Manhattan -or- Smoked Manhattan Recipe
evan williams bonded bourbon, foro sweet vermouth, angostura bitters
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Ingredients
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Manhattan Base
Garnish & Finish
Smoked Manhattan option
Method
Manhattan - Classic Preparation
Combine ingredients
In a mixing glass add 2 oz Evan Williams Bonded bourbon, 1 oz Foro sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
Add ice and stir
Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes. Stir gently and consistently for 20–30 seconds (about 20–30 full strokes) until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted.
Strain
Empty the chilled serving glass of ice/water if used. Using a julep or Hawthorne strainer, strain the mixed Manhattan into the chilled coupe or martini glass.
Garnish
Express the oils of an orange peel over the drink if desired, wipe the peel on the rim and discard or drop it in. Add 1 Luxardo cherry to the glass.
Smoked Manhattan - Additional Steps
Prepare ice and assemble
Use a large ice sphere or block in a rocks glass (for a smoked old-fashioned style) or use the same chilled coupe if you plan to smoke the finished drink briefly. Combine and stir the base ingredients as in the Classic Preparation, then strain over the large ice in your serving glass.
Smoke the drink
Place the serving glass on a stable surface. Light a small pinch of wood chip on fire, then extinguish the flame so it smolders and produces smoke (use a smoke gun if available). Capture smoke in a cloche over the glass or invert a mixing glass over the serving glass to trap smoke for 10–20 seconds. If using a smoke gun, fill the glass with smoke and let it sit 10–20 seconds. Lift the cloche/mixing glass to release a small puff of smoke and optionally wave the glass once to let a controlled amount of smoke remain in the drink.
Finish & garnish
After smoking, add the Luxardo cherry and optionally the expressed orange peel. Serve immediately so the smoky aroma is prominent.
Service & Notes
For a slightly sweeter Manhattan, increase the Foro sweet vermouth to 1.25 oz. For a drier profile, reduce vermouth to 0.75 oz. Bonded bourbon will give a robust, spicy backbone; adjust bitters to taste. Always stir—not shake—to preserve clarity and mouthfeel.