the meat and can help to create a more flavorful bark on the surface of the brisket!

Find out how long you need to smoke your brisket per pound here.

Cons of Brisket Spritzing

The main downside to spritzing is that it can disrupt the cooking process by lowering the temperature inside the smoker or grill.

Each time you open the lid to spray the meat you allow heat to escape which can extend the cooking time and make it harder to maintain a consistent temperature.

More reading: Brisket Taco Recipe

What is Brisket Mopping?

Mopping is another technique used to keep brisket moist while it cooks.

Mopping involves using a mop or brush to apply a liquid mixture directly onto the surface of the meat… instead of spraying it with a bottle.

Mopping is often used in conjunction with spritzing to create a more flavorful and moist brisket.

How to Mop a Brisket

To mop your brisket, you will need a mop or brush and a mopping mixture.

The mopping mixture should be the same as you would use if spraying the brisket (beef broth, beer, etc)

Dip the mop or brush into the mixture and apply it directly to the surface of the brisket every hour or so while it cooks.

Pros of Brisket Mopping

One of the main benefits of mopping is that it allows you to apply the liquid directly to the meat. By doing this you can create a more flavorful and moist brisket because you’re never “missing” the brisket as you might if you were spraying it.

Also of note: mopping can help to create a thicker, more substantial bark on the surface of the meat. This is a very nice benefit of mopping because the bark gets so tasty.

Cons of Brisket Mopping

The main downside to mopping is that it can also disrupt the cooking process by lowering the temperature inside the smoker or grill (just like spraying). This will make it harder to maintain a consistent temperature.