Essentials of a Smoked Manhattan
A Smoked Manhattan is a sophisticated twist on the classic cocktail.
It infuses smoky flavors into the traditional blend of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters.
The result is a complex, aromatic drink that tantalizes the senses and elevates the cocktail experience.
Defining the Drink
A Smoked Manhattan is a variation of the classic Manhattan cocktail that incorporates a smoky element.
Here’s what you’ll need:
• 2 oz rye whiskey or bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Cherry or orange peel for garnish
• Wood chips for smoking
To make the drink, combine the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
Stir until chilled, then strain into a coupe glass.
The smoking process comes next.
You can capture wood smoke in the glass before or after pouring the cocktail.
Choosing Your Whiskey
The foundation of your Smoked Manhattan is the whiskey.
Traditionally, rye whiskey is used for its spicy, robust flavor that stands up well to the smoking process.
Bourbon is a popular alternative, offering a smoother, slightly sweeter profile.
When selecting your whiskey, look for options with bold flavors that won’t get lost in the smoke.
High-proof whiskeys (100 proof or higher) work particularly well.
Some excellent choices include:
• Rittenhouse Rye
• Wild Turkey 101 Rye
• Knob Creek Bourbon
Remember, the whiskey you choose will significantly impact the final taste of your cocktail, so pick one you enjoy drinking neat as well.
Vermouth Varieties
Vermouth plays a crucial role in balancing the flavors of your Smoked Manhattan.
Sweet vermouth is the traditional choice, adding depth and complexity to the drink.
However, you can experiment with different types to find your perfect blend.
Some vermouth options to consider:
• Carpano Antica Formula (sweet)
• Cocchi Vermouth di Torino (sweet)
• Dolin Rouge (sweet)
• Noilly Prat Extra Dry (for a drier version)
You can also try splitting your vermouth.
Using half sweet and half dry creates a unique flavor profile.
Always use fresh vermouth and store it in the refrigerator after opening to maintain its quality.
Aromatic Bitters
Bitters are the seasoning of your cocktail, adding depth and tying the flavors together.
Angostura bitters are the classic choice for a Manhattan, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other aromatic bitters.
Some bitters to try in your Smoked Manhattan:
• Angostura (classic)
• Peychaud’s (for a slightly different flavor)
• Orange bitters (to complement the citrus garnish)
• Chocolate bitters (for added depth)
Start with 2-3 dashes and adjust to taste.
You can even combine different bitters to create a unique flavor profile for your cocktail.
The Smoking Process
The smoking process sets a Smoked Manhattan apart from its classic counterpart.
There are several methods you can use to infuse your cocktail with smoke:
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Smoke the glass: Invert an empty glass over burning wood chips, then flip it over and pour in your cocktail.
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Use a smoking gun: Direct smoke from a handheld smoker into a covered glass containing your cocktail.
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Smoke the ingredients: Smoke your whiskey or vermouth before mixing the cocktail.
Wood chip options include hickory, applewood, or cherrywood.
Each imparts a different flavor to your drink.
Start with a light smoke and increase intensity to suit your taste.
Remember, the goal is to enhance the cocktail, not overpower it with smoke.