Manhattans are my drink of choice.
Well, that and red wine.
Today we’re talking mixed drinks. If you’ve ever hung out with me, you know that I am a sucker for a well-made Manhattan. This Smoked Blood Orange Manhattan is the perfect balance of spiced honey bourbon, citrus, and a bit of smoke.
Stirrings’ Blood Orange Mixer gives the drink a nice sweet and citric twist. That, combined with a hint of smoky orange bitters for depth, makes this a drink you can relax into. Let’s be honest… we’re 9 days out from Christmas. We all need to unwind a bit.
A traditional Manhattan recipe uses rye; however, I opted for a more mild bourbon in this recipe so as not to take away from the blood orange and smoked bitters. Using a lower proof bourbon makes this an approachable drink that’s perfect before dinner or with light appetizers at a party.
This drink is warming and just strong enough to do the job. Like a hug after a long day or long visit from your relatives.
A note on stirring this drink: PLEASE DO IT! Stirring the drink allows the cocktail to chill just enough, without causing it to appear cloudy. Shaking is needed when you’re using ingredients that don’t combine well without a vigorous shake (ex: actual orange juice, egg whites, or creamy ingredients).
How long you stir depends on your ice and how much dilution you like in your drink. The longer you stir, the less strong the drink will taste. Experiment with stir times and see what you like best.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNqj1uzhvAv/
I made this thinking of my mom (whose comment you can see in the IG post above). It’s been our family tradition to share a special Christmas Eve drink. I make something different each year – like this Christmas in Manhattan. Or this graham cracker-rimmed Liquid Gingerbread Martini (which I *think* is still the winner).
This Christmas we won’t be together, but I’ll be toasting my bourbon-loving mom from across the country!
Looking for Stirrings products? You can find them in Bevmo, Total Wines & More, Draegers, Mollie Stones, Hi Time Liquors, Pacific Ranch Market, Daniels Market, Bristol Farms. Plus they’re offering free shipping via their website for the month of December! Their 5 Calorie Margarita Mix is also quite tasty. 😉
Check out their social outlets for more recipes!
Disclaimer: I received product from Stirring’s for their Stir It Up Holiday Mixology Challenge.
Smoked Blood Orange Manhattan
Prep Time: 5 mins
Keywords: drink vegan vegetarian sugar-free bourbon blood orange orange
Ingredients (1 cocktail)
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz Stirrings Blood Orange Mixer
- 3 drops smoked blood orange bitters
- 1 piece fresh orange
Instructions
Combine bourbon, blood orange mixer, and bitters in a shaker glass with a handful of ice and stir for 15-20 seconds (see notes on stirring in the post above).
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or a rocks glass with a few cubes. Garnish with a sliver of fresh orange.
*Note: You can sub regular orange bitters if you can’t find smoked.
Just in case you have one too many of these, check out my 10 Hangover Cures. Not that I’d know anything about having one too many. Be responsible… for goodness sake don’t drive!
[Tweet “This Smoked Blood Orange Manhattan is the perfect balance of boozy citrus!”]
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What’s your favorite warming cocktail?
Have you ever had a blood orange? I love using them for mimosas too!
OMG my husband’s new drink of choice is a Manhattan! I may surprise him with this on Christmas Eve…luckily we have a Total Wines around here so I’m sure I can get everything there. For me? I may need that gingerbread martini!!! Cheers!
It’s been my favorite for YEARS! It was my dad’s too. Great minds! I can hook you up with the gingerbread too. Or some of the Apple Cider Sangria. Not shortage of booze (or sunshine) here.
Also, Total Wine is my version of heaven.
Obviously, I’m there with you. Alex’s drink of choice is probably an Old Fashioned, and this is bridging the gap between manhattans and old fashioneds…
Hey, I don’t discriminate. All bourbon drinks are welcome here. 😉
This looks like a great party drink! Have a great weekend stay warm
YUM! I need to make this STAT!
Let me know what you think if you do! I had to revisit it last night. 😉
Gosh I love this! your mom rocks too! and um, can I come for Christmas? I need a cocktail times 10!
You’d love mamma. We should have a group party one day. We’ll even come to Utah. Because skiing. 😉
I’m a mule girl, but I love what blood orange brings to the table.
Ohhhh… I bet a blood orange mule would be amazing!
I’m a fan of Manhattans also Laura. A friend of mine got me hooked on them years ago; they are the perfect Friday after work drink. I’ve never had A Smoked Blood Orange Manhattan, and I have a feeling I will love it. I don’t make cocktails at home; I need to change that.
You’d LOVE these! We do wine at home most often, but we’d love to have a regular cocktail hour on Fridays. It’s fun to make an excuse to try something different!
There’s a restaurant here that serves blood orange mimosas with brunch. It’s my happy place. I’ll take you the next time you’re here.
Yes. Please. Now?