Maple Manhattan

More than 140 years ago, the first recipe for the Manhattan cocktail appeared in print. Over the years, it’s been tinkered with some, but generally the recipe remains the same as it did when it was first created in New York City all those years ago.

But one significant change in the Manhattan recipe is embraced here in maple country. While the classic Manhattan recipe omits any kind of sweetener, this version uses a shot of maple syrup. That means the Maple Manhattan is a bit sweeter than the classic version. But it’s just as enjoyable!

Ingredients

• 3 ounces (2 shots) rye bourbon
• 1.5 ounces (1 shot) maple syrup
• .75 ounces (1/2) shot sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes of bitters
• Dash of cinnamon (optional)
• Cherry for garnish

Directions

In a cocktail mixing glass, combine rye, maple syrup, sweet vermouth, bitters, and ice. Stir well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Add cherry and dust lightly with cinnamon if desired.

A couple of notes:

• For rye, we prefer Whistle Pig from Vermont but also use Rittenhouse Rye or Basil Hayden Rye.
• Experiment to find your favorite vermouth, but Cocchi Vermouth di Torino elevates the entire drink. Our everyday standard is Martini & Rossi Rosso.
• For maple syrup, we use our delicate grade. Its more subtle flavor keeps the drink from being too sweet.
• Bitters: We like Fee Brothers Black Walnut or Peychaud’s Aromatic Cocktail Bitters.
• Cherries: Luxardo Cocktail Cherries or Fabbri Amarena wild cherries in syrup are the play here. Avoid the lipstick red Maraschino cherries used on ice cream sundaes.

If you’re a fan of all things bourbon, don’t forget that we have a unique Maple Bourbon Vinegar that’s a perfect option for quick pickling, salad dressings or a Bourbon Shrub Cocktail.