Smoky Bourbon Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

I love messing around with new cocktail recipes at home—especially if they give a classic drink a little something extra. If you’re into bourbon and want a drink with more depth, this one’s worth a shot.

A Smoky Bourbon Manhattan mixes rich bourbon with a hint of smoke, making for a smooth, bold drink that’s just right for winding down in the evening.

It’s honestly pretty simple to whip up, and you don’t need a bunch of fancy gear or hard-to-find stuff. The end result looks impressive and feels a bit special, whether I’m sipping solo or passing glasses around to friends.

If you’re itching to try a Manhattan with a twist, this might be your new favorite.

Smoky Bourbon Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

There’s just something about a Smoky Bourbon Manhattan—it’s classic but with an edge. You get bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, and then this smoky note that takes it up a notch.

It’s not a complicated recipe, but it doesn’t taste basic either.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Mixing glass
• Jigger (for measuring)
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• Smoking gun or smoking wood chips
• Lighter or matches
• Old fashioned glass or coupe glass
• Peeler (for orange peel garnish)

Each tool has its moment. The smoking gun (or wood chips) brings the smoke; the jigger keeps things balanced.

Mixing glass and spoon—those are for chilling and blending everything just right. I like a peeler for those satisfying orange twists.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon (I usually go for Woodford Reserve)
• 1 oz sweet vermouth (Carpano Antica Formula is a solid pick)
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Ice cubes
• 1 maraschino cherry (garnish)
• 1 orange peel (garnish)
• Wood chips for smoking (cherry or oak, depending on my mood)

Bourbon is the backbone here—bold and a little sweet. Vermouth brings in the herbal, sweet side.

Bitters (both types) add layers you’d miss otherwise. The cherry and orange peel? They’re not just for looks.

And of course, the smoked wood chips are what set this apart from your standard Manhattan.

Instructions

• Pour bourbon, sweet vermouth, aromatic bitters, and orange bitters into a mixing glass.
• Add a generous scoop of ice.
• Stir for about 30 seconds, making sure it’s good and cold.
• Strain into your chosen glass—over ice if you like, or neat if you don’t.
• For the smoke: use a smoking gun or light up a few wood chips, then trap the smoke under an upside-down glass or dome for 20–30 seconds.
• Lift the dome, drop in a maraschino cherry, and finish with a twist of orange peel.

Stirring well is key—otherwise, it’s just not as smooth. Getting that smoky aroma at the end is the fun part.

Notes

Honestly, I think bourbon’s sweeter profile works better here than rye, but hey, some folks like it spicier or even swap in mezcal for a wild twist.

Not all vermouths are created equal—Carpano Antica Formula is rich and deep, but use what you’ve got. The wood matters too: cherry wood is mellow, oak is bolder.

No smoking gun? Just light a wood chip, cover the glass, and let the smoke settle in. The right garnish makes a difference—a proper maraschino cherry brings a touch of sweetness, and that orange peel? It wakes up the whole drink.

Some nights I even go heavier on the orange bitters, just for a bit more zing.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip of the Smoky Bourbon Manhattan, I notice a gentle, smoky aroma. It instantly brings to mind smoked cocktails I’ve tried before, like a smoked Old Fashioned, but with that unmistakable richness from bourbon.

The flavor starts out sweet and spicy. The bourbon brings a cozy warmth, and the vermouth adds just a slight herbal note.

I catch a little cherry at the finish. It’s subtle—almost like it’s just waving hello before disappearing.

The smoky twist gives this drink a bold edge. It’s not as sweet as a traditional Manhattan.

I like how balanced it feels. Each sip leaves a smooth flavor lingering on my palate.

The bitterness from the bitters blends nicely with the sweet and smoky notes. It’s the kind of drink I want to enjoy slowly.

This cocktail works well for evenings when I want something familiar but a little different. The smoke adds a touch of depth, but it doesn’t take over the whole drink.