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–+ servings

Smoky Bourbon Manhattan Cocktail

Smoky Bourbon Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
A bold twist on the classic Manhattan, this cocktail blends bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, and a hint of smoke. Smooth, slightly herbal, and finished with a cherry and orange peel—perfect for a special evening.
John
Prep Time 4 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Serving Size 1 cocktail

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Mixing glass
  • Jigger
  • Bar spoon
  • Strainer
  • Smoking gun
  • Lighter
  • Old fashioned glass
  • Peeler

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes aromatic bitters
  • 1 dash orange bitters
  • ice cubes
  • 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
  • 1 orange peel for garnish
  • wood chips for smoking (cherry or oak)

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.

Notes

Bourbon’s sweeter profile is perfect for this smoky twist. Use your favorite wood chips for smoking—cherry is mellow, oak is bold. No smoking gun? Light a wood chip and cover the glass to trap smoke. Adjust the bitters to your taste. Garnish with cherry and orange peel for the best finish.