Apple Cider Manhattan Recipe
Apple Cider Manhattan is a cozy fall cocktail made with whiskey, fresh apple cider, sweet vermouth, maple syrup, lemon juice, and bitters. It’s smooth, warming, and easy to make for autumn evenings and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey, or rye
- ½ ounce sweet vermouth
- 1½ ounces fresh apple cider
- ½ ounce maple syrup
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 Luxardo cherry for garnish
- Ice for stirring
Instructions
Chill your glass
- Place a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the refrigerator or freezer while you prepare the drink.
Add the ingredients
- Pour the whiskey, sweet vermouth, apple cider, maple syrup, lemon juice, orange bitters, and Angostura bitters into a mixing glass.
Add ice
- Fill the mixing glass with plenty of ice.
Stir
- Stir gently for about 20–30 seconds, until the cocktail is thoroughly chilled. I prefer stirring rather than shaking because it keeps the drink smooth and clear.
Strain
- Strain the cocktail into your chilled glass.
Notes
- Best whiskey: Bourbon for a rounder cocktail or rye for more spice.
- Best cider: Fresh, naturally flavorful apple cider.
- Sweetness: Adjust maple syrup according to the sweetness of your cider.
- Vermouth: Keep opened sweet vermouth refrigerated.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice gives the cleanest flavor.
- Chilling: Stir with plenty of ice until very cold.
- Serving: Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
- Garnish: A Luxardo cherry is my favorite simple finish.
- Batch preparation: For several guests, multiply the ingredients carefully and keep the mixture chilled. Add ice only when stirring or serving so the drink doesn’t become overly diluted.