Coffee Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
Coffee Manhattan Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:5g
Alcohol:20%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Coffee Manhattan is a twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail, which was first served at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the early 1870s. This version adds a coffee-infused bourbon to the mix, making it a perfect after-dinner drink for those who like their cocktails strong and their coffee black. It's a favorite among coffee lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
How Coffee Manhattan Tastes?
The Coffee Manhattan is a robust and full-bodied cocktail. It's strong and slightly bitter from the coffee-infused bourbon, with a sweet undertone from the vermouth. The bitters add a complex layer of flavor, and the cherry garnish provides a hint of sweetness to balance out the drink.
Interesting facts about Coffee Manhattan
- The Coffee Manhattan is a modern twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail.
- It's made with coffee-infused bourbon, which adds a unique flavor.
- Despite its name, it's not a coffee drink but a cocktail with a coffee flavor.
Ingredients
- Coffee infused bourbon: 2 oz(60ml)
- Sweet vermouth: 1 oz(30ml)
- Angostura bitters: 2 dashes
- Cherry: 1 for garnish
Coffee-infused bourbon:
For good reason, we use 2 oz of coffee-infused bourbon — it's the star of our show! Too little, and the coffee notes are just a whisper. Too much, and you're sipping on a boozy espresso. The coffee jazzes up the bourbon with a jolt of flavor, much like it does to our morning routine. Without it, you’d miss the soul of this spirited ballet.
Emma Rose
Sweet vermouth:
1 oz of sweet vermouth is just right. It's the Robin to bourbon's Batman; it softens the edges and adds a herbal complexity. Skipping it is like leaving out the sugar in your coffee — some people can handle it, but it's just not as sweet. If you substitute it with a dry vermouth, you've suddenly taken a detour to a different territory, one that's less sweet, more herbaceous.
Alex Green
Angostura bitters:
2 dashes of Angostura bitters might not seem like much, but these are the spice of our cocktail life. It's the pinch of salt in a recipe — small but mighty. Go without bitters, and the drink is like a dance without music; it's got the moves but lacks rhythm. If you're adventurous, try orange bitters for a citrusy twist.
Mary Mitkina
Cherry:
For the garnish, 1 cherry perches on the rim of your glass like a ruby crown. It's more than a pretty face — nibble on it after a sip, and it's like the encore after a great performance. Leave it out, and the show still goes on, but that sweet fruity finale is missing.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Coffee Manhattan Drink
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the coffee-infused bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a cherry.
Pro Tips
- Make sure to chill your cocktail glass before serving to keep the drink cold longer.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, let the bourbon infuse with the coffee for at least 24 hours.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Charcuterie Board: The rich and bold flavors from the cured meats complement the coffee and bourbon notes.
- Dark Chocolate: Enhances the coffee's bitterness while sweet vermouth smooths out the richness.
Main Courses
- Grilled Steak: The smoky flavors bond with the coffee-infused bourbon, providing a robust dining experience.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a non-meat choice, veggies like mushrooms can echo the deep flavors of the cocktail.
Desserts
- Tiramisu: This coffee-flavored Italian dessert pairs perfectly with the coffee notes in the Manhattan.
- Pecan Pie: The sweetness of the pie contrasted by the bitterness of the drink creates a harmonious taste.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Coffee Manhattan
- Bourbon: You can substitute the coffee-infused bourbon with regular bourbon and a shot of espresso.
- Sweet vermouth: You can use dry vermouth for a less sweet version.
Explore all drinks starting with C here
And of course - twists🍹
Espresso Manhattan
- Replace coffee-infused bourbon with espresso-infused bourbon.
- Up the vermouth to 1.5 oz to balance the stronger espresso flavor.
- Stir as usual, and garnish with an orange peel for an aromatic touch.
The drink will be bolder and more forward with its coffee flavor, perfect for those who prefer their coffee to shout rather than whisper.
Vanilla Bean Manhattan
- Use vanilla bean-infused bourbon instead of coffee-infused.
- Introduce a dash of chocolate bitters alongside Angostura.
- After stirring and straining, garnish with a twist of lemon for a fresh zing.
