Dad’s Smoked Manhattan Recipe

After I read about Renee Rosen's’s Signature Manhattan, I wanted to share my Dad’s Manhattan recipe. He likes a smoky flavor and I’m a sucker for a good presentation…so we both enjoy this drink in our own way. For as long as I can remember, this has been my dad’s go-to favorite cocktail. #ahastycocktail

Smoked Manhattan Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

- 3 oz bourbon (some prefer rye whiskey)
- .5 oz dry or sweet vermouth
- .5 oz Big O ginger liquor
- Dash of bitters (try angostura bitters or orange bitters)
- Luxardo cherries for garnish (can substitute maraschino cherries, if desperate)

How To Make A Smoky Drink:

Combine all ingredients (bourbon, ginger liquor, vermouth and bitters) together in a shaker filled with ice. Shake like you mean it. Pour mixture into sealable glass container. Fill container with smoke (we use cherry wood chips) and seal to trap the smoke. Let sit and mix (a few gentle shakes of the container will do) every five minutes until smoke subsides. If you want a stronger smoke flavor, repeat the smoking process a second time. Alternatively, if you prefer a more classic manhattan, then skip the smoking process. When ready to serve, pour into a cocktail glass with ice (we prefer a single cube) and a luxardo cherry. For presentation purposes, use a globe (as pictured here) filled with smoke. Remove globe when ready to drink. Enjoy your smoked manhattan cocktail.

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History of the Manhattan Cocktail:

The Manhattan cocktail, a classic and enduring symbol of sophisticated urbanity, has a rich and intriguing history dating back to the late 19th century. The exact origins of this iconic drink are somewhat shrouded in mystery, with several theories vying for prominence.

One prevailing narrative attributes the creation of the Manhattan to a bartender named Jerry Thomas in the 1860s. Thomas, renowned as one of the pioneering figures in the world of mixology, is said to have concocted the drink at the Manhattan Club in New York City during a banquet in honor of Samuel J. Tilden, the Democratic presidential candidate. As the story goes, the cocktail gained instant popularity, and its name stuck, forever linking it to the island borough.

However, some cocktail historians dispute this account, citing a lack of concrete evidence to support the claim. Another theory suggests that the Manhattan was created by a bartender named Black in the 1860s at a bar on Broadway near Houston Street. This version of the story contends that Black created the cocktail for a regular customer, Dr. Iain Marshall, who then named the drink after the New York borough where he resided.

Regardless of its precise origins, the Manhattan cocktail quickly became a staple in the evolving world of mixology. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cocktail culture was burgeoning, with bartenders experimenting with new combinations and techniques. The Manhattan, with its simple yet elegant blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, found a permanent place on cocktail menus and in the hearts of imbibers.

The classic recipe for a Manhattan typically involves the use of rye whiskey, though bourbon is also commonly employed. The choice of vermouth and the addition of aromatic bitters contribute to the nuanced flavor profile of the cocktail. The mixture is stirred with ice, strained into a chilled glass, and garnished with a cherry, creating a drink that is both bold and balanced.

During the Prohibition era (1920-1933), the Manhattan underwent some transformations to adapt to the challenges posed by the lack of legal alcohol. Creative bartenders found ways to mask the taste of inferior spirits, and the use of sweet ingredients like grenadine became more prevalent. However, with the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the Manhattan returned to its original glory, with bartenders returning to traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients.

The mid-20th century saw a decline in the popularity of classic cocktails as more elaborate and colorful concoctions took center stage. However, the cocktail renaissance of the late 20th century brought a renewed interest in the Manhattan and other time-tested libations. Bartenders and enthusiasts alike rediscovered the beauty of well-crafted cocktails, leading to a resurgence of the Manhattan's popularity.

Today, the Manhattan remains a symbol of timeless elegance and a benchmark for the craft of mixology. While the original recipe endures, contemporary variations and reinterpretations continue to emerge as bartenders experiment with different whiskey varieties, bitters, and creative garnishes. The Manhattan's enduring legacy speaks to its adaptability and the enduring appeal of a well-balanced and expertly crafted cocktail, making it a cornerstone of cocktail culture that transcends generations.