Spiced Manhattan Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Spiced Manhattan recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Whisky
Alcohol 40%
Calories 200 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 7g
Prep time 5 minutes

The Spiced Manhattan is like a story in a glass, mixing rich flavors and a hint of spice to create a delicious drink. Imagine yourself enjoying a perfect cocktail with friends, each sip revealing new layers of taste and history. We’ll explore its origins, flavors, and even give you tips to make your own. Ready to dive in? Let’s go! ⬇️

History

The Spiced Manhattan cocktail comes from the classic Manhattan, first mixed in the late 1800s. It was created in New York City and became popular very quickly. The “spiced” version adds an exciting twist with warm spices.

  • The Manhattan was named after a bar in New York City.
  • The original Manhattan used rye whiskey, which gives it a unique flavor.
  • The spiced version adds ingredients like cinnamon and cloves for extra warmth.

The taste of a Spiced Manhattan?

A Spiced Manhattan tastes rich and slightly sweet with a warm, spicy kick. The flavors of whiskey and sweet vermouth mix with spices like cinnamon to create a cozy, comforting drink.

I personally love drinking Spiced Manhattans because they’re incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day.

Interesting facts about Spiced Manhattan

  • It’s perfect for cold winter nights.
  • You can change the spices to match your taste.
  • It’s a great cocktail to enjoy while sitting by the fireplace.

Ingredients 📃

  • Bourbon or Rye Whiskey: 2 oz (60ml)
  • Sweet Vermouth: 1 oz (30ml)
  • Angostura Bitters: 2 dashes
  • Spiced Syrup: 0.5 oz (15ml)
  • Cherry: 1 for garnish

A Spiced Manhattan is often served in a **Martini glass**. This glass enhances the drinking experience by allowing the aromas to gather at the top. Alternatively, a **Rocks glass** can also be used for a more casual presentation.

Recipe. How to make Spiced Manhattan 🍹

  1. Add 2 oz (60ml) of Bourbon or Rye Whiskey to a mixing glass.
  2. Pour in 1 oz (30ml) of Sweet Vermouth.
  3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters.
  4. Mix in 0.5 oz (15ml) of Spiced Syrup.
  5. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
  6. Strain the mixture into a chilled Martini glass.
  7. Garnish with a cherry.

The Spiced Manhattan has both sugar and calories due to the sweet vermouth and spiced syrup. For a healthier version, you can use natural sweeteners or less sugar, though moderation is always key.

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Food Pairings

Certain foods complement the flavors of a Spiced Manhattan.

Charcuterie

The rich, savory flavors of cured meats and cheeses pair perfectly with the spicy and sweet notes of a Spiced Manhattan.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate’s deep, slightly bitter profile enhances the whiskey’s richness and the spices’ warmth.

Roasted Nuts

The earthy, toasted flavors of roasted nuts create a comforting combination with the warm, spiced cocktail.

I really enjoy the taste of Spiced Manhattans—the rich flavors and warm spices make it a perfect drink for relaxing after a long day.


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Bartender Advice

  • *Always* use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
  • *Chill* your glassware before serving to keep the drink cold longer.
  • *Balance* the sweetness and spice to suit your personal taste.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Spiced Manhattan, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Spiced Manhattan

  • Whiskey: Can be replaced with rum for a different flavor.
  • Spiced Syrup: Use homemade syrup with your favorite spices.
  • Bitters: Try orange bitters for a citrusy twist.

Spiced Manhattan Variations

Spiced Rum Manhattan

  • Ingredients: Rum, sweet vermouth, spiced syrup, bitters
  • Recipe: Mix all ingredients, stir with ice, and strain into a glass.

Maple Spiced Manhattan

  • Ingredients: Whiskey, sweet vermouth, maple syrup, bitters
  • Recipe: Combine ingredients, stir with ice, and strain into a glass.

Apple Spiced Manhattan

  • Ingredients: Apple whiskey, sweet vermouth, spiced syrup, bitters
  • Recipe: Mix ingredients, stir with ice, and strain into a glass.

For a non-alcoholic version, try a Virgin Spiced Manhattan. Replace the whiskey with apple juice and the vermouth with grape juice, then add the spiced syrup and bitters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a Manhattan and a Spiced Manhattan?

A Manhattan is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. A Spiced Manhattan includes additional spices or spiced syrup for a warm, flavorful twist.

Can I use a different type of alcohol in a Spiced Manhattan?

Yes, you can experiment with different spirits like rum or apple whiskey to create unique variations of the Spiced Manhattan.

What kind of spices can I add to my Spiced Manhattan?

Common spices include cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, but feel free to get creative with your favorite spices.

How do I make my own spiced syrup?

Combine equal parts sugar and water, add your choice of spices, and simmer until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool and strain out the spices before using.

Is there a way to make a lower-calorie Spiced Manhattan?

You can reduce the sugar content by using a natural sweetener like stevia or reducing the amount of spiced syrup.

What’s the best way to garnish a Spiced Manhattan?

A cherry is the traditional garnish, but you can also use an orange twist or a cinnamon stick for added flair.

Enjoy crafting your perfect Spiced Manhattan and don’t be afraid to experiment! Cheers!

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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