Maple Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

Maple Manhattan Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:13g

Alcohol %:40%

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: August 23, 2024

History

The Maple Manhattan is a twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail, which dates back to the late 19th century. The original Manhattan was a mix of American whiskey, Italian vermouth, and Angostura bitters. The Maple Manhattan adds a touch of Canadian flavor with the addition of maple syrup, giving it a sweet and rich flavor profile. This cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate the robustness of whiskey but enjoy a hint of sweetness.

How Maple Manhattan Tastes?

The Maple Manhattan is a harmonious blend of strong, smooth, and sweet. The whiskey provides a robust and smoky base, the vermouth adds a hint of bitterness, and the maple syrup brings a rich sweetness. The overall taste is complex, with the sweetness of the maple syrup perfectly balancing the strength of the whiskey.

Interesting facts about Maple Manhattan

  • The Maple Manhattan is a modern twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail.
  • The addition of maple syrup gives it a uniquely Canadian touch.
  • Despite its sweetness, it's still a strong cocktail with a high alcohol content.

Ingredients

Whiskey

  • The 2 oz of whiskey form the base spirit of the Manhattan, providing a strong, complex flavor profile. Too little and the drink loses its backbone, too much and it overwhelms the other ingredients. Not using it? Well, it wouldn't be a Manhattan!

Mary Mitkina

Vermouth

  • A full oz of vermouth mellows the whiskey and adds herbaceous notes. Half the amount might leave you with an overly potent drink, while too much can make it cloyingly sweet. Vermouth substitutes like Lillet Blanc or a dry sherry can add a twist to the traditional flavor.

Mary Mitkina

Maple Syrup

  • The sweet and earthy maple syrup (1 tbsp) brings a Canadian hug to this American classic. Less syrup may not balance the whiskey's bite, more syrup could turn your cocktail into a pancake breakfast. No syrup means no Maple Manhattan, plain and simple.

Alex Green

Angostura Bitters

  • The 2 dashes of Angostura bitters are the spice rack of the cocktail world, giving depth and complexity. Without them, the drink falls flat. The role of bitters in a cocktail is like the background track in a movie thriller – not always noticeable but sorely missed if absent.

Mary Mitkina

Cherry

  • Finally, the cocktail gets topped with a cherry for garnish. It's not just for looks; it adds a hint of fruitiness and sophistication. Leave it out, and your cocktail is like a tuxedo without the tie—still classy but missing the final touch.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Maple Manhattan Drink

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add the whiskey, vermouth, maple syrup, and bitters.
  3. Stir well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Use high-quality maple syrup for the best flavor.
  • Chill your cocktail glass before serving for the best experience.
  • Don't over-stir the cocktail, as it can dilute the flavors.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Grilled Meats: The bold flavors of whiskey and the sweetness of maple syrup complement the charred, smoky flavors of grilled steaks or barbecued ribs.
  • Roasted Nuts: A bowl of roasted or candied nuts echoes the rich, nutty undertones of the Maple Manhattan.
  • Cheese Plate: Opt for aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda that can stand up to the strong flavors of the cocktail.
  • Dark Chocolate: The bittersweet taste of dark chocolate pairs splendidly with the depth and slight sweetness of the Maple Manhattan.

Drink Pairings

  • Coffee: Enjoy a Maple Manhattan with an after-dinner coffee to emphasize the warming notes in both beverages.
  • Sparkling Water: Cleanse the palate between sips with sparkling water to fully appreciate the cocktail's complexities.

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What you could change in Maple Manhattan

  • Whiskey: You can use bourbon or rye whiskey.
  • Vermouth: You can use sweet or dry vermouth, depending on your taste.
  • Maple Syrup: If you don't have maple syrup, you can use honey or a simple syrup.

Explore all drinks starting with M here

And of course - twists🍹

Maple Bacon Manhattan

  • Ingredients: 2 oz bacon-infused whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, bacon strip for garnish.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe, using bacon-infused whiskey. Garnish with a crispy strip of bacon instead of a cherry.
  • Flavor Profile: The smoky bacon adds a savory twist, perfectly complementing the maple's sweetness and emphasizing the whiskey's complexity.

Autumn Spiced Manhattan

  • Ingredients: 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz cinnamon-infused sweet vermouth, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 2 dashes of orange bitters, an orange twist for garnish.
  • Recipe: Infuse the vermouth with cinnamon sticks for a few days. Mix as usual using orange bitters and garnish with an orange twist.
  • Flavor Profile: Cinnamon and orange bitters give this version a spicy, citrusy kick that evokes the warmth of autumn.

Maple Black Walnut Manhattan

  • Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 2 dashes black walnut bitters, black walnut for garnish.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe but swap in black walnut bitters. Garnish with a candied black walnut.
  • Flavor Profile: Black walnut bitters lend an earthy, robust twist, enhancing the maple and adding an intriguing nutty note.

In case you forgot basics how to make Maple 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 strain

Insert 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 stir

Garnishing 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).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Maple Manhattan

Can I use other types of bitters rather than Angostura for the Maple Manhattan?

Yes, you can experiment with other bitters. However, the unique flavor profile of Angostura bitters is what truly compliments the whiskey and the maple syrup in a traditional Maple Manhattan cocktail.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Maple Manhattan cocktail?

While there's no official non-alcoholic version of the Maple Manhattan, you could try using non-alcoholic substitutes like non-alcoholic whiskey and non-alcoholic vermouth.

What other garnishes can I use for the Maple Manhattan?

A traditional Maple Manhattan is garnished with a cherry. However, you could also garnish it with an orange peel or a twist of lemon for a different twist.

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