Minty Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
Minty Manhattan Nutrition Facts
Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:4g
Alcohol %:28
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 Minty Manhattan is a refreshing twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail. The original Manhattan was first served in the early 1870s at the Manhattan Club in New York City. The Minty Manhattan, however, is a more recent invention, perfect for those who love the robust, whiskey-based Manhattan but also enjoy a hint of cool mint. It's a favorite among whiskey lovers who appreciate a touch of freshness in their cocktails.
How Minty Manhattan Tastes?
The Minty Manhattan is a robust, full-bodied cocktail with a strong whiskey base. The sweet vermouth adds a touch of sweetness, while the mint leaves lend a refreshing, cool aftertaste. The bitters round out the flavors, adding depth and complexity.
Interesting facts about Minty Manhattan
- The Minty Manhattan is a variant of the classic Manhattan cocktail.
- It adds a refreshing twist to the traditional whiskey-based drink.
- The mint leaves not only add flavor but also make the drink visually appealing.
Ingredients
- Bourbon: 2 oz(60ml)
- Sweet vermouth: 1 oz(30ml)
- Mint leaves: 6
- Bitters: 2 dashes
- Cherry: 1 for garnish
Bourbon
Bourbon is the backbone of this cocktail, providing a smooth, vanilla and oak-infused base. The 2 oz measurement ensures the drink is potent but not overpowering. Less bourbon might make the vermouth too dominant, while more could mean an overly strong drink that masks the other flavors.
Alex Green
Sweet Vermouth
Sweet Vermouth brings a fortified wine sweetness and herb complexity that complements bourbon. An ounce balances the strength of the bourbon and the aromatic profile of the drink. Too little and you lose depth; too much and it becomes syrupy. An alternative could be dry vermouth, for a less sweet, sharper drink.
Emma Rose
Mint Leaves
Mint leaves add a fresh, cooling effect that makes this drink stand out. Muddle six leaves to release oils without turning them bitter. Fewer leaves might not impart enough minty freshness, whereas too many can override the other flavors. Basil could be used as an alternative for a different herby profile.
Mary Mitkina
Bitters
Two dashes of bitters bring complexity and a hint of spice, melding the sweet and herbal notes together. It's like the salt of cocktails: a little unifies the flavors, but too much can overwhelm. If omitted, you lose depth. Angostura is standard, but orange bitters could add a citrusy twist.
Alex Green
Cherry
A cherry garnish gives a touch of elegance and provides a sweet, fruity finish to each sip. Without it, the presentation and the final fruity note would be missed. An orange peel could be a zesty alternative garnish.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Minty Manhattan Drink
- Muddle the mint leaves in a mixing glass.
- Add the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
- Fill the glass with ice and stir well.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a cherry.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh mint leaves for the best flavor.
- Chill the cocktail glass beforehand for a colder drink.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Charcuterie Boards: The rich and herbaceous notes of the Minty Manhattan pair delightfully with cured meats, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the savoriness.
- Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate complements the sweet vermouth and the spice of the bourbon.
Main Courses
- Grilled Steak: A well-marbled steak can stand up to the bold flavors of the Minty Manhattan, especially if the steak is seasoned with complementary herbs.
- Barbecue Ribs: The cocktail's sweetness and bourbon core marry well with the smokiness of barbecue.
Cheeses
- Aged Cheddar: A sharp, aged cheddar can be a delightful partner, balancing the Minty Manhattan's sweetness and botanical notes.
- Blue Cheese: The strong flavor of blue cheese contrasts excitingly with the aromatic mint and woody notes of the bourbon.
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What you could change in Minty Manhattan
- Bourbon can be substituted with Rye whiskey for a spicier kick.
- If sweet vermouth is not available, dry vermouth can be used, but the cocktail will be less sweet.
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And of course - twists🍹
Smoky Minty Manhattan
- Add a splash of mezcal for a smoky twist
- Replace 1 oz bourbon with mezcal
- Stir as usual with the rest of the ingredients
- Garnish with a flamed orange peel
This version introduces a smoky element that plays off the mint's freshness, creating a more complex and layered drink. The mezcal brings an earthy undertone that bourbon alone can't provide. Perfect for those who enjoy a touch of adventure in their glass.
Spicy Minty Manhattan
- Muddle in a slice of jalapeño with the mint leaves
- Continue the recipe as normal
- Garnish with a jalapeño wheel
Spicy profiles are increasingly popular, and adding a bit of jalapeño infuses the cocktail with a peppery kick that'll tantalize the taste buds. It's an invigorating option for spicy food lovers or anyone looking to heat things up a bit.
Citrus Minty Manhattan
- Use orange bitters instead of standard bitters
- Add a splash of fresh orange juice
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel
Citrus brings brightness to cocktails, and pairing it with mint offers a refreshing twist on this classic. The orange juice and bitters add a zesty freshness that cuts through the richness of the bourbon, creating a more light-hearted take on the Manhattan.
In case you forgot basics how to make Minty 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 stirThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing 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).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Minty Manhattan
What kind of bourbon is best for making a Minty Manhattan?
Any high-quality bourbon should work well, though many people prefer using a bourbon with a slightly sweet flavor profile to balance the mint.
What cocktails are similar to Minty Manhattan?
Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour are similar to Minty Manhattan because they're also whiskey-based. But they don't have mint and vermouth in their recipes.
Is the Minty Manhattan a good cocktail for beginners to try making?
Definitely. The Minty Manhattan is relatively straightforward to make and introduces beginners to some cocktail-making basics like muddling and stirring.
How does the taste of rye whiskey compare to bourbon in a Minty Manhattan?
Rye whiskey typically imparts a spicier, more robust flavor, while bourbon tends to be smoother and sweeter.
Can I use peppermint leaves instead of mint leaves?
Sure, peppermint leaves can be used for a stronger, slightly more pungent flavor, whereas mint leaves are a little smoother.
Can I make a Minty Manhattan without bitters?
While you can make it without bitters, they do add a layer of complexity to the flavor. If you don't add them, the drink may taste more straight-forward whiskey and mint.
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