Spiced Maple Manhattan

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Cocktail History

The Spiced Maple Manhattan is an autumn cocktail that was created by Isabelle Boucher, a recipe developer and blogger at Crumb.

The recipe is a seasonal take on the classic Manhattan, which traditionally combines rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, but this version calls for a unique spiced maple syrup to bring a rich, warm sweetness that evokes the flavors of fall to the template. This addition of maple syrup and spices not only enhances the depth of the drink but also makes it a perfect fit for the cooler months, offering a cozy, autumnal twist on a cocktail classic.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Maple Syrup: This is a sweetener made with concentrated maple tree sap, which is boiled down into a rich, caramelized syrup.

Ginger: This is a root harvested from the ginger plant that has a spicy, aromatic, slightly sweet flavor.

Whole Cloves: This is a spice made from the flower buds from the clove tree, which are dried for their strong, slightly sweet-spicy flavor.

Cinnamon Stick: This is a spice made from dried and rolled bark of the cinnamon tree that has a warm, sweet-spicy flavor.

Vanilla Extract: This is a concentrated flavoring made by macerating vanilla beans in alcohol and water to develop a sweet, aromatic flavor.

Rye: This is a type of whiskey made with at least 51% fermented rye grain, malted barley, corn, and yeast, which are distilled and then aged in new charred oak barrels to develop a spicy, robust flavor.

Sweet Vermouth: This is a type of wine made with red grapes and a blend of herbs and botanicals, which are fermented and then fortified with a neutral spirit and sweetened to develop a rich, grape flavor.

Spiced Maple Syrup: This is a sweetener made with maple syrup, ginger root, spices, and vanilla, which are heated and infused to develop a warm, autumnal flavor.

Orange Bitters: This is a concentrated flavoring made with orange peels, herbs, spices, botanicals, and distilled alcohol, which are macerated or steeped to develop a slightly bitter citrus flavor.

Brandied Cherry: This is a type of stone fruit made by soaking maraschino cherries in brandy, water, and spices to make a rich, fruity syrup.

Brands I Used

• 🔗 45th Parallel Distillery New Richmond Rye
• 🔗 Carpano Rosso Vermouth
• 🔗 ​​Woodford Reserve Orange Bitters
• 🔗 Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Bar Mat: This is a rubber or silicone mat that’s placed on the bar surface and used for catching spills, providing grip for glasses and tools, and keeping the workspace clean and organized.

Jigger: This is a small double-sided tool with different volume measurements on each side that’s used for accurately portioning ingredients.

Mixing Glass: This is a sturdy glass vessel with a wide opening that’s used for stirring cocktails with ice before straining and serving.

Julep Strainer: This is a round metal strainer with a perforated bowl shape and handle that’s used for straining stirred cocktails from a mixing glass while holding back ice and solids.

Bar Spoon: This is a long-handled spoon with a twisted shaft that’s used for stirring cocktails, layering ingredients, and reaching the bottom of tall glasses and mixing vessels.

Peeler: This is a handheld kitchen tool with a sharp blade that’s used for removing thin strips of peel from fruits and vegetables.

Cocktail Pick: This is a small, slender skewer made from metal, wood, or bamboo that’s used for holding cocktail garnishes in place.

Nick & Nora Glass: This is a small, stemmed glass with a round or square delicately curved bowl that’s used for serving stirred, spirit-forward cocktails in smaller portions.

Tools I Used

• 🔗 A Bar Above 18×12 Premium Bar Mat
• 🔗 A Bar Above Stainless Steel Japanese Jigger
• 🔗 Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass
• 🔗 A Bar Above Stainless Steel Julep Strainer
• 🔗 Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon
• 🔗 OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife
• 🔗 I-MART Silver Metal Cocktail Pick Set
• 🔗 Viski Nick & Nora Glass

Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Warm amber color with an inviting glow

• Aroma: Rich maple, cinnamon, and cloves

• Taste: Smooth blend of whiskey’s robust character balanced by the sweetness of maple syrup and a hint of spice from bitters

• Finish: Lingering notes of oak, maple, and a subtle spice

Kendall’s Take
“Maple syrup infused with baking spices transforms this Manhattan variation into something distinctly autumnal while keeping its strong, classic whiskey backbone intact. The decadently rich maple rounds out the edges and adds a layer of complexity that plays beautifully alongside the spirit-forward structure. When mixed, the Spiced Maple Manhattan becomes a polished cocktail great for evenings when you want a drink that feels both serious and seasonal.”

Recipe

This recipe was found in the publication Crumb.