Drinks Cocktails Whiskey & Bourbon Cocktails Campfire Manhattan 5.0 (1) Add your rating & review This warming riff on a Manhattan is coziness in a cocktail glass. By Lucy Simon Lucy Simon Lucy Simon is a New York-based wine, spirits, and food writer has been with Food & Wine since the spring of 2021. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Published on October 23, 2024 Tested by Jasmine Smith Tested by Jasmine Smith Jasmine Smith is a recipe developer and tester at Dotdash Meredith Corporation. In addition to her work in test kitchens, Jasmine is a freelance culinary producer for a variety of food festivals. Meet the Food & Wine Test Kitchen Save Rate PRINT Share Close Photo: Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Christina Daley Total Time: 5 mins Yield: 1 drink Jump to recipe The Campfire Manhattan is a riff on a classic Manhattan cocktail that combines rye whiskey with amaro, cinnamon syrup, and two types of bitters. The drink gets topped with a toasted marshmallow skewered on a cocktail pick. It creates a rich, slightly smoky flavor profile with savory depth from the amaro and duo of bitters. A Manhattan is a classic cocktail that originated in the late 1800s. It's typically made with two parts rye whiskey to one part sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. This riff on that classic template, by bartender and cocktail content creator Kaitlyn Stewart, has a higher ratio of rye whiskey and substitutes sweet vermouth for Italian amaro. Stewart also calls for two types of bitters — a combination of Angostura and cherry bitters — and cinnamon syrup for a touch of spiced sweetness. 13 Cocktails to Make With That New Bottle of Amaro Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Christina Daley Why the Campfire Manhattan works This spirit-forward drink is all about combining savory and spiced ingredients. Rye whiskey, a spicier spirit compared to something like bourbon, reflects the warming notes found in the amaro, cinnamon syrup, and duo of bitters. Cinnamon syrup, which can be purchased pre-made or made by simply infusing a whole cinnamon stick to a 1:1 simple syrup while it cooks, adds sweet and floral cinnamon aromas and a mouth-coating richness to this drink. While only Angostura bitters can be used in lieu of cherry bitters, the combination of both add a savory depth to this drink that cannot be matched. Cherry and spices are a classic match that is on display in this holiday-inspired cocktail. As for the toasted marshmallow, this cocktail proves everything is better with a bit of campfire-inspired flair. Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 2 ounces rye whiskey 1/2 ounce amaro (such as Amaro Montenegro) 1 teaspoon cinnamon syrup (such as Monin) 2 dashes Angostura bitters 1 dash cherry bitters (such as Fee Brothers) 1 regular marshmallow Directions Add rye whiskey, amaro, cinnamon syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir well for 15-20 seconds until well chilled. Place a marshmallow on a skewer. Using a handheld kitchen torch or burner on a gas range, toast marshmallow. Garnish cocktail with toasted marshmallow. How to batch the Campfire Manhattan for large groups To batch this drink to serve 8, Stewart uses 2 cups rye, 1/2 cup amaro, 2 tablespoons cinnamon syrup, 12 dashes Angostura bitters, and 8 dashes cherry bitters. She adds 1 cup of water to the cocktail mix before storing in the freezer. The additional water mimics the dilution the drink would have if it was stirred over ice before serving. The cocktail can be stored in the freezer in an airtight container for up to one month. Rate It Print