Rob Roy
The Rob Roy has a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth. It has a warming and full-bodied mouthfeel, making it a perfect sipping cocktail for colder months.
Coffee Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
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Coffee Manhattan Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:5g
Alcohol:20%
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 7, 2024
Contents
History
The Coffee Manhattan is a twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail, which was first served at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the early 1870s. This version adds a coffee-infused bourbon to the mix, making it a perfect after-dinner drink for those who like their cocktails strong and their coffee black. It's a favorite among coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
How Coffee Manhattan Tastes?
The Coffee Manhattan is a robust and full-bodied cocktail. It's strong and slightly bitter from the coffee-infused bourbon, with a sweet undertone from the vermouth. The bitters add a complex layer of flavor, and the cherry garnish provides a hint of sweetness to balance out the drink.
Interesting facts about Coffee Manhattan
- The Coffee Manhattan is a modern twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail.
- It's made with coffee-infused bourbon, which adds a unique flavor.
- Despite its name, it's not a coffee drink but a cocktail with a coffee flavor.
Ingredients
- Coffee infused bourbon: 2 oz(60ml)
- Sweet vermouth: 1 oz(30ml)
- Angostura bitters: 2 dashes
- Cherry: 1 for garnish
Coffee-infused bourbon:
For good reason, we use 2 oz of coffee-infused bourbon — it's the star of our show! Too little, and the coffee notes are just a whisper. Too much, and you're sipping on a boozy espresso. The coffee jazzes up the bourbon with a jolt of flavor, much like it does to our morning routine. Without it, you’d miss the soul of this spirited ballet.
Emma Rose
Sweet vermouth:
1 oz of sweet vermouth is just right. It's the Robin to bourbon's Batman; it softens the edges and adds a herbal complexity. Skipping it is like leaving out the sugar in your coffee — some people can handle it, but it's just not as sweet. If you substitute it with a dry vermouth, you've suddenly taken a detour to a different territory, one that's less sweet, more herbaceous.
Alex Green
Angostura bitters:
2 dashes of Angostura bitters might not seem like much, but these are the spice of our cocktail life. It's the pinch of salt in a recipe — small but mighty. Go without bitters, and the drink is like a dance without music; it's got the moves but lacks rhythm. If you're adventurous, try orange bitters for a citrusy twist.
Mary Mitkina
Cherry:
For the garnish, 1 cherry perches on the rim of your glass like a ruby crown. It's more than a pretty face — nibble on it after a sip, and it's like the encore after a great performance. Leave it out, and the show still goes on, but that sweet fruity finale is missing.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Coffee Manhattan Drink
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the coffee-infused bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a cherry.
Pro Tips
- Make sure to chill your cocktail glass before serving to keep the drink cold longer.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, let the bourbon infuse with the coffee for at least 24 hours.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Charcuterie Board: The rich and bold flavors from the cured meats complement the coffee and bourbon notes.
- Dark Chocolate: Enhances the coffee's bitterness while sweet vermouth smooths out the richness.
Main Courses
- Grilled Steak: The smoky flavors bond with the coffee-infused bourbon, providing a robust dining experience.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a non-meat choice, veggies like mushrooms can echo the deep flavors of the cocktail.
Desserts
- Tiramisu: This coffee-flavored Italian dessert pairs perfectly with the coffee notes in the Manhattan.
- Pecan Pie: The sweetness of the pie contrasted by the bitterness of the drink creates a harmonious taste.
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What you could change in Coffee Manhattan
- Bourbon: You can substitute the coffee-infused bourbon with regular bourbon and a shot of espresso.
- Sweet vermouth: You can use dry vermouth for a less sweet version.
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And of course - twists🍹
Espresso Manhattan
- Replace coffee-infused bourbon with espresso-infused bourbon.
- Up the vermouth to 1.5 oz to balance the stronger espresso flavor.
- Stir as usual, and garnish with an orange peel for an aromatic touch.
The drink will be bolder and more forward with its coffee flavor, perfect for those who prefer their coffee to shout rather than whisper.
Vanilla Bean Manhattan
- Use vanilla bean-infused bourbon instead of coffee-infused.
- Introduce a dash of chocolate bitters alongside Angostura.
- After stirring and straining, garnish with a twist of lemon for a fresh zing.
This twist is creamier and softer, with vanilla's seductive smoothness playing lead. It's like replacing your coffee with a vanilla latte — cozy and comforting.
Nutty Manhattan
- Switch out sweet vermouth for a nut-flavored liqueur like Frangelico.
- Use bourbon with a hint of hazelnut infusion.
- Keep the Angostura bitters, but garnish with a toasted hazelnut.
This version is a walk through an autumn forest, with rich, nutty flavors that offer a warm embrace. It's the cocktail equivalent of a hazelnut-flavored coffee, but with a boozy punch.
In case you forgot basics how to make Coffee 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 Coffee Manhattan
Can I use regular coffee for the infusion?
Yes, any type of coffee that you enjoy drinking can be used for the infusion.
Is the cherry garnish necessary?
While the cherry garnish adds a nice pop of color and a hint of sweetness to the drink, it is not necessary and can be omitted or substituted with another garnish if desired.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?
Yes, you can substitute the bourbon with a non-alcoholic alternative and use non-alcoholic bitters.
How long does the coffee-infused bourbon last?
Coffee-infused bourbon can last for up to two weeks if stored in a cool, dark place.
Can I use a different kind of bitters?
Yes, while Angostura bitters are traditionally used, you can experiment with different kinds of bitters to find a flavor profile that suits your liking.
Can I serve this cocktail on the rocks?
Absolutely, serving this cocktail over ice can make it a little less potent and richer in flavors.
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