Smoked Manhattan Recipe

Chill glass

Place the serving glass (rocks or coupe) in the freezer for a few minutes or fill with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to chill it.

Prepare ice

Make sure you have one large clear ice cube ready to use; large ice melts slower and dilutes less.

Measure 2 oz rye whiskey and 1 oz sweet vermouth into a mixing glass.

Add 2 dashes aromatic bitters and 1 dash orange bitters (if using).

Fill the mixing glass with ice, then stir with a bar spoon for 30–45 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted (target ~20% dilution relative to spirit volume).

Discard ice/water from the chilled serving glass. Place the large ice cube into the serving glass.

Strain the chilled cocktail over the large ice cube into the serving glass using a hawthorne or fine strainer.

If using a smoking gun: place the served cocktail (in the glass with ice) under the cloche or cover the glass with a large inverted mixing glass. Put a small pinch (about 1 tsp) of applewood or cherry wood chips into the smoking gun bowl, light it, and blow smoke into the covered glass for 10–20 seconds to fill the dome. Let the drink sit under the dome for 30–60 seconds to absorb smoke, then remove the cover and serve.

If using direct-smoke-with-cloche: place a small pile of wood chips on a heatproof surface, ignite until smoldering, then quickly place the cloche over the smoldering chips and invert it over the cocktail to capture smoke. Allow to infuse for 30–60 seconds before lifting cloche.

Express an orange peel (optional) over the drink by pinching it skin-side down to release oils, then rub the peel on the glass rim and drop it into the cocktail or discard. Add a maraschino cherry as garnish.

Serve immediately so the smoky aroma is at its peak.

Adjust the rye-to-vermouth ratio to taste (classic Manhattan is 2:1; a drier version uses more rye). Use a high-quality rye and sweet vermouth for best balance. If you prefer heavier smoke, increase smoking time in 10–15 second increments, but be careful not to overpower the spirit.