A Smoky Twist: The Bacon Maple Manhattan Explained

A Savory Surprise: The Bacon Maple Manhattan

Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide. In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets.

I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests. So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!

Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Introduction: When a Classic Meets the Unexpected

Some cocktails are timeless. The Manhattan — with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters — has reigned for more than a century. It’s rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced. But what happens when you add a touch of smoke, savoury bacon, and sweet maple?

You get the Bacon Maple Manhattan — a playful yet sophisticated twist that blends tradition with bold creativity. It’s indulgent, it’s surprising, and it’s guaranteed to spark conversation at the bar.

The Original Manhattan: A Quick Nod to History

The Manhattan was first recorded in the mid-19th century, often credited to the Manhattan Club in New York. Traditionally:

Base: Rye whiskey
Modifier: Sweet vermouth
Seasoning: Bitters
Garnish: Maraschino cherry or citrus peel

It became a benchmark cocktail, valued for its strength, sweetness, and subtle bitterness. Every modern riff — including our bacon-maple upgrade — owes its bones to this classic.

Enter the Bacon Maple Manhattan

The Bacon Maple Manhattan introduces two new elements:

Bacon (smoky, savoury depth via fat-washed whiskey or garnish)
Maple syrup (natural sweetness and rich texture)

Together, they transform a polished classic into a cocktail that’s a little cheeky, a little luxurious, and very memorable.

Recipe 1: Bacon-Infused Whiskey Method (Fat-Washed)

Ingredients (AU measures):

60 ml bacon-infused rye or bourbon
22.5 ml sweet vermouth
7.5 ml pure maple syrup
1 dash Angostura bitters
Garnish: Maraschino cherry + expressed orange peel

Method:

Infuse your whiskey:
- Dice 2–3 rashers of smoky, thick-cut bacon.
- Combine with 250 ml whiskey in a jar. Refrigerate 24–72 hours.
- Strain through cheesecloth to remove solids. Chill again, then strain to remove any remaining fat.
Mix the cocktail:
- Add whiskey, vermouth, maple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir gently for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe.
Garnish: Express orange peel oils over the drink, discard peel, and drop in a cherry.

Recipe 2: The Easy Method (Crispy Bacon Garnish)

Ingredients (AU measures):

60 ml rye whiskey
22.5 ml sweet vermouth
7.5 ml pure maple syrup
1 dash Angostura bitters
Garnish: Crispy bacon strip + orange peel

Method:

Stir whiskey, vermouth, maple, and bitters with ice.
Strain into a chilled coupe.
Garnish with a crisp bacon slice and expressed orange peel.

👉 This method saves prep time but still gives you that savoury-sweet bacon hit.

RSA Notes: How Many Standard Drinks?

Using Australian RSA guidelines:

60 ml rye @ 40% ABV = ~1.9 standard drinks
22.5 ml vermouth @ 15% ABV = ~0.3 standard drinks
Maple syrup and bitters = 0

👉 Total per serve: ~2.2 standard drinks

RSA-friendly service tips:

Use a 45 ml pour instead of 60 ml for a ~1.7 SD cocktail.
Offer alcohol-free “mocktail” riffs with smoky maple syrup and NA whiskey alternatives.
Always measure with a jigger and communicate standard drinks clearly.

(Reference: Australian Standard Drinks Guide)

Flavour Profile: Why It Works

Smoky – bacon fat wash or garnish gives depth and savoury intrigue.
Sweet – maple syrup balances the bitterness of vermouth and bitters.
Classic backbone – rye whiskey’s spice keeps the drink structured.

The result is layered, indulgent, and surprising — familiar Manhattan DNA, but with a bold modern accent.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Bacon Maple Manhattan

Don’t over-infuse: 24–48 hours of bacon fat wash is plenty. Taste as you go.
Use quality maple syrup: Cheap imitations can make the drink cloying.
Balance the sweet: Start at 7.5 ml maple; add more only if you prefer it sweeter.
Choose your whiskey wisely: Rye = spicier; bourbon = richer and smoother.

Variations

Spicy Bacon Maple Manhattan – Add a dash of chipotle or chilli bitters.
Candied Bacon Garnish – Coat bacon in brown sugar, bake, and garnish for a sweet-smoky crunch.
Maple Bourbon Version – Swap rye for bourbon for a softer, dessert-like profile.

Food Pairings

This cocktail is hearty and complex, so pair it with bold flavours:

Appetisers: Smoked cheeses, charcuterie, devilled eggs.
Mains: BBQ ribs, roasted lamb, or chargrilled vegetables.
Desserts: Pecan pie, dark chocolate truffles, maple donuts.

The smoke-and-sweet elements complement both savoury and indulgent flavours beautifully.

Bacon Fat-Washing: A Quick Guide

Fat-washing sounds technical, but it’s bartender shorthand for infusing spirits with fatty flavours:

Cook bacon, save the rendered fat.
Mix fat into whiskey while still liquid.
Chill until the fat solidifies.
Strain out solids and chill again.

The whiskey takes on a subtle smoky, savoury note without being greasy.

This technique has been applied beyond bacon — think coconut oil rum, sesame oil bourbon, or peanut butter–washed whiskey — but bacon remains a crowd favourite.

Modern Trends & Why This Cocktail Fits

The Bacon Maple Manhattan taps into several current cocktail trends:

Savoury flavours: Drinks with umami notes are in.
Whiskey twists: Classic whiskey cocktails reimagined.
DIY infusions: Home bartenders experimenting with fat-washing.
Playful garnishes: Instagram-friendly garnishes like bacon strips or candied bacon.

It’s part of the broader “culinary cocktail” movement that blends food and drink techniques for memorable experiences.

FAQs

Q: Do I have to fat-wash my whiskey?
No — you can skip it and simply garnish with crispy bacon.

Q: Does it taste greasy?
When strained correctly, the whiskey is smooth and clean, with only the flavour, not the fat.

Q: Rye or bourbon?
Rye adds spice; bourbon makes it richer. Both work.

Q: How strong is it?
Around 2.2 standard drinks if using a 60 ml base. Adjust to RSA-friendly 45 ml if desired.

Conclusion: A Classic Reimagined

The Bacon Maple Manhattan is more than a cocktail — it’s a conversation piece. By taking the elegance of the original Manhattan and layering in smoky bacon and rich maple, it delivers a drink that feels indulgent, modern, and memorable.

It’s ideal for dinner parties, whiskey tastings, or anyone who loves exploring the line between food and drink.

So next time you’re in the mood for a Manhattan with a twist, give this smoky-sweet version a try. Whether you infuse your whiskey or keep it simple with a bacon garnish, the result is a cocktail that’s as fun to make as it is to sip.

The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Let’s connect and continue the conversation!

Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.