Indulge in the rich flavors of a Virgin Manhattan - the perfect blend of cranberry, cherry, orange, and a dash of orange bitters. This alcohol-free cocktail is a refreshing twist on the classic Manhattan, perfect for any occasion. Shake and strain with ease using a shaker and juicer, and serve in a rocks glass. Impress your guests with this bartender-approved recipe today!
Virgin Manhattan Ingredients
- 1/4 tsp Lemon juice
- 1/4 cup Cranberry juice
- 1/2 tsp Cherry juice
- 1/4 cup Orange juice
- 2 dashes orange bitters
Virgin Manhattan Equipment
- shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
- juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice
Virgin Manhattan Recipe
- optionally make fresh Lemon juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
- fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes
- shake till perfectly chilled
- fill Rocks glass full with ice
Recommend: serve in Rocks glass
It's also called a "lowball", "whiskey" or "old-fashioned" glass. The bottom of old-fashioned glass is thick. Rocks glasses carry between 6 and 8 ounces.The Manhattan Cocktail: A Classic That Never Goes Out of Style
As a professional bartender, I can attest to the enduring popularity of the Manhattan cocktail. This classic drink has been around for over a century and remains a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. In this blog post, we'll explore the history and origins of the Manhattan, the role of each ingredient, how to garnish, variations of the cocktail, common mistakes when making it, and more.
Popularity
The Manhattan cocktail's origin story is a bit murky, with several theories floating around about how it came to be. One popular belief is that it was first created in the Manhattan Club in New York City in the late 1800s. Another theory suggests that it was invented by a bartender named Black at a bar called the Hoffman House in Manhattan. Regardless of its origins, the Manhattan has become an iconic cocktail that is famous for its simple yet sophisticated flavor profile.
The Manhattan is typically made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, garnished with a cherry. The drink is traditionally served up in a cocktail glass, although some people prefer it on the rocks. The Manhattan's unmistakable reddish-brown hue and cherry garnish make it a visually appealing cocktail that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredient Roles
Each ingredient in the Manhattan plays an essential role in creating its unique flavor profile. The whiskey provides the base spirit and contributes its characteristic warmth and depth. The sweet vermouth adds a sweet, herbal flavor that balances out the whiskey's intensity. Bitters are used to add complexity and depth to the cocktail, rounding out the flavors and giving it a slight bitterness that complements the sweetness of the vermouth.
How to Garnish
The Manhattan's garnish is simple yet effective. A cherry is typically used to add a pop of color and sweetness to the cocktail. Maraschino cherries are the most popular choice for garnishing Manhattans, but you can also use fresh cherries or other fruit if you prefer. To garnish your Manhattan, simply place a cherry on a skewer or toothpick and rest it on the rim of the glass.
Variations
While the classic Manhattan recipe is delicious on its own, there are several variations of the cocktail that you can try. Here are a few popular variations:
Virgin/Mocktail Version: If you're looking to enjoy the flavors of a Manhattan without the alcohol, try making a virgin version. To make a mocktail Manhattan, simply replace the rye whiskey with a non-alcoholic alternative like Seedlip Spice 94, and omit the bitters.
Gluten-Free Version: If you're gluten-intolerant, you'll be happy to know that you can still enjoy a Manhattan. Simply use a gluten-free whiskey like Tito's Handmade Vodka, and make sure your sweet vermouth and bitters are also gluten-free.
Vegan Version: To make a vegan Manhattan, use a whiskey that is not aged in animal-derived barrels, such as Bulleit Bourbon. You can also use a vegan-friendly sweet vermouth like Martini & Rossi Rosso.
Keto Version: If you're following a keto diet, you can still enjoy a Manhattan by using a low-carb whiskey like Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon. You can also use a sugar-free sweet vermouth and bitters like Bittermens Boston Bittahs.
Low-Calorie Version: To make a low-calorie Manhattan, use a lighter whiskey like Jim Beam White Label, and opt for a low-calorie sweet vermouth like Cocchi Vermouth di Torino. You can also use a sugar-free bitters like Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters.
Common Mistakes When Making
One common mistake when making a Manhattan is using too much vermouth. While you want to be able to taste the sweet vermouth, you don't want it to overpower the whiskey. Another mistake is using low-quality ingredients. The Manhattan is a simple cocktail, so it's important to use high-quality whiskey, vermouth, and bitters to ensure that the flavors are balanced and delicious.
In conclusion, the Manhattan cocktail is a classic that has stood the test of time. With its simple yet sophisticated flavor profile and iconic appearance, it's no wonder that it remains a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or a variation that suits your dietary preferences, there's a Manhattan out there for everyone to enjoy.
If you are going to order Virgin Manhattan in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Virgin Manhattan can be served with different ingredients in different places.
