Godmother
The Godmother cocktail is a smooth, sweet, and slightly nutty drink with a hint of warmth from the vodka. It is well-balanced, with the amaretto providing a rich, almond-like sweetness that complements the strong, clean taste of the vodka.
Amaretto Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
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Amaretto Manhattan Nutrition Facts
Calories:178
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:11g
Alcohol content:28%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 16, 2024
Contents
History
The Amaretto Manhattan is a twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail, which dates back to the late 1800s. Traditionally made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, the Amaretto Manhattan introduces the sweet, almond-flavored liqueur to the mix, adding a layer of complexity and a hint of nuttiness.
- Originating in the bars of New York City, the Manhattan has been enjoyed by whiskey aficionados for generations.
- The addition of amaretto is a more modern interpretation, appealing to those who appreciate a sweeter, more nuanced cocktail.
- It's a favorite among those who enjoy a balance of sweet and bitter flavors, with a robust whiskey foundation.
How Amaretto Manhattan Tastes?
The Amaretto Manhattan offers a rich and complex flavor profile. It's a harmonious blend of the spicy and oaky notes from the rye whiskey, the herbal and sweet characteristics of the sweet vermouth, and the distinctive almond sweetness from the amaretto. The bitters contribute a subtle spice and a hint of citrus from the lemon bitters, rounding out the cocktail with a balanced and slightly bitter finish.
Interesting facts about Amaretto Manhattan
- The Manhattan cocktail is named after the Manhattan Club in New York City where it was first created.
- Amaretto, which means 'a little bitter' in Italian, is traditionally made from apricot pits, almonds, or a combination of both.
- The use of bitters in cocktails dates back to the 19th century, where they were originally used for medicinal purposes.
Ingredients
- Rye whiskey: 2 oz(60ml)
- Sweet vermouth: 0.75 oz(23ml)
- Amaretto: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Angostura bitters: 2 dashes
- Lemon bitters: 2 dashes
- Fresh rosemary: 1 sprig
- Lemon twist: 1
Rye Whiskey
Rye whiskey, clocking in at 2 oz, is the heart of our Manhattan; it provides a spicy kick that's essential. With less, you'd lack depth; with more, you'd overwhelm the delicate dance of flavors. Skip it, and well, let's not even go there—it's like Batman sans cape!
Mary Mitkina
Sweet Vermouth
Sweet vermouth, at 0.75 oz, plays the suave sidekick, lending an herbal complexity that balances the rye's boldness. Less would make the cocktail too dry, and more could lead to an overly sweet concoction. No vermouth? Imagine a garden without flowers.
Emma Rose
Amaretto
Now, the guest of honor, amaretto, bringing a 0.5 oz wallop of sweet, almond-like love to the party. Less would be a whisper lost in a storm; more could lead to a sugar rush. Exclude it, and you miss the signature twist. Sub in Frangelico, and you've got a hazelnut hullabaloo.
Alex Green
Angostura Bitters
Just 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, but oh, what a vital couple of drops! They're the cozy spice blanket that ties everything together. Dare to omit them, and the cocktail loses its shadowy mystique. A slight increase here? You've entered the bitter battlezone, my friend.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Bitters
Another 2 dashes of lemon bitters for that essential zesty zing. Without it, you'd lose that refreshing high note, like a song without a chorus. A bit more? It might be as puckering as a first kiss gone wrong.
Emma Rose
Fresh Rosemary
A sprig of fresh rosemary is more than an elegant garnish; its aroma contributes to the overall experience. Like a whiff of pine in a deep forest, it's an enchanting touch you'd sure miss if it weren't perched atop your drink.
Alex Green
Lemon Twist
And finally, the lemon twist. The citrus oils released upon its addition are the head-turning finish of our dapper drink. Without it, you'd miss the perfect final brushstroke on this masterpiece.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Amaretto Manhattan Drink
- Fill a mixing tin with ice.
- Pour 2 oz of rye whiskey over the ice.
- Add 3/4 oz of sweet vermouth.
- Measure and pour 1/2 oz of amaretto.
- Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and 2 dashes of lemon bitters.
- Stir the ingredients together until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary and a lemon twist.
Pro Tips
- For a perfectly chilled glass, place your coupe glass in the freezer for at least an hour before serving.
- When stirring the cocktail, aim for 30-40 seconds to ensure proper dilution and chilling without over-diluting the drink.
- Express the oils of the lemon twist over the cocktail before adding it as garnish to enhance the citrus aroma.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
The Amaretto Manhattan brings a unique combination of sweetness, herbal notes, and a bit of sourness, making it versatile in pairing with a variety of dishes:
- Charcuterie Boards: The savory flavors of cured meats balance sweet notes from the amaretto.
- Dark Chocolate Desserts: The bitterness of dark chocolate complements the sweet and herbal flavors.
- Roasted Almonds: The nuttiness enhances the amaretto's almond essence.
- Blue Cheese: The bold flavor stands up to the intensity of the cocktail.
- Grilled Steak: The rye whiskey's robust profile pairs well with red meat.
Drink Pairings
- Coffee: The bitterness of a good cup of java will contrast the sweet notes.
- Sparkling Water: To cleanse the palate between sips.
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What you could change in Amaretto Manhattan
- If Cleveland Underground Rye Whiskey is not available, any high-quality rye whiskey can be used as a substitute.
- Cocchi Sweet Vermouth can be replaced with another premium sweet vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula.
- Disaronno Amaretto is a popular choice, but any quality amaretto liqueur will work well in this cocktail.
Explore all drinks starting with A here
And of course - twists🍹
Bourbon Amaretto Manhattan
Swap out rye for bourbon to explore a sweeter, fuller-bodied take on the classic. The bourbon's caramel essence will sing duets with the amaretto, and the drink will cozily wrap your palate like a warm blanket on a chilly evening.
- Bourbon Whiskey: 2 oz
- Sweet Vermouth: 0.75 oz
- Amaretto: 0.5 oz
- Orange Bitters: 2 dashes
- Garnish with orange twist and a cherry
Blackberry Amaretto Manhattan
Introduce muddled blackberries at the bottom of the mixing tin before adding the rest of the ingredients. The blackberry's tartness will shake hands with the amaretto's sweetness, creating a berry-licious spin on the Manhattan that waltzes on your taste buds.
- Rye Whiskey: 2 oz
- Sweet Vermouth: 0.75 oz
- Amaretto: 0.5 oz
- Blackberries: 3-4
- Garnish with fresh blackberry and lemon twist
Spiced Amaretto Manhattan
Embrace the spice by adding a small slice of fresh ginger and a cinnamon stick to the mixing tin. This Amaretto Manhattan variant takes you on a spice trail adventure, tucking you in with warm flavors that are perfect for when the leaves start to fall.
- Rye Whiskey: 2 oz
- Sweet Vermouth: 0.75 oz
- Amaretto: 0.5 oz
- Fresh Ginger Slice
- Cinnamon Stick
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and rosemary sprig
In case you forgot basics how to make Amaretto Manhattan
Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Amaretto Manhattan
Can I make an Amaretto Manhattan without a mixing tin?
Yes, you can use a mixing glass or any other type of sturdy glass to mix your cocktail.
What is the purpose of stirring a cocktail instead of shaking?
Stirring a cocktail is generally used for spirit-forward drinks like the Amaretto Manhattan. It blends the flavors gently and prevents over-dilution and helps maintain a clear, smooth texture.
How important is the quality of ice in cocktails?
High-quality ice is crucial as it melts slower, preventing dilution of the cocktail's flavors, and it keeps the drink cold for a longer time.
What is the best time to serve an Amaretto Manhattan?
An Amaretto Manhattan is versatile and can be enjoyed as an aperitif before a meal or as an after-dinner drink.
Are there any non-alcoholic substitutes for rye whiskey in the cocktail?
While a non-alcoholic version won't quite capture the essence of rye whiskey, you can use non-alcoholic spirits or whiskey-flavored syrup for a mocktail version.
Is the Amaretto Manhattan appropriate for batch preparation?
Absolutely. Combine the ingredients in the correct ratio in a large container and then stir and serve individual portions over ice, with garnish.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh for garnish?
Fresh rosemary is preferred for its aroma and visual appeal, but if unavailable, dried rosemary can impart a subtler flavor.
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