This twist is creamier and softer, with vanilla's seductive smoothness playing lead. It's like replacing your coffee with a vanilla latte — cozy and comforting.
Nutty Manhattan
- Switch out sweet vermouth for a nut-flavored liqueur like Frangelico.
- Use bourbon with a hint of hazelnut infusion.
- Keep the Angostura bitters, but garnish with a toasted hazelnut.
This version is a walk through an autumn forest, with rich, nutty flavors that offer a warm embrace. It's the cocktail equivalent of a hazelnut-flavored coffee, but with a boozy punch.
In case you forgot basics how to make Coffee Manhattan
Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Coffee Manhattan
Can I use regular coffee for the infusion?
Yes, any type of coffee that you enjoy drinking can be used for the infusion.
Is the cherry garnish necessary?
While the cherry garnish adds a nice pop of color and a hint of sweetness to the drink, it is not necessary and can be omitted or substituted with another garnish if desired.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?
Yes, you can substitute the bourbon with a non-alcoholic alternative and use non-alcoholic bitters.
How long does the coffee-infused bourbon last?
Coffee-infused bourbon can last for up to two weeks if stored in a cool, dark place.
Can I use a different kind of bitters?
Yes, while Angostura bitters are traditionally used, you can experiment with different kinds of bitters to find a flavor profile that suits your liking.
Can I serve this cocktail on the rocks?
Absolutely, serving this cocktail over ice can make it a little less potent and richer in flavors.
More similar recipes to Coffee Manhattan!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Rob Roy
The Rob Roy has a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth. It has a warming and full-bodied mouthfeel, making it a perfect sipping cocktail for colder months.
Red Hook
The Red Hook cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. It has a rich, velvety texture with a hint of spice from the rye whiskey, and a pleasant bitterness from the Punt e Mes and maraschino liqueur.
Aperol Manhattan
The Aperol Manhattan is a harmonious blend of sweet and bitter, with the Aperol providing a unique orange and rhubarb flavor that complements the robustness of the whiskey. The sweet vermouth balances the bitterness, while the bitters add depth. Overall, it's a complex, medium-strong cocktail with a smooth finish.
Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee is a warm, rich, and creamy cocktail with a perfect balance of bitter coffee, sweet sugar, and smooth Irish whiskey. The whipped cream adds a luxurious, velvety texture.
Iced Coffee
The Iced Coffee cocktail is a delightful combination of rich, bold coffee flavors with a hint of sweetness and a smooth, creamy texture. It has a robust coffee taste, balanced by the sweetness of the liqueur and the cooling effect of the ice. The alcohol adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
Kahlúa Sour
The Kahlúa Sour is a delightful balance of rich, sweet, and tangy flavors. The coffee notes from the Kahlúa provide a deep, robust sweetness, while the lemon juice adds a bright, refreshing sourness. The egg white gives the cocktail a smooth, velvety texture, and the simple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness to round out the flavors.
Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is a rich, velvety, and slightly sweet cocktail with a strong coffee flavor and a hint of bitterness. It has a creamy texture and a frothy top, making it a luxurious and indulgent drink.
Amaretto Sour
The Amaretto Sour is a sweet, tangy, and slightly nutty cocktail. The sweetness of the Amaretto is balanced by the sourness of the lemon juice, creating a refreshing and flavorful drink.
B52
The B52 cocktail has a rich, sweet, and creamy taste with a hint of coffee and orange flavors. It is smooth and warming, making it a perfect sipping drink.
Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Caipirinha
The Caipirinha has a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of lime and sugar provides a perfect balance of sour and sweet, while the cachaça adds a unique, earthy flavor. The drink is strong, yet smooth and easy to sip.
Sidecar
The Sidecar is a delightful mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors. The combination of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice creates a smooth and refreshing taste, with a hint of warmth from the cognac.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is a complex and well-balanced cocktail, with a rich and bold taste. It has a bitter-sweet profile, with the bitterness of Campari complementing the sweetness of the vermouth. The whiskey adds warmth and depth, making it a perfect drink for sipping.