How to Make a Smoked Manhattan at Home

Last night we were able to go on a double date with some friends we haven’t seen in a long time. When the moons align and two couples with young kids are able to get together, sans kids, for a date night, it pretty much turns into a party. Or what we in our 30s and 40s consider a party - staying up past 9 pm.

So while enjoying our party session out, we had some amazing Smoked Manhattans. The drink was delicious, with a smoky flavor added to a classic drink. So why does this delicious cocktail only have to be saved for when you’re out at restaurants. It doesn’t. Here’s how to put a twist on this drink at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Bourbon

• 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

• A couple of dashes of Chocolate Bitters

• Luxardo Cherries

• Ice

• Hickory Wood Chips

• Smoke Gun

• Plastic wrap

Directions:

1. Fill a martini glass enough to chill

2. Place the Bourbon, Vermouth, and Chocolate Bitters in a bar shaker. Insert the hose from the smoke gun into the shaker, then cover with plastic wrap.

3. Place the wood chips into the chamber of the smoke gun

4. Switch the smoke gun to “On,” and use a kitchen lighter to light the wood chips

5. In as a little as 30 seconds, smoke will fill up the shaker

6. Stop lighting the wood chips, switch the smoke gun to “Off” and remove the hose from the shaker, making sure to leave the plastic wrap on

7. Keep the plastic wrap on for 2-3 minutes to let the alcohol absorb the smoky flavor

8. Take the plastic wrap off, stir the alcohol mixture, and strain over the ice in the martini glass

9. Garnish with a cherry

And there you have it! A Smoked Manhattan you can make at home like a pro!