24 December 2025
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At Diva’s Lounge, housed within the opulent, opera-inspired interiors designed by Bill Bensley at Capella Hanoi — a Three MICHELIN Key hotel in The MICHELIN Guide 2026 — winter calls for a different kind of drink.
The bar’s response to the city’s chillier weather is Smoked n’ Steep, a spirit-forward cocktail built around bacon fat–washed whiskey, amaro and maple syrup.
Unlike many of the bar’s lighter, fruitier, easy-sipping cocktails designed for Hanoi’s long, humid summers, Smoked n’ Steep is meant to be enjoyed slowly during the colder months, with an emphasis on warmth, texture and depth.
“It also fits naturally with the spirit of Diva’s Lounge,” says Sean Halse, beverage manager at Capella Hanoi. “You can imagine yourself in a 1920s opera salon, drink in hand, soaking in the atmosphere — elevated by a show-stopping tableside smoking moment.”
A Festive Drink for Hanoi’s Winter
Hanoi’s winter often surprises visitors. Temperatures dip in the evenings, and cool breezes sweep through the city.“Winter chill feels very real here,” says Halse. “Hanoi can get surprisingly cold with the seasonal change. It reminds me a lot of home, both in weather and in feeling.”
That sudden shift from warm and tropical to cool and breezy coincides with the festive season. Celebrations during this time of year in Hanoi often take place outside the home, with people gathering in bars and lounges across the city.
“It’s not always with immediate family, but often with the family you’ve found along the way,” he says. “That sense of shared warmth becomes just as important as the season itself.”
A Drink Made for Diva’s
Smoked n’ Steep was developed specifically for Diva’s Lounge, designed to complement slow evenings spent listening to live music and lingering over drinks.“For me, Diva’s Lounge is all about the show — and here, the show is really the flavor,” says Halse.
The cocktail takes cues from the structure of an Old Fashioned, with a clear emphasis on balance and texture.
Bacon fat–washed whiskey forms the base, lending a smooth, silky mouthfeel and subtle savory notes. Amaro brings gentle spice and bitterness, while maple syrup adds warmth and a touch of sweetness without overpowering the drink.
“Imagine an Old Fashioned reinterpreted for winter, layered with warming spice and subtle savory notes of bacon,” Halse says.
And what’s a great drink these days without a bit of a show?
In the case of Smoked n’ Steep, the cocktail is finished tableside with a brief smoke presentation — enhancing both the aromatics that echo the bacon and whiskey, and the visual drama to match.
RELEVANT: 2 Days in Hanoi
Creating a Home Away From Home
During the festive season, Diva’s Lounge becomes a natural gathering point within Capella Hanoi, with seating arranged to encourage guests to settle in and spend time together.“Diva’s Lounge can really give you that feeling of sitting around a fireplace, especially if you’re lucky enough to be seated in the Living Room,” Halse says.
“Sitting by the Christmas tree that separates the lounge and the Living Room is a joy — think large communal tables where family and friends can gather, warm up and share the moment over a Smoked n’ Steep or perhaps a comforting glass of mulled wine.”
As Halse explains, Smoked n’ Steep is part of a wider festive offering across the hotel, designed to make guests feel as relaxed as they would at home.
“Everything we do is about creating that feeling of a home away from home, bringing warmth and happiness to everyone who joins us,” Halse says.
“Whether it’s a Smoked n’ Steep, mulled wine, eggnog, a festive nonalcoholic option or a beautifully crafted coffee from our award-winning barista, there’s something for every guest.”
Smoked n’ Steep recipe (serves 10)
Ingredients:- 300 ml, bourbon
- 50 ml, bacon fat
- 100 ml, amaro (such as Averna or Cynar
- 50 ml, maple syrup
Method for bacon fat–washed bourbon
- Combine 50 ml of liquid bacon fat with 300 ml of bourbon, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to a freezer and leave for 24 hours, allowing the fat to solidify.
- Once frozen, poke a hole through the hardened fat layer and strain the bourbon through a fine filter, such as cheesecloth or a coffee filter, to remove any remaining solids.
Preparing Smoked n’ Steep
- Combine 50 ml of bacon fat–washed bourbon, 10 ml of amaro and 5 ml of maple syrup in a chilled mixing glass.
- Stir until the outside of the glass is very cold.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large block of ice.
- Garnish with a lightly torched sprig of rosemary.
- Finish with a bacon–fat–washed crostini and crispy bacon bits.
Bartender’s secret:
- Using a chilled mixing glass helps control dilution.
- Serve with small bites. Because why not?
CONTINUE READING: What Is the MICHELIN Key?
Header image: © Linh Pham/The MICHELIN Guide Vietnam
