Christmas Manhattan Cocktail Recipe And Guide

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the perfect excuse to create festive and delicious cocktails to share with friends and family. One classic cocktail that exudes the essence of Christmas is the Manhattan. In this article, we'll explore the history of the Manhattan, its variations, and provide a recipe for a Christmas-themed Manhattan that's sure to become a new holiday tradition.

The Manhattan cocktail has been a staple of classic mixology since the late 19th century. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but the most popular story behind its creation dates back to the 1870s, when Dr. Iain Marshall, a member of the Manhattan Club in New York City, allegedly created the drink for a banquet hosted by Lady Randolph Churchill, Winston Churchill's mother. The original recipe consisted of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters, which were stirred and strained into a chilled glass.

Over the years, the Manhattan has undergone many transformations, with bartenders experimenting with different types of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. Some popular variations include the Classic Manhattan, the Dry Manhattan, and the Sweet Manhattan. However, for the holiday season, we'll be focusing on a recipe that incorporates festive flavors and ingredients to create a Christmas Manhattan cocktail that's sure to delight.

Christmas Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1/2 oz cherry liqueur (such as Cherry Heering)
• 2 dashes of cinnamon-infused bitters
• 1 dash of nutmeg-infused bitters
• 1 cherry, for garnish
• 1 cinnamon stick, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine the whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, cinnamon-infused bitters, and nutmeg-infused bitters.
2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a cherry and a cinnamon stick, which will add a warm and inviting aroma to the drink.

Tips and Variations

• To make the cinnamon-infused bitters, simply combine 1 cup of water with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cinnamon stick in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Strain the mixture and let it cool before using it in the recipe.
• For a more intense cherry flavor, you can use 3/4 oz of cherry liqueur or add a splash of cherry syrup to the mixture.
• If you prefer a drier Manhattan, you can reduce the amount of sweet vermouth to 1/2 oz or even 1/4 oz.
• Experiment with different types of whiskey, such as scotch or Irish whiskey, to create a unique flavor profile.

History of the Manhattan Cocktail

As mentioned earlier, the origins of the Manhattan cocktail are shrouded in mystery. However, one thing is certain: the drink has been a staple of classic mixology for over a century. The original recipe, which consisted of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters, was created by Dr. Iain Marshall in the 1870s.

Over the years, the Manhattan has undergone many transformations, with bartenders experimenting with different types of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. Some popular variations include the Classic Manhattan, the Dry Manhattan, and the Sweet Manhattan.

Classic Manhattan Variations

• Classic Manhattan: Made with whiskey, vermouth, and bitters, this is the original recipe that has been passed down for generations.
• Dry Manhattan: Made with whiskey, dry vermouth, and bitters, this variation is perfect for those who prefer a drier cocktail.
• Sweet Manhattan: Made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, this variation is perfect for those who prefer a sweeter cocktail.

Christmas-Themed Manhattan Cocktails

The holiday season is the perfect time to experiment with festive flavors and ingredients to create unique and delicious cocktails. Here are a few Christmas-themed Manhattan cocktails you can try:

• Candy Cane Manhattan: Made with whiskey, peppermint schnapps, and crushed candy canes, this cocktail is perfect for those who love the festive flavors of the holiday season.
• Gingerbread Manhattan: Made with whiskey, gingerbread-flavored syrup, and nutmeg, this cocktail is perfect for those who love the warm and spicy flavors of gingerbread.
• Eggnog Manhattan: Made with whiskey, eggnog, and nutmeg, this cocktail is perfect for those who love the creamy and rich flavors of eggnog.

Conclusion

The Manhattan cocktail is a classic drink that has been enjoyed for generations. With its rich and complex flavor profile, it's the perfect drink to serve at holiday parties and gatherings. By experimenting with festive flavors and ingredients, you can create unique and delicious Christmas-themed Manhattan cocktails that are sure to delight your guests. So why not try your hand at creating a Christmas Manhattan cocktail this holiday season? With a little creativity and experimentation, you can create a drink that's sure to become a new holiday tradition.

We hope you've enjoyed this article on the Christmas Manhattan cocktail recipe and guide. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And don't forget to share your favorite holiday cocktail recipes with us on social media using the hashtag #HolidayCocktails.