Smartini Manhattan Recipe

Chill glass

Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink to thoroughly chill it (3–5 minutes).

Prepare mixing glass

Add the large ice cubes to a chilled mixing glass until about three-quarters full to ensure proper dilution and temperature.

Measure and combine

Pour 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 0.25 oz amaro, and 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur into the mixing glass over the ice. Add 2 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters.

Stir

Stir the mixture gently for 30–45 seconds with a bar spoon. You want to achieve proper dilution (about 20–25% dilution by volume) and a silky texture, chilling the drink to near 0°C (32–35°F).

Rinse glass (optional but recommended)

Discard the ice water from the chilled serving glass. Pour approximately 0.1 tsp absinthe into the glass, swirl to coat the bowl, then discard any excess (or pour it out) so the glass has a light absinthe aroma and trace flavor.

Fine strain and serve

Using a julep or Hawthorne strainer, fine strain the stirred cocktail from the mixing glass into the rinsed chilled coupe or martini glass to remove small ice shards for a silky presentation.

Garnish

Express an orange peel over the surface to release the citrus oils, rim the glass lightly with the peel, then drop the twist into the drink or place it on the rim. Skewer and add the Luxardo cherry into the drink.