Smoked Chai Manhattan
You might have had a smoked cocktail before, but have you ever had a smoked hot-tail? Smoking a cocktail brings a new dimension of scent and flavor to a drink that you can’t recreate any other way. Introducing smoke to your cocktail creates a binding agent that allows the other ingredients to mingle cohesively and can help smooth out normally intense flavors. For this recipe, we take the classic Manhattan cocktail and meld it with the comforting spice of warm chai tea. We finish this hot-tail by smoking it with rosemary and of course, amaretto cherries. Get ready to craft this fun and easy smoked hot-tail that will surely be the highlight of any get-together this year.
Drinking Temperature
137°F (58°C)
Ingredients
- 4 oz your favorite Rye Whiskey
- 2 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1 oz Chai Concentrate
- 4-5 dashes Angostura bitters
- Rosemary sprigs, for smoking and garnish
- Amaretto cherries
Equipment Needed
- Cocktail Smoker Kit
Directions
- Add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, Chai concentrate, and Angostura bitters in a small saucepan on medium heat. Stir occasionally.
- Allow the mixture to warm for at least 5 minutes so that the flavors can infuse. Keep in mind that the goal is to warm, not boil. Turn the heat down if the mixture begins to boil.
- Divide the hot-tail into two Ember Mugs or save the other portion for later.
- Using a cocktail smoker, smoke your hot-tail with the rosemary*. For this step, we used the Smoked Cocktail Kit from the Crafty Cocktail. Be sure to refer to the instruction manual of your cocktail smoker.
- Garnish your hot-tails with a sprig of rosemary and amaretto cherries. Enjoy!
*Disclaimer: Always use caution when smoking cocktails, this should be done in a safe open area of your kitchen. When smoking your cocktail, avoid exposing the Ember Mug coating to direct flame. We recommend washing your Ember Mug immediately after enjoying your smoked cocktail to avoid smoke residue staining or lingering smoke scent.
Make your hot-tail your way
A Manhattan is such a versatile cocktail that invites variation by using different types of liquor. Based on your preference we recommend swapping out the rye whiskey for brandy, tequila, or rum.Looking for more hot-tail recipes?
- Take in the sunset and cozy up with tequila and chamomile tea in a Tequila Sunset. We also recommend trying this hot-tail smoked.
- Sip in paradise with the tropical taste of our Hyebiscus, Byebiscus hot-tail.
- This Smoked Chai Manhattan is a great introduction to the world of smoked cocktails and just how easy they are to make at home. As a rule of thumb, smoked hot-tails are best enjoyed at the perfect temperature in an Ember Mug 2.
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