Bill George's "Holiday Manhattan" is just one of the cocktail recipes he is sharing this holiday season. Photo: George, Bill
I know many people who have expressed an interest in cocktails, but don't know where to start. Throughout this holiday season, I'll be sharing some of my favorite holiday recipes. To start the season, here is my personal recipe for a "Holiday Manhattan." This is a variation of the classic Manhattan cocktail, adding a bit of maple and cinnamon flavors in order to evoke a taste and smell that remind you of the fall and winter seasons.
Check out this easy-to-follow recipe for a batch (about 4 drinks) of Holiday Manhattans. (Keep in mind these don't include any "mixers," so they will be strong. Know your limits.)
Please drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive. Don't drink if you are under 21.
Watch this video:
Ingredients:
2 oz. sweet vermouth
6 oz. Rye Whiskey (or use bourbon if you prefer)
3 dashes Angostura Bitters
3 dashes Orange Bitters (Optional. I think it helps lend nice depth.)
1/2 ounce REAL maple syrup (Use 100% maple, not pancake syrup, which contains less than 10% maple syrup.)
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon (a "pinch")**
==> Stir ingredients with 3-4 ice cube for 30 seconds, or until the ice cubes dissolve. Serve over ice. (I like lots of ice. It helps the drink last longer, which is important when you are drinking strong spirits in a sweet recipe. It's easy not to notice just how strong these drinks can be.)
** Go easy on the cinnamon. If you're not sure how much 1/8 teaspoon is, start VERY small and add to taste. Cinnamon is strong and a tiny bit goes a long way. It also doesn't dissolve well in cold booze, so if you add to much, it'll clump and settle at the bottom.)
==> Note: If you don't have bitters on your bar, you can skip them for now. The drink tastes basically the same without them. However, I highly suggest adding bitters to your bar collection. They help add nice depth to some cocktails.
==> Please drink responsibly. Always drink a glass of water before each cocktail to stay hydrated. Don't drink and drive. Don't drink if you are under 21.