Gingerbread Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

The Gingerbread Manhattan is a delightful twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail. This festive variant incorporates the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread, making it a favorite during the holiday season or for anyone who enjoys a touch of sweetness with their whiskey.

• Origins:
  • The Manhattan is a timeless cocktail, traditionally made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
  • The Gingerbread Manhattan adds a seasonal spin with gingerbread syrup, introducing a nostalgic and festive flavor profile.
• Popularity:
  • This cocktail has gained popularity among those who appreciate a classic Manhattan but are looking for something with a unique, seasonal twist.
• Ideal For:
  • Perfect for cold evenings, holiday gatherings, or as a dessert cocktail for those who enjoy the flavors of gingerbread paired with the robustness of whiskey.

The Gingerbread Manhattan offers a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy, with the gingerbread syrup providing a comforting warmth. The whiskey's inherent richness is complemented by the herbal notes of the sweet vermouth, while the bitters bring a depth that balances the sweetness, resulting in a complex, full-bodied cocktail.

• The Manhattan cocktail is believed to have been invented at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the early 1870s.
• Gingerbread as a flavor is often associated with the festive season, particularly Christmas, due to its warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• The Gingerbread Manhattan can be garnished with a maraschino cherry or a small gingerbread cookie, adding an extra touch of holiday cheer.

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour 2 oz of rye whiskey over the ice.
3. Add 1 oz of sweet vermouth.
4. Measure and add 0.5 oz of gingerbread syrup.
5. Drop in 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
6. Stir the ingredients together until well-chilled.
7. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
8. Garnish with a maraschino cherry or a small gingerbread cookie on the rim.

• For a truly festive experience, rim the glass with a mix of crushed gingerbread cookies and sugar before pouring the cocktail.
• Chill the cocktail glass in the freezer for at least an hour before serving to keep the drink colder for longer.
• When stirring the cocktail, do so for about 30 seconds to ensure proper dilution and chilling.

Cheese Platter

Aged cheeses like Gouda or Cheddar complement the spicy notes of the rye and the sweetness from the vermouth and gingerbread syrup.

Desserts

Pair with light, airy desserts such as vanilla bean panna cotta or an apple tart. Avoid overly sweet desserts that might compete with the cocktail’s flavor.

Savory Snacks

Consider classic bar snacks like mixed nuts or prosciutto-wrapped melon that echo the cocktail's complex flavors without overpowering them.

• Rye Whiskey: Bourbon can be used as a sweeter alternative.
• Sweet Vermouth: A different brand of vermouth or even a dry vermouth for a less sweet cocktail.
• Gingerbread Syrup: Homemade gingerbread syrup can be substituted with a mix of simple syrup, ground ginger, and a pinch of cinnamon.

Maple Gingerbread Manhattan

Swap out gingerbread syrup for maple syrup to bring a woodsy, autumnal twist to the drink. It will be less ginger-spicy and more sweet-nutty.

Chocolate Gingerbread Manhattan

Stir in a spoonful of cocoa with the sweet vermouth to add a chocolatey depth. The drink will have a dessert-like quality, with a rich velvety finish.

Spiced Orange Gingerbread Manhattan

Add a dash of orange bitters with the Angostura and garnish with an orange twist. This invites a citrus note that brightens up the spices and adds a zesty fragrance.