Ginger Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

Ginger Manhattan Nutrition Facts

Calories:210

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:7g

Alcohol %:30%

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

History

The Ginger 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 spicy kick with the addition of ginger liqueur. It's perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their drinks.

How Ginger Manhattan Tastes?

This cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and bitter. The ginger liqueur adds a spicy kick, while the sweet vermouth and bourbon balance it out with their sweetness. The bitters add a touch of complexity to the drink.

Interesting facts about Ginger Manhattan

  • The Ginger Manhattan is a modern twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail.
  • It adds a spicy kick with the addition of ginger liqueur.
  • Despite its name, the Manhattan cocktail was not named after the Manhattan borough in New York City.

Ingredients

A few good options for Ginger Manhattan are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Bourbon

The backbone of any Manhattan is bourbon, providing depth and warmth. 2 oz is the sweet spot for balance without overpowering the other elements. Too little, and the cocktail becomes a whisper; too much, and it's a boozy shout.

Mary Mitkina

Ginger Liqueur

A zesty 1 oz twist, our ginger adds a spicy snap, waking the drink from the bourbon's mellow slumber. Leave it out, and you'll miss the distinctive, playful nudge that sets this Manhattan apart.

Alex Green

Sweet Vermouth

Equal partner to bourbon, the 1 oz of sweet vermouth weaves complexity with herbal and sweet tones. Too timid an amount, and the cocktail falls flat; too generous, and it cloys.

Emma Rose

Angostura Bitters

A mere 2 dashes act as the cocktail's binding spell, uniting disparate flavors into a single potion. Skip them, and the magic fizzles. Overdo it, and the potion turns bitter.

Mary Mitkina

Maraschino Cherry

This cherry is the exclamation mark at the end of a delicious sentence—a bit of sweetness and color to finish the presentation. No cherry is like a story without an end, but add too many, and it's overly sweet.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Ginger Manhattan Drink

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add the bourbon, ginger liqueur, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
  3. Stir well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Use high-quality bourbon for the best flavor.
  • Chill your glass before serving for a colder drink.

Perfect Pairings

Cheese Platter

A selection of aged cheeses such as Gouda, Cheddar, or Gruyère can complement the spicy and sweet notes of the Ginger Manhattan.

Grilled Meats

Bold flavors from grilled steaks or pork pair nicely with the robust profile of bourbon in the drink.

Chocolate Desserts

Dark chocolate or chocolate desserts with a hint of spice or orange can enhance the Ginger liqueur's subtle warmth.

Cigar

A medium to full-bodied cigar can be a classic pairing with a Manhattan-style cocktail, where the richness of the bourbon and the bite of the ginger can stand up to the robust flavors of the tobacco.

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What you could change in Ginger Manhattan

  • Ginger Liqueur: Can be substituted with a homemade ginger syrup or non-alcoholic ginger beer for a less boozy version.
  • Bourbon: Rye whiskey can be used instead for a spicier taste.

Explore all drinks starting with G here

And of course - twists🍹

Smoky Ginger Manhattan

Replace half of the bourbon with a peated Scotch whisky. This will inject a smoky intrigue into the drink, creating a bridge between the ginger's spice and the herbal notes of the vermouth.

Green Manhattan

Use Green Chartreuse in place of the ginger liqueur for an herby, complex twist that has a touch of sweetness with a botanical kick.

Spiced Cherry Manhattan

Muddle a few black cherries with the bitters before adding the other ingredients. This twist will add a layer of fruitiness and amplify the spice notes, making it a darker, richer experience than the original.

In case you forgot basics how to make Ginger 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 strain

Insert 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 stir

Garnishing 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 garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Ginger Manhattan

Can I use another type of bitters instead of Angostura?

Yes, you can use other types of bitters but it may slightly change the flavor profile of the Ginger Manhattan. Angostura Bitters adds a specific combination of sweetness and bitterness that balance with the other ingredients.

What type of glass is most suitable for serving the Ginger Manhattan?

The Ginger Manhattan is traditionally served in a cocktail glass, also known as a Martini glass.

How can I make my own ginger liqueur?

Making ginger liqueur at home involves infusing fresh ginger into a neutral spirit like vodka and then adding sugar. The process takes a few weeks for the flavors to fully develop.

What type of Bourbon should I use in a Ginger Manhattan?

Choosing the type of bourbon mostly depends on personal preference. However, a high quality bourbon is recommended since it forms the base of the cocktail.

Can the Ginger Manhattan cocktail be taken as an aperitif or digestif?

The Ginger Manhattan, like the original Manhattan, is versatile. It can be enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite or after dinner as a digestif.

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