Into your shaker tin or mixing glass add two parts whiskey, one part vermouth, and bitters to taste. Optional cocktail cherry (like the Luxardo maraschino or Amarena in syrup - never bright red maraschinos).Bitters (Wibbels recommends a combination of cherry, orange, and other aromatic bitters).Regardless of the true origins of the Manhattan, it has become an iconic bar staple that whiskey lovers can't get enough of. While there are rumors of a connection to a frequent patron of New York City's Manhattan Club - Lady Randolph Churchill (Sir Winston's mother) - the general consensus is that this drink was created sometime in the 1870's and likely used rye whiskey. Like many classic cocktails that have been around since the late 19th century, its origins are widely disputed. "Aromatic bitters may elevate baking spice, clove, and licorice notes in a whiskey, or the sweet vermouth will amplify citrus or fruit flavors hiding behind whiskey's stronger caramel, oak, and grain flavors." Why does a Manhattan work so well? "The sweet vermouth and the bitters work to help uncover less obvious flavor notes," explains Wibbels. This magical combination of bourbon or rye whiskey, vermouth, and bitters makes for a smooth, complex, and deeply satisfying libation. I like to add the smoked citrus and herbs to the drink along with the cherry."At its heart, the Manhattan is designed to make a great whiskey shine," says Heather Wibbels, Chair of the Bourbon Women Board of Directors and mixologist-in-chief at Cocktail Contessa. When you’re ready to pour your drink, quickly turn the glass over and immediately pour in the cocktail. Make your Manhattan as per usual and don’t touch the glass (always stir, don’t shake). Let the glass sit and trap the smoke while you make the drink. Then, immediately cover the fire with your cocktail glass by turning it upside down over the fire. You can add some aromatics like citrus peel or herbs (I like orange and thyme). Light your fire starter (the chip or pellets) and place it on an old plate or slate cutting board. You’ll also want to grab the cocktail glass you plan to serve the drink in. You do want to use a kitchen torch or something with a strong flame igniter, a regular lighter won’t really do the job as well. But, as always when playing with fire (especially indoors), please use caution!Īnyway, all you need to do is grab a smoking chip OR you can even use a few pellets from a wood pellet grill. How do you make a Smoked Manhattan without a smoking gun? It’s something about the notes from the wood bourbon barrel married to that sultry olfactory experience that makes your nose and tastebuds sing. The flavor pairing of smoke and a whiskey or bourbon based drink is sublime. There’s a reason why you often see things labeled “whiskey smoked”. The flavor and the art of crafting a next-level cocktail are just beyond fun. I’ve been seeing smoked cocktails pop up over the interwebs and I had to give it a try for myself. SO, it’s 5 years later and I still think about those drinks. Honestly, the drink was more of an experince and we were all BLOWN away. I honestly have no ideas exactly what they were, but they were served under a cloche with a burning tobacco snifter. And my dad and brother ordered bourbon based drinks. I ordered a 1920s style gin punch that was OUT of this world. When we finally gained entrance, we ordered some drinks. It was sort of like a scavenger hunt for the location and password to be admitted. To even locate the little bar was a really fun and interesting process. I was in Italy with my family and my dad, brother and I decided to check out this speakeasy in Rome. I remember the first time I experienced a smoked cocktail. You don’t need any fancy equipment and you have to try this because the flavor pairing of bourbon and a kiss of smoke is out of this world. You’re probably thinking…”Allie, why do I need to try this? Can’t I just make a regular drink? I’m not wasting my money on fancy smoking equipment!”. We’ve got a new obsession in our house – Smoked Manhattans! They totally kick your classic bourbon-based cocktail into the next gear. Learn how to make a delicious Smoked Manhattan Cocktail at home that any bartender would be proud of.
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