What Is a Smoky Bourbon Manhattan?

smoky bourbon manhattan in coupe glass with cherry

A smoky bourbon Manhattan is a creative riff on the classic Manhattan cocktail. The signature twist lies in infusing the traditional base of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters with distinct smokiness. This smoky character can be subtle or bold, depending on the method: using smoked bourbon, smoke-forward additives, or hands-on techniques like wood chip smoking.

Techniques for Introducing Smokiness

The appeal of a smoky bourbon Manhattan is its layered aroma. Bartenders adopt several approaches to deepen the flavor:

Smoked Bourbon: Some distilleries offer bourbon aged with smoked barrels or ingredients, such as cherrywood or mesquite, lending intrinsic smokiness.
Smoke-Rinsed Glass: Swirling smoke inside the serving glass before pouring, often using a smoking gun with wood chips (oak, cherry, pecan), imparts fresh, aromatic smoke on serving.
Additives: A few drops of smoky Scotch (such as Islay whisky), Lapsang Souchong tea syrup, or commercial smoke extracts can provide controlled, food-safe smoke essence.
Flamed Garnish: Igniting an orange peel or a wood stick above the drink allows aromatic oils and gentle smoke to float atop the drink.

Smoky Bourbon Manhattan: Recipe

The smoky flavor should never overpower the classic Manhattan’s balance of bourbon, vermouth, and bitters. Here’s a straightforward approach you can adapt according to your preferred smoke method.

Ingredients

60 ml smoked bourbon (or standard bourbon)
30 ml sweet vermouth
2 ml aromatic bitters
Optional: 5 ml smoky Scotch or 2 drops liquid smoke (if no smoked bourbon)
1 brandied cherry (garnish)

Method

If using a smoke gun, fill your glass with fresh smoke and invert a coaster or plate over the top to keep it smoky.
Fill a mixing glass with ice.
Add 60 ml smoked bourbon (or standard bourbon), 30 ml sweet vermouth, and 2 ml bitters.
If not using smoked bourbon, add 5 ml smoky Scotch or 2 drops liquid smoke for depth.
Stir for 20 seconds until well chilled.
Strain into the smoke-rinsed glass.
Garnish with a brandied cherry.

Choosing the Right Level of Smoke

Subtlety is key. Too much smoke overwhelms the nuanced spice and vanilla notes of bourbon and the herbal character of sweet vermouth. For balance:

Begin with a lightly smoked bourbon or a single barspoon of smoky Scotch per drink.
When using a smoke gun, give a very short burst—5 to 10 seconds is plenty for aromatic impact.
Taste before serving if you’re experimenting with any smoke additive.

closeup of smoke-charged coupe glass for bourbon Manhattan

Manhattan Flavor: Classic vs. Smoky

A classic Manhattan is defined by warm bourbon, the sweetness and herbal kick of vermouth, and the aromatic punch of bitters. Adding smoke transforms the finish and aroma: expect an earthy, woodsy veil across each sip, bringing a campfire or charred oak nuance. Smokiness softens some sweetness and can accentuate underlying barrel notes, making this cocktail especially appealing with robust bourbons or in cool-weather settings.