Maple Manhattan

Cocktail Description

A liquid love letter to autumn, the Maple Manhattan transforms America's native spirit with the sweet embrace of pure maple syrup.

This sophisticated variation on the classic Manhattan trades traditional sweet vermouth for rich maple syrup, creating a cocktail with remarkable depth and subtle complexity. The Buffalo Trace bourbon provides a solid foundation of vanilla, caramel and oak, while the maple syrup adds silky sweetness and distinctive woodsy notes that complement the whiskey beautifully. Angostura bitters tie everything together with their warm spice, preventing the drink from becoming overly sweet. The careful dilution method—adding ice gradually while stirring thoroughly—creates the perfect balance and silky texture that elevates this cocktail from good to memorable. Perfect for cool autumn evenings or as an after-dinner digestif, the Maple Manhattan pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like roasted pork, aged cheeses, or anything featuring autumn fruits. Despite requiring some patience with the specific stirring technique, this cocktail is surprisingly approachable for home bartenders willing to take their time with the process.