Spiced Cranberry Manhattan

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I’ve got to tell you about my new favorite cocktail discovery: the Spiced Cranberry Manhatta!

I was looking for something festive to serve at my holiday party and this bourbon-based beauty completely stole the show.

The combination of warm cinnamon, tart cranberry and rich whiskey is seriously mind-blowing.

My guests couldn’t stop raving about it, and honestly I couldn’t either.

There’s something special about sipping this ruby-colored drink while the snow falls outside.

Want to know how to make it yourself?

Tips To Make It Perfectly At Home

These simple tips will elevate your homemade Spiced Cranberry Manhattan to cocktail bar quality.

* Quality ingredients matter: Using premium bourbon or rye whiskey makes a noticeable difference in your final drink.

Don’t compromise on the base spirit as it forms the foundation of your Manhattan.

* Ice considerations: Large ice cubes or a single large sphere melt slower than small cubes, preventing dilution.

For mixing, regular ice works fine, but serve with premium ice for a professional touch.

* Temperature is crucial: Chill your glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving.

A properly chilled glass maintains the ideal drinking temperature longer.

* Mixing technique: Stir don’t shake this cocktail.

Shaking creates unwanted cloudiness and excessive dilution. A gentle 30-second stir provides perfect integration and chill.

* Fresh cranberries: When available, use Fresh cranberries for garnish rather than dried or frozen ones.

They look more appealing and provide a burst of tart flavor.

* Spice balancing: Start with less spice and adjust to taste.

It’s easier to add more cinnamon or star anise than to fix an overpowering spice profile.

* Vermouth freshness: Vermouth oxidizes quickly after opening.

Store it in the refrigerator and replace it every 1-2 months for optimal flavor.

Food Pairing Ideas

This spiced cranberry Manhattan deserves some thoughtful bites alongside it. The cocktail’s warming spices, subtle sweetness and whiskey backbone create opportunities for both savory and sweet companions that enhance its seasonal charm.

• Aged Cheese Board: A selection of nutty aged gouda, creamy blue cheese and sharp cheddar with dried fruits and honey. The rich dairy notes stand up beautifully against the cocktail’s boozy character.
• Maple Glazed Nuts: Roasted walnuts, pecans and almonds with a light maple glaze and hint of sea salt. Their warm toasty flavor echoes the whiskey while adding satisfying crunch.
• Duck Confit Crostini: Tender shredded duck on toasted baguette slices with a thin layer of orange marmalade. The rich gamey meat balances the cocktail’s fruit notes and spice profile.
• Dark Chocolate Truffles: Bittersweet chocolate truffles dusted with cocoa powder, cinnamon and a touch of cayenne. Their velvety texture and complex flavor mirror the Manhattan’s sophisticated character.
• Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Sweet Medjool dates stuffed with a sliver of Manchego cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon. This sweet-salty-smoky combination is practically made for sipping alongside this cocktail.

Variations To Try

Experimenting with variations on the Spiced Cranberry Manhattan can transform this seasonal cocktail into something uniquely yours while maintaining its sophisticated essence.

• Smoky Cranberry Manhattan: Substitute a smoky whiskey like mezcal or a peated Scotch for the bourbon to add a sultry campfire dimension to the fruity cocktail.
• White Cranberry Manhattan: Use white whiskey or vodka with white cranberry juice for a lighter color and more delicate flavor profile that still carries the spiced notes.
• Maple Cranberry Manhattan: Replace simple syrup with maple syrup to enhance the autumnal character and add rich complexity that pairs beautifully with the cranberry and bitters.
• Fizzy Cranberry Manhattan: Top with a splash of prosecco or soda water for a bubbly version that’s perfect for celebratory occasions or warmer weather.
• Zero-Proof Spiced Cranberry: Mix cranberry juice with alcohol-free bitters, non-alcoholic vermouth alternative and a dash of vanilla extract for a sophisticated mocktail version.

Handcrafted Holiday Cocktail

This festive twist on the classic Manhattan is winter in a glass! The warming bourbon gets a holiday makeover with tart cranberry and aromatic spices that’ll make your taste buds sing carols.

It’s rich, complex and perfectly balanced – ideal for sipping by the fireplace or serving at your next holiday gathering when you want to impress without spending hours behind the bar.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1/2 oz cranberry juice
• 1/4 oz cinnamon syrup
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• Orange peel
• Fresh cranberries for garnish
• Cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add bourbon, sweet vermouth, cranberry juice, cinnamon syrup and bitters to a mixing glass.
2. Fill the glass with ice and stir for about 30 seconds until well-chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
4. Express the oils from an orange peel by twisting it over the drink, then run the peel around the rim.
5. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a cinnamon stick for that perfect holiday presentation.
6. Serve immediately while the drink is still cold and the aromas are at their peak.

Prep Times:

• Prep time: 3 minutes
• Total time: 5 minutes

Nutrional Information:

• Servings: 1
• Calories: 215
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g

Spiced Cranberry Manhattan

Servings: 1 Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes Rating: ★★★★★

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1/2 oz spiced cranberry syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel and fresh cranberries, for garnish

Directions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, sweet vermouth, spiced cranberry syrup, and bitters.
2. Add ice and stir until well-chilled, about 30 seconds.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
4. Express the orange peel over the drink by twisting it, then drop in along with a few fresh cranberries.
5. Serve immediately.

Nutrition:

Per Serving: 185 calories; 0g fat; 8g carbohydrates; 0g protein.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and preparation methods.