Manhattan Iced Tea Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Manhattan Iced Tea recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Whisky
Alcohol 28%
Calories 250 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 18g
Prep time 5 minutes

Imagine you’ve just found the secret to a perfect refreshing drink. The Manhattan Iced Tea is a zesty mix that dances on your taste buds. Let’s dive into the history, flavors, and the art of making this delightful concoction together! ⬇️

History

The Manhattan Iced Tea is a twist on the classic iced tea, infusing it with a touch of the iconic Manhattan cocktail’s sophistication and strength.

  • The name is a playful nod to the famous New York borough.
  • It was created to offer a refreshing alternative to stronger cocktails.
  • The drink quickly gained popularity as a summer favorite.

The taste of a Manhattan Iced Tea?

A Manhattan Iced Tea is a complex symphony of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. It’s like sipping on a chilled, boozy tea with a citrusy punch.

I really like Manhattan Iced Teas because they’re the perfect balance of strong whiskey and sweet flavors that make my taste buds sing.

Interesting facts about Manhattan Iced Tea

  • It’s often garnished with a cherry or a twist of lemon for an extra zing.
  • Despite its name, it doesn’t contain any actual tea.
  • The drink is a hit at summer parties due to its refreshing appeal.

Ingredients 📃

  • Whiskey: 2 oz (60ml)
  • Sweet vermouth: 1 oz (30ml)
  • Lemon juice: 1 oz (30ml)
  • Simple syrup: 1/2 oz (15ml)
  • Cola: A splash

Highball glass is the traditional choice for a Manhattan Iced Tea because it showcases the layers beautifully. Alternatively, a Mason jar can offer a fun, casual twist.

Recipe. How to make Manhattan Iced Tea 🍹

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add whiskey, 2 oz, sweet vermouth, 1 oz, lemon juice, 1 oz, and simple syrup, 1/2 oz.
  3. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
  4. Top with a splash of cola.

Manhattan Iced Tea is delicious but can be sugary. For a healthier twist, use natural sweeteners or less syrup. Remember, everything in moderation!

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Food Pairings

Certain foods enhance the flavors of a Manhattan Iced Tea, creating a delightful culinary experience.

Spicy Appetizers

The sweetness of the cocktail balances the heat from dishes like buffalo wings or jalapeño poppers.

Barbecue

The smoky flavors from grilled meats harmonize with the whiskey’s warm notes in the drink.

Chocolate Desserts

The boldness of dark chocolate pairs well with the deep, rich tones of the cocktail.

I dig the way a Manhattan Iced Tea makes me feel; it’s like sunshine in a glass with a hint of city sophistication.


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Bartender Advice

  • Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Chill the glass beforehand to keep your drink colder, longer.
  • Experiment with different brands of whiskey to find your perfect match.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Manhattan Iced Tea, let’s explore how you can tweak this drink and discover new variations to keep your taste buds excited.

What you could change in Manhattan Iced Tea

  • Sweet vermouth: Try a dash of bitters for a more complex taste.
  • Whiskey: Bourbon can be a smoother alternative.
  • Cola: Opt for diet cola to cut down on sugar.

Manhattan Iced Tea Variations

Southern Belle

  • Ingredients: Substitute whiskey with peach schnapps.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe, replacing whiskey with peach schnapps.

Midnight Manhattan

  • Ingredients: Add blackberry liqueur to the mix.
  • Recipe: Include a splash of blackberry liqueur before topping with cola.

Tea Time in Manhattan

  • Ingredients: Brewed black tea instead of cola.
  • Recipe: Use cold black tea to top off the drink, adding a tea flavor.

Take the Manhattan Iced Tea down a notch for a non-alcoholic treat. Mix lemon juice, simple syrup, and top with cola for a virgin version that’s just as delightful.

Q&A

Can I make a Manhattan Iced Tea without alcohol?

Absolutely! Just skip the whiskey and vermouth, and you’ll have a refreshing mocktail.

What’s the best whiskey for a Manhattan Iced Tea?

A rye whiskey usually hits the spot, but feel free to experiment with your favorite.

How can I make my Manhattan Iced Tea less sweet?

Reduce the simple syrup or swap it for a sugar-free version to dial down the sweetness.

Is there a special occasion this drink is best suited for?

Manhattan Iced Teas are fantastic for summer gatherings or anytime you need a burst of cool.

What’s the key to a well-balanced Manhattan Iced Tea?

The secret is in the proportions—follow the recipe, and adjust to taste as you go.

Can I batch-make Manhattan Iced Teas for a party?

Indeed! Mix all ingredients except the cola in a pitcher and add the fizz just before serving.

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.

